Students at California State University-Fullerton achieve strong long-term earnings while paying some of the lowest net prices in public higher education, creating exceptional value for families across all income levels.
The university's combination of broad accessibility and solid career outcomes makes it a standout choice for students seeking reliable economic advancement without excessive debt.
California State University-Fullerton delivers outstanding value as one of the most affordable and accessible public universities in the nation while maintaining strong long-term outcomes for graduates. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and about 49% being first-generation college students, Cal State Fullerton opens its doors widely yet still produces graduates who earn a median of $62,951 ten years after enrollment. The university's earnings performance places it in the 80th percentile nationally, meaning graduates typically out-earn peers at most other public institutions.
What makes Cal State Fullerton particularly compelling is its combination of rock-bottom net prices and solid career preparation. Low-income students pay just $2,675 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $5,438 per year. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of outcomes—graduates consistently earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, with an earnings advantage of about $7,383 above the typical graduate from comparable backgrounds.
As a large public university in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton provides the scale and program diversity students need while maintaining the accessibility that makes higher education possible for working families throughout Southern California.
California State University-Fullerton's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university serving diverse career pathways. Business Administration and Management dominates the landscape with 2,374 graduates, making it both the most popular major and the program with the highest aggregate economic impact, generating over $105 million in total graduate earnings. While individual Business graduates earn a solid $44,405 in early career, the program's massive scale creates substantial workforce presence across Southern California's business community.
The university's highest-earning programs cluster in healthcare fields, with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates commanding exceptional early-career salaries of $86,042. Though smaller in scale with 295 graduates, nursing programs demonstrate Cal State Fullerton's ability to prepare students for high-demand, well-compensated careers in healthcare. This pattern reflects the university's strategic positioning in Orange County's robust healthcare economy.
Cal State Fullerton's program mix balances accessibility with career preparation, offering both high-volume professional programs like business and specialized technical fields like nursing. The diversity in outcomes—from business majors earning solid middle-class wages to nursing graduates achieving top-tier salaries—shows how program choice significantly impacts long-term earning potential while maintaining the university's commitment to serving students across different career interests and aptitudes.
California State University-Fullerton graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $62,951, placing the university in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, Cal State Fullerton graduates earn about $7,383 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what students' backgrounds would typically predict.
The university's return on investment varies significantly by field of study, reflecting its diverse academic portfolio. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program with 2,374 graduates and the highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid median earnings of $44,405. At the other end of the spectrum, Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates, though fewer in number at 295 students, achieve exceptional early-career earnings of $86,042, representing some of the strongest financial outcomes the university produces. This range demonstrates how program choice significantly impacts long-term earning potential at Cal State Fullerton.
The university's location in Orange County provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities across multiple industries, from healthcare and education to business and technology sectors, helping explain why earnings performance consistently exceeds national expectations for similar institutions.
California State University-Fullerton ranks among the most affordable public universities in the nation, with net prices that make higher education accessible to families across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $2,675 per year after aid, placing the university in the top tier nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $5,438, while even higher-income families pay a reasonable $14,831 annually. This pricing structure reflects California's strong commitment to keeping public higher education affordable and accessible.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Cal State Fullerton students, with typical graduates leaving with about $13,750 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,320, a moderate level that reflects many families' ability to cover most costs through grants, work, and savings rather than extensive borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations, supported by solid post-graduation earnings that make repayment sustainable.
What makes Cal State Fullerton particularly attractive is how its low upfront costs translate into strong long-term value. Students can access quality education and career preparation without taking on excessive debt, while still achieving earnings that exceed national expectations for similar institutions.
California State University-Fullerton Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
