Nursing programs in California produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $91,155 to $139,795, significantly higher than most degree programs. With 32 ranked BSN programs across the state, the variation in program outcomes demonstrates why selecting the right nursing degree matters for long-term healthcare careers.
Leading the list is California State University-East Bay, achieving the highest program earnings of $139,795. The top tier includes Dominican University Of California at $132,781 and San Francisco State University at $132,542, demonstrating how California's public universities and private colleges both deliver exceptional nursing degree outcomes for healthcare careers.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hayward, CA | $150,921 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,360 | 97.4% | 47.9% | |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $150,102 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,341 | 96.4% | 50.4% | |
| #3 | San Rafael, CA | $149,622 Median Nursing Earnings | $24,572 | 83.5% | 78.0% | |
| #4 | Samuel Merritt UniversityPrivate | Oakland, CA | $148,193 Median Nursing Earnings | — | — | — |
| #5 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | Rohnert Park, CA | $143,886 Median Nursing Earnings | $8,310 | 93.4% | 57.6% |
| #6 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | San Francisco, CA | $143,356 Median Nursing Earnings | $31,537 | 61.7% | 70.1% |
| #7 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | Angwin, CA | $140,542 Median Nursing Earnings | $41,008 | 47.3% | 58.3% |
| #8 | Seaside, CA | $134,489 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,970 | 97.4% | 59.1% | |
| #9 | Sacramento, CA | $129,960 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,501 | 94.0% | 56.3% | |
| #10 | Turlock, CA | $126,959 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,938 | 98.1% | 53.4% | |
| #11 | San Diego, CA | $120,799 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,910 | 36.2% | 76.4% | |
| #12 | San Marcos, CA | $120,196 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,230 | 95.1% | 54.6% | |
| #13 | Irvine, CA | $119,502 Median Nursing Earnings | $8,123 | 28.6% | 86.9% | |
| #14 | Fullerton, CA | $119,353 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,315 | 90.5% | 70.2% | |
| #15 | Los Angeles, CA | $119,050 Median Nursing Earnings | $23,849 | 73.1% | 53.3% | |
| #16 | Carson, CA | $118,588 Median Nursing Earnings | $7,303 | 93.3% | 42.8% | |
| #17 | Los Angeles, CA | $118,566 Median Nursing Earnings | $5,579 | 9.0% | 92.6% | |
| #18 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | Azusa, CA | $118,549 Median Nursing Earnings | $15,781 | 88.4% | 61.8% |
| #19 | Chico, CA | $117,543 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,902 | 92.7% | 62.8% | |
| #20 | Northridge, CA | $116,613 Median Nursing Earnings | $4,905 | 93.5% | 57.0% |
