Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's nursing program lands graduates in nearly six-figure jobs with minimal debt—a combination that places it among the nation's top programs for affordability, even if California's nursing market is so competitive that these same earnings fall in the middle of the pack statewide. At $98,811 in first-year earnings against just $18,964 in debt, graduates have one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in nursing education nationally. Two-thirds of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully launches first-generation and lower-income students into a stable, well-paying profession.

The wrinkle is that California's nursing market is exceptionally strong, and several state schools—particularly CSU East Bay and Stanislaus—push graduates into the $120K range. Cal State LA's earnings at the 40th percentile statewide mean there's room for higher compensation elsewhere in California. Still, the modest debt load here matters: owing $18,964 versus the state median of $25,000 gives graduates financial flexibility that shouldn't be dismissed, especially when starting salaries already approach $100K.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this program delivers immediate financial stability with debt that's manageable on a single month's salary. If your child can gain admission to one of the higher-earning CSU nursing programs, that's worth exploring, but Cal State LA offers a low-risk path into a profession with strong baseline earnings and steady demand.