Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Notre Dame de Namur University

A bachelor's in health services from Notre Dame de Namur comes with an estimated $28,344 in debt—substantially higher than the $18,786 median for California programs. While similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $40,000, that debt load creates a 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but less favorable than what peers might face. The field itself performs well in California, with the state's health services graduates earning more than the national median of $35,279, but the debt differential matters when several CSU campuses produce stronger outcomes at lower cost.

The top programs in California demonstrate what's possible: National University graduates earn $55,679 in their first year, and even Sacramento State produces $44,162—both representing significantly better financial positions than what comparable programs to Notre Dame de Namur suggest. That $15,000+ earnings gap compounds over time, making the higher debt here particularly relevant. Health services offers solid career prospects, but the investment looks less competitive when state schools deliver similar credentials with both lower debt and, in many cases, better earnings trajectories.

The practical consideration: your child could enter this field through multiple California pathways, some of which offer clearer financial advantages. Before committing to Notre Dame de Namur's program, compare actual outcomes from nearby alternatives where you can see verified graduate earnings, not just estimates based on peer institutions.