Students at California State University-Fresno benefit from exceptional affordability combined with strong long-term earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
The university delivers outstanding economic mobility outcomes, ranking among the very best nationally for helping students achieve meaningful financial progress.
Azimuth ranks California State University-Fresno among the top public universities nationwide for overall value, reflecting its exceptional combination of access, affordability, and meaningful outcomes. With 56% of students receiving Pell Grants and 53% being first-generation college students, Fresno State opens its doors widely while delivering results that matter. The university sits in the 69th percentile nationally for long-term earnings, with graduates earning a median of $61,244 ten years after enrollment.
What makes Fresno State particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine"—institutions that combine broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. Low-income students earn $46,500 at the 10-year mark, placing the university in the 67th percentile nationally for low-income earnings. This performance demonstrates the institution's ability to serve students from diverse backgrounds and help them achieve meaningful economic progress.
As a large public university in California's Central Valley, Fresno State offers comprehensive academic programs with particular strength in business, nursing, and professional fields. The university's commitment to accessibility is evident in its net pricing structure, where low-income families pay just $4,447 annually while middle-income families see costs around $7,220. For students seeking a pathway to economic mobility without overwhelming debt, Fresno State represents one of California's strongest public options.
California State University-Fresno offers a diverse program portfolio that serves students across multiple career pathways and economic outcomes. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate impact, graduating 788 students annually with median earnings of $38,721, making it a cornerstone program that combines accessibility with solid financial returns. The university's strength in health professions is evident through Adult Health Nursing, which produces 186 graduates earning $85,159—among the highest early-career salaries at the institution.
The program mix reflects Fresno State's mission to serve diverse student interests and career goals. General Studies attracts 485 students seeking flexible academic pathways, though with more modest earnings at $23,242, while English majors represent smaller cohorts with earnings around $18,315 in early career years. This range demonstrates the university's commitment to both practical professional preparation and traditional liberal arts education.
What distinguishes Fresno State is its ability to deliver value across this diverse academic spectrum. Even programs with lower early-career earnings contribute to the university's overall strong performance in earnings beyond expectations, suggesting that graduates across fields benefit from the institution's regional employer connections, career services, and academic preparation. The combination of high-return professional programs and accessible liberal arts options creates pathways for students with varying interests and career aspirations.
California State University-Fresno delivers solid long-term financial outcomes for graduates across diverse academic backgrounds. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,244, placing the university in the 69th percentile nationally for earnings performance. The university also demonstrates strong earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $8,134 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the institution's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 788 graduates and the highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with median earnings of $38,721. Adult Health Nursing delivers the strongest individual earnings at $85,159, demonstrating the university's strength in health professions. General Studies, while popular with 485 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $23,242, while English majors earn around $18,315 in early career years.
The university's diverse program portfolio serves students across multiple career pathways, from business and healthcare to education and liberal arts. With over 4,700 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Fresno State demonstrates its capacity to prepare students for well-paying careers across California's Central Valley and beyond. The combination of accessible programs and solid earnings outcomes makes it a reliable choice for students seeking economic advancement through higher education.
California State University-Fresno stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the nation, ranking in the 96th percentile for affordability. Low-income students pay just $4,447 annually in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families see costs around $7,220 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $16,580, making Fresno State accessible across income levels while maintaining strong educational quality.
The university's commitment to affordability extends beyond sticker prices to manageable debt levels. Typical graduates leave with about $14,505 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with the institution's median earnings of $61,244. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,580, reflecting families' ability to contribute meaningfully without taking on excessive debt burdens. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Fresno State demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational investments.
What makes Fresno State particularly sustainable financially is the strong relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. The combination of low net prices, reasonable debt levels, and solid post-graduation earnings creates a pathway to economic mobility that doesn't require families to take on financial risks that could undermine long-term stability.
California State University-Fresno Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
