Students at California State University-Dominguez Hills benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across all income levels, with particularly strong outcomes for first-generation and low-income students.
The university's combination of broad access and proven mobility results creates genuine opportunity for upward economic advancement in Southern California's diverse economy.
California State University-Dominguez Hills serves as a powerful engine for economic mobility, combining exceptional affordability with meaningful access for students from diverse backgrounds. More than 61% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly 59% are first-generation college students, yet graduates still achieve solid long-term earnings that place the university well above average nationally. The institution ranks among the top tier of public universities for both affordability and access, with net prices for low-income students at just $2,624 annually.
What makes CSU Dominguez Hills particularly compelling is how it transforms access into opportunity. As a designated "Mobility Engine," the university delivers on its promise to help students from all backgrounds achieve financial stability and career success. Graduates earn a median of $57,162 ten years after enrollment, with many achieving earnings that exceed expectations by more than $8,000 compared with similar students at other institutions.
Located in Carson, California, this large public university provides the resources and scale of a comprehensive institution while maintaining a commitment to serving students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. For families prioritizing both affordability and proven outcomes, CSU Dominguez Hills represents an exceptional value proposition in California's public higher education landscape.
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers a program mix that balances accessibility with strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Business Administration leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, with 578 graduates earning solid early-career salaries around $40,806. Psychology represents the largest single program with 499 graduates, providing a foundation for careers in counseling, social services, and related fields, though with more modest early earnings around $27,106.
The standout program for individual earnings is Adult Health Nursing, where 130 graduates achieve median earnings of $93,875, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Southern California. This program demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-demand, well-compensated careers in essential fields. The nursing program's success also highlights how specialized professional programs can deliver exceptional returns even within a broadly accessible institution.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission to serve diverse student interests while maintaining connections to regional employment opportunities. From business and healthcare to psychology and education, CSU Dominguez Hills provides pathways into stable, middle-class careers that support the economic development of the greater Los Angeles area. The combination of high-enrollment accessible programs and specialized professional degrees creates opportunities for students with varying academic backgrounds and career goals.
California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $57,162, with the institution delivering earnings beyond expectations of more than $8,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the university's ability to help students translate their education into meaningful career advancement, particularly impressive given the diverse academic and economic backgrounds of the student body.
The university's program portfolio drives strong outcomes across multiple fields. Business Administration stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and a major enrollment driver, with 578 graduates earning a median of $40,806 early in their careers. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 499 graduates, while Adult Health Nursing delivers the strongest individual earnings at $93,875 median income. This mix of accessible programs with solid earning potential and specialized high-return fields creates multiple pathways for students to achieve financial success.
The breadth of career outcomes reflects CSU Dominguez Hills' comprehensive program offerings and strong connections to Southern California's diverse economy. With nearly 2,844 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the university demonstrates consistent ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across business, healthcare, education, and other professional fields that drive the regional job market.
California State University-Dominguez Hills stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the nation, particularly for students from low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay just $2,624 per year after aid, placing the university in the top tier nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $4,942, while even higher-income students pay $12,878, representing exceptional value compared with most public universities of similar size and scope.
The university's commitment to affordability extends beyond sticker price to manageable debt levels. Typical graduates leave with about $13,807 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with the institution's median graduate earnings of $57,162. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,932, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing at reasonable levels. With a 0% federal loan default rate, CSU Dominguez Hills demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational investments.
What makes the affordability story particularly compelling is how it supports the university's access mission. By keeping costs low across all income levels, CSU Dominguez Hills ensures that financial barriers don't prevent students from completing their degrees. This approach creates a sustainable path for the large numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students who depend on predictable, manageable costs to achieve their educational goals.
California State University-Dominguez Hills Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
