Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,667
Est. from CA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,353
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

Similar real estate programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $52,000, which would put this program near the state median—a reasonable but unremarkable outcome. With estimated debt of $21,000, the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, tracking close to typical borrowing levels for this credential. However, the wide range among California programs—from $36,000 at Cal State Northridge to nearly $99,000 at USC—hints at how much your child's specific career path and connections will matter beyond the degree itself.

Cal State San Bernardino serves a predominantly working-class student body (57% receive Pell grants), and its 98% admission rate means nearly everyone who applies gets in. For students planning to work in California's real estate market, the program offers an affordable entry point into a field where success often depends on sales ability, networking, and market timing rather than pedigree. The debt burden won't be crushing, but the peer data suggests earnings potential is moderate rather than exceptional.

The bottom line: this looks like a financially viable option if your child is committed to real estate and values accessibility and lower debt over prestige. Just understand that the estimates here reflect what happens at comparable programs—not necessarily what Cal State San Bernardino's specific graduates achieve—and that in real estate, the school name matters less than hustle and local market knowledge.

Where California State University-San Bernardino Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Real Estate bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California State University-San BernardinoSan Bernardino$7,675$51,667*—$21,353*—
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles$68,237$98,763*—$19,500*0.20
University of San DiegoSan Diego$56,444$54,073*$93,940$21,000*0.39
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$49,261*$43,375$37,312*0.76
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$35,879*——*—
National Median—$54,665*—$21,126*0.39
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with real estate graduates

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

$66,700/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Real Estate Brokers

Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.

$58,960/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Real Estate Sales Agents

Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.

$58,960/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-San Bernardino, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.