Statistics at San Francisco State University

A statistics degree from SF State appears financially modest but manageable based on what similar California programs deliver. The estimated $55,110 first-year salary—drawn from seven comparable bachelor's programs in the state—puts graduates right at California's median for this field, though notably below what UC Berkeley ($83,227) or even UCLA ($59,718) statistics grads earn. You're looking at a roughly $4,600 gap compared to the national median as well.

The debt picture softens concerns considerably. An estimated $17,253 in borrowing, based on peer programs at similar California State Universities, produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. That's well within sustainable territory and below both state and national medians for statistics programs. Given that 41% of SF State students receive Pell grants, this relatively modest debt load matters for families without financial cushions.

The practical reality: you're likely looking at a solid quantitative degree that leads to employable skills without crushing debt, but not the premium salaries that top-tier UC programs command. If your child can gain admission to Berkeley or UCLA, those programs show meaningfully higher earning potential. But if SF State's 96% admission rate and lower debt burden make it the accessible option, comparable programs suggest the investment pencils out reasonably—just expect middle-of-the-pack outcomes rather than standout returns.