Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,740
Est. from national median (31 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,621
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

California business programs show striking variation—graduates from CSU Dominguez Hills earn $61,000 their first year out, while FIDM grads start at $36,000. For CSU Stanislaus, comparable programs nationwide suggest starting earnings around $51,000, which tracks with typical business bachelor's outcomes. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants, this school serves many first-generation and lower-income students for whom a business degree represents a significant financial commitment.

The estimated debt load of $24,600 creates a manageable ratio of 0.49—meaning roughly half a year's salary to repay. That's better than the national median debt of $26,000 for business programs and notably lower than California's typical $28,000. Similar programs tend to produce steady mid-career growth in business fields, though starting salaries can vary widely depending on whether graduates enter retail management, corporate roles, or small business operations.

The real question is whether this particular campus connects students to employers who pay closer to the Dominguez Hills level or trends lower. Without program-specific data, you're making an educated bet based on regional employment patterns in the Central Valley versus the broader California market. The debt level won't crush your child financially, but confirm what alumni actually earn through LinkedIn research or the career services office before committing.

Where California State University-Stanislaus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California State University-StanislausTurlock$7,826$50,740*—$24,621*—
California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson$7,064$61,114*$72,339$27,160*0.44
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & MerchandisingLos Angeles$34,325$35,898*$50,953$29,167*0.81
National Median—$50,740*—$26,000*0.51
* Estimated from similar programs
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-Stanislaus, approximately 55% 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 national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.