Gerontology at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento State's gerontology program punches above its weight in a field where strong outcomes aren't guaranteed. With first-year earnings of $38,461, graduates land at the 75th percentile nationally and 60th percentile in California—solid positioning for a program at a highly accessible state university serving nearly half Pell-eligible students. More importantly, earnings climb 33% to over $51,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find career traction in California's aging services sector.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $21,000, graduating debt sits well below both the state median ($30,698) and national benchmark ($26,973) for gerontology programs. The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means students borrow roughly half their starting salary—manageable by any standard. For families weighing Sacramento State against California's few other gerontology options, this program delivers comparable or better earnings at significantly lower cost.

The modest sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this remains a relatively small program, but the trajectory looks promising for students genuinely interested in elder care services. With California's rapidly aging population, the career outlook supports the investment, especially at this debt level.