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.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Irvine, CA | $102,995 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,485 | 25.6% | 86.0% | |
| #22 | San Diego, CA | $100,394 Median Nursing Earnings | $44,837 | 81.8% | 73.8% | |
| #23 | Simpson UniversityPrivate | Redding, CA | $100,333 Median Nursing Earnings | $22,880 | 99.0% | 41.7% |
| #24 | Bakersfield, CA | $99,938 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,070 | 88.2% | 49.3% | |
| #25 | Costa Mesa, CA | $99,193 Median Nursing Earnings | $14,906 | 64.7% | 55.9% | |
| #26 | San Bernardino, CA | $99,072 Median Nursing Earnings | $3,298 | 98.3% | 54.6% | |
| #27 | Fresno, CA | $97,606 Median Nursing Earnings | $4,447 | 96.4% | 54.8% | |
| #28 | Camarillo, CA | $96,313 Median Nursing Earnings | $7,077 | 93.1% | 53.4% | |
| #29 | San Diego, CA | $96,266 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,655 | 34.4% | 78.3% | |
| #30 | San Marcos, CA | $94,706 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,812 | 95.7% | 54.2% | |
| #31 | Biola UniversityPrivate | La Mirada, CA | $93,741 Median Nursing Earnings | $23,001 | 60.1% | 68.8% |
| #32 | Concordia University-IrvinePrivate | Irvine, CA | $93,129 Median Nursing Earnings | $23,532 | 59.9% | 62.5% |
| #33 | Riverside, CA | $91,155 Median Nursing Earnings | $23,788 | 73.6% | 59.5% |
