Statistics at San Diego State University

SDSU's statistics program sits in an interesting middle ground: it performs better than the typical California stats program (60th percentile statewide) but slightly below the national median. With first-year earnings around $57,700, graduates earn about $2,600 more than the state median—a meaningful edge in a competitive California market where elite UC programs dominate the field. That said, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year.

The real strength is the debt picture. At roughly $16,000, graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the national median and $1,200 less than California peers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means students are borrowing less than three months of their first year's salary—a conservative threshold that leaves room for living expenses and career flexibility. For a selective public university (34% admission rate) serving a substantial share of lower-income students, this combination of moderate earnings and low debt creates a solid foundation.

The caution: these earnings trail nearby UC San Diego's stats program by over $21,000, though UCSD's numbers also come from a small sample. For families weighing costs, SDSU likely offers better value if the alternative involves out-of-state tuition or private school premiums. The program won't catapult graduates into tech salaries immediately, but the low debt burden means they can afford to pursue opportunities strategically rather than chase the highest starting paycheck.