Compare 33 Family Systems. programs in the West. Average earnings: $36,766.
The highest-earning Family Systems program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $17K earnings gap across 33 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
California State University-East Bay's Family Systems program leads with graduates earning $53,103—significantly above the $37K average across all programs. UC San Diego follows at $50K and Sonoma State at $50K, demonstrating that regional publics compete effectively in specialized fields where program focus matters more than overall institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal State East Bay graduates borrow $17K and face just a 7.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $53,103
Strong outcomes with 97% acceptance
7.4% payment burden | Excellent
15.6% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $53,103 | 213 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $49,899 | 71 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Challenging | |
| #3 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $49,815 | 24 | $16,705 | Good | $27,986 | Challenging |
| #4 | Pacific Oaks CollegePrivate | $44,499 | 96 | $29,105 | Challenging | $12,485 | High |
| #5 | $44,320 | 196 | $19,500 | Manageable | $29,968 | High | |
| #6 | $44,168 | 67 | $22,990 | Manageable | $38,376 | High | |
| #7 | $43,796 | 175 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #8 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $43,457 | 92 | $19,620 | Manageable | $30,126 | High |
| #9 | $43,264 | 58 | $20,500 | Manageable | $18,859 | High | |
| #10 | $42,343 | 139 | $18,922 | Manageable | $26,150 | High | |
| #11 | University Of La VernePrivate | $42,101 | 40 | $23,500 | Manageable | $27,977 | High |
| #12 | $41,685 | 296 | $20,000 | Manageable | $36,000 | High | |
| #13 | University Of UtahPublic | $41,041 | 63 | $19,000 | Manageable | $18,886 | High |
| #14 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $40,876 | 264 | $21,221 | Manageable | $28,923 | High |
| #15 | $40,876 | 10 | $21,221 | Manageable | $28,923 | High | |
| #16 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | $39,127 | 84 | $23,146 | Challenging | $10,725 | High |
| #17 | $38,622 | 306 | $17,350 | Manageable | $18,031 | High | |
| #18 | Warner Pacific UniversityPrivate | $38,398 | 35 | $25,000 | Challenging | $17,588 | High |
| #19 | $36,040 | 66 | $18,500 | Challenging | $30,988 | High | |
| #20 | $35,680 | 47 | $19,500 | Challenging | $17,148 | High | |
| #21 | $35,515 | 18 | $23,000 | Challenging | $21,733 | High | |
| #22 | $35,234 | 24 | $20,500 | Challenging | $21,716 | High | |
| #23 | $34,089 | 59 | $12,750 | Manageable | $16,836 | High | |
| #24 | $31,990 | 40 | $17,095 | Challenging | $10,166 | High | |
| #25 | University Of IdahoPublic | $29,201 | 23 | $21,982 | High | $21,162 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
