Analysis
National University's graduates in this health sciences program are earning significantly more than their peers—$55,679 in the first year puts them well above California's median of $40,057 and in the 80th percentile statewide. These earnings exceed even San Francisco State's program, typically a strong performer in California. The debt load of $29,688 is higher than California's median but creates a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary.
The real question is the small sample size. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers might not represent what a typical student experiences. One or two exceptionally high earners could skew the entire picture upward. The modest 3% earnings growth over four years also raises questions about whether these positions have strong advancement potential, though the starting salary is strong enough that slower growth may be less concerning.
For parents willing to accept some uncertainty in the data, this program shows graduates entering well-paying health services roles quickly. The debt burden is reasonable, and first-year earnings substantially outpace both state and national norms. Just recognize you're betting on a pattern that may not be fully established yet—consider connecting with the program directly to understand typical career paths and whether the small cohort reflects limited enrollment or data collection issues.
Where National University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How National University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University | $55,679 | $57,228 | +3% |
| California Baptist University | $31,550 | $61,858 | +96% |
| California State University-Sacramento | $44,162 | $58,360 | +32% |
| California State University-East Bay | $42,602 | $56,148 | +32% |
| San Francisco State University | $47,367 | $52,807 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,320 | $55,679 | $57,228 | $29,688 | 0.53 | |
| $7,424 | $47,367 | $52,807 | $18,000 | 0.38 | |
| $7,602 | $44,162 | $58,360 | $14,449 | 0.33 | |
| $6,980 | $43,134 | — | — | — | |
| $7,055 | $42,602 | $56,148 | $17,000 | 0.40 | |
| $11,976 | $42,012 | — | $46,639 | 1.11 | |
| National Median | — | $35,279 | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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 National University, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.