Mathematics at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento State's mathematics program starts at concerning earnings levels but ultimately catches up through exceptional growth. While graduates earn just $30,851 in their first year—landing in the bottom 5% nationally—by year four that figure jumps to $55,955, surpassing both the national median ($48,772) and California's top programs. This 81% earnings boost is uncommon for math degrees and suggests graduates are either taking time to break into better-paying technical roles or completing additional credentialing before their careers gain traction.

The program ranks in just the 25th percentile among California math degrees, though this reflects more on that difficult first year than the ultimate trajectory. With debt under $17,204 and a first-year ratio of 0.56, families face manageable borrowing—especially given that nearly half of students qualify for Pell grants. The real question is whether your child can navigate those lean early years, possibly through graduate school, teaching certification, or entry-level tech positions that eventually lead to stronger outcomes.

For families comfortable with delayed earnings—and willing to support a longer runway to career launch—this represents solid value at CSU pricing. But if your student needs immediate post-graduation income, Sacramento State's math program presents meaningful short-term financial challenges despite its impressive long-term gains.