Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at San Francisco State University

At first glance, San Francisco State's quantitative management program looks underwhelming—starting salaries of $48,546 land in just the 18th percentile nationally. But look closer at the trajectory: within four years, graduates nearly reach $69,000, a 42% jump that transforms the value proposition. While this still trails top UC programs like Santa Barbara ($66,099) and San Diego ($60,973), it puts SFSU graduates ahead of several other California options, explaining its middle-of-the-pack 40th percentile ranking statewide.

The debt picture is less favorable. At $20,500, graduates carry more than the California median of $14,938 for this program, landing in the 77th percentile nationally (meaning most schools saddle students with less debt). However, the 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, and that strong mid-career growth helps. The school's 96% admission rate and high Pell grant population (41%) suggest this serves as an access point for students who might not get into more selective programs.

For families weighing cost versus outcome, this program works if your child can capitalize on San Francisco's job market during those critical early years. The initial salary won't impress, but the steep upward climb suggests graduates develop valuable skills that employers eventually reward. Just ensure your student is prepared to hustle through a slower start than peers at flagship UCs.