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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,675 | $51,667* | — | $21,353* | — | |
| $68,237 | $98,763* | — | $19,500* | 0.20 | |
| $56,444 | $54,073* | $93,940 | $21,000* | 0.39 | |
| $13,160 | $49,261* | $43,375 | $37,312* | 0.76 | |
| $7,095 | $35,879* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $54,665* | — | $21,126* | 0.39 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with real estate graduates
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Real Estate Brokers
Real Estate Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
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.