Students at California State University-Sacramento achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $9,000 more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
This earnings advantage, combined with exceptional affordability and strong outcomes for low-income students, makes Sacramento State a standout choice for economic mobility.
Azimuth ranks California State University-Sacramento among the top public four-year institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting its exceptional ability to deliver strong outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and about 49% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the university in the top 25% nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
What makes Sacramento State particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with outstanding upward mobility results. Graduates earn a median of $64,876 ten years after enrollment, with earnings that exceed expectations by more than $9,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects both the university's practical program mix and its location in California's capital region, where graduates access diverse career opportunities in government, healthcare, business, and technology.
As a large public university serving the Sacramento metropolitan area, the institution balances accessibility with real workforce preparation. Students benefit from affordable net prices, manageable debt levels, and degree programs that connect directly to regional employers and career pathways that support long-term financial success.
California State University-Sacramento's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university serving diverse career pathways. Business Administration dominates with 1,007 graduates annually, combining high enrollment with solid median earnings of $46,389 that position graduates well for advancement in California's business sector. The program's substantial scale creates strong alumni networks and employer relationships throughout the Sacramento region.
Healthcare programs deliver some of the university's strongest financial outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out with median earnings of $108,495, reflecting the high demand for qualified nurses in California's healthcare system. These specialized programs, while smaller in scale, provide graduates with immediate access to well-compensated, stable careers that continue to grow over time.
The university also serves students through broader foundational programs, including a substantial general studies track that graduates 531 students annually. While these programs show more moderate early-career earnings around $36,007, they often serve as stepping stones to further education or provide flexibility for students exploring multiple career directions. Sacramento State's strength lies in offering pathways for students with varied goals while maintaining strong connections to regional employers across government, healthcare, education, and business sectors.
California State University-Sacramento delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $64,876, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive is the university's earnings beyond expectations advantage — graduates earn about $9,138 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings premiums among public universities nationwide.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 1,007 graduates and the highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid median earnings of $46,389. Adult Health Nursing delivers the strongest individual earnings at $108,495, demonstrating the university's strength in healthcare preparation. Other popular programs like the general studies track serve 531 graduates annually with more moderate early-career earnings around $36,007, while specialized fields like Audiology show lower initial returns but often require additional graduate training.
The university's location in Sacramento provides graduates with access to California's diverse economy, including state government positions, healthcare systems, and growing technology sectors. This regional advantage helps explain why Sacramento State graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as they enter a job market with multiple pathways for career advancement and salary growth over time.
California State University-Sacramento offers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay just $7,306 annually in net price, well below national averages and placing the university in the top tier for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $10,861, while even higher-income students pay $20,649 — reasonable for a comprehensive public university in California's capital region.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $15,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $16,000. These modest debt loads, combined with the university's strong earnings outcomes, create a sustainable financial equation for most families. The institution's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational investments, supported by solid post-graduation earnings that make repayment feasible under standard terms.
What makes Sacramento State particularly attractive is how the combination of low upfront costs and strong earnings creates genuine long-term value. Students can access quality education without taking on excessive debt, while still positioning themselves for careers that provide meaningful financial returns and economic mobility over time.
California State University-Sacramento Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
