Business Administration, Management and Operations at California State University-Monterey Bay

CSU Monterey Bay's business program combines remarkably low debt with solid earnings growth, though its starting salaries trail other California schools. Graduates leave with just $13,500 in debt—less than half the national median and nearly $8,000 below the California average—while earning $47,825 in their first year. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross earnings.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: by year four, median pay jumps to $61,638, a 29% increase that suggests these graduates build valuable experience quickly. However, there's a catch. While this beats the national median for business programs, it ranks only in the 40th percentile among California schools. That matters because in-state students comparing options will see that peers at Cal Poly SLO or even other CSU campuses often earn significantly more.

For families prioritizing minimal debt and access to a business degree, this program delivers clear value. The school's 95% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant population (43%) suggest it serves students who might struggle to access more selective programs. But parents should know their child will likely earn less than at comparable California public universities, making this a smart choice primarily when cost avoidance is the priority or when it's the most accessible option.