Compare 33 Nursing Science. programs in California. Average earnings: $109,339.
Nursing Science programs produce graduates earning between $103,598 and $139,795—a $36K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 33 ranked programs in California, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
California State University-East Bay's Nursing Science program leads with graduates earning $139,795, well above the state average of $109,339. Dominican University follows at $132,781, while San Francisco State reaches $132,542. The pattern is clear: strong regional publics compete directly with private institutions in nursing outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal State East Bay graduates borrow $16,544 and face just a 1.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. At Cal State Monterey Bay, students achieve an even lower 1.8% burden with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10—loan payments barely dent their budget.
Highest program earnings: $139,795
Strong outcomes with 97% acceptance
1.8% payment burden | Excellent
3.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $139,795 | 190 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $132,781 | 102 | $27,000 | Excellent | $54,119 | Good | |
| #3 | $132,542 | 114 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $130,227 | 170 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #5 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $127,245 | 260 | $23,000 | Excellent | $44,413 | Good |
| #6 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $124,083 | 67 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Excellent |
| #7 | $123,869 | 253 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Excellent | |
| #8 | $122,142 | 68 | $12,750 | Excellent | $16,836 | Excellent | |
| #9 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | $119,148 | 10 | $23,146 | Excellent | $10,725 | Excellent |
| #10 | $115,301 | 130 | $13,807 | Excellent | $11,061 | Excellent | |
| #11 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | $112,642 | 39 | $27,500 | Excellent | $23,122 | Good |
| #12 | $111,925 | 135 | $13,540 | Excellent | $12,700 | Excellent | |
| #13 | $110,342 | 90 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $108,170 | 117 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $106,552 | 236 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #16 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | $106,062 | 597 | $23,219 | Excellent | $26,000 | Good |
| #17 | $105,969 | 44 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #18 | $105,602 | 204 | $25,949 | Excellent | $23,250 | Good | |
| #19 | $105,346 | 295 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $103,598 | 171 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $102,995 | 47 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #22 | $100,394 | 164 | $22,990 | Excellent | $38,376 | Good | |
| #23 | Simpson UniversityPrivate | $100,333 | 35 | $18,750 | Excellent | $19,112 | Excellent |
| #24 | $99,938 | 102 | $16,600 | Excellent | $9,000 | Excellent | |
| #25 | $99,193 | 75 | $22,000 | Excellent | $25,750 | Good |
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 →
