Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at San Diego State University

San Diego State's health sciences program shows promising long-term earnings growth but lags behind most California alternatives. While four-year earnings of $52,211 land in the middle of the national pack, they're below California's median of $40,057—and well behind what top CSU campuses deliver. San Francisco State graduates, for example, earn $47,367 just one year out, nearly matching SDSU's four-year mark.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $26,150, graduates carry significantly more than California's typical $18,786 for this major. That's particularly striking given SDSU's 34% admission rate and strong regional reputation—you'd expect better outcomes at a selective state university. The 47% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests career progression happens, but starting so far behind ($35,624 versus $40,057 statewide) makes that climb steeper.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year, but even accounting for statistical noise, the pattern is clear: several CSU alternatives deliver stronger early earnings with less debt. If your student is set on SDSU, they should understand they're likely trading immediate earning power for other campus benefits, and that choice comes with above-average California debt.