Students at California State University-East Bay achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, with graduates earning nearly $19,315 more than expected based on their backgrounds.
This exceptional earnings advantage, combined with outstanding outcomes for low-income students, places the university among the nation's top performers for economic mobility.
California State University-East Bay ranks among the top public universities nationwide for delivering exceptional value to students from diverse backgrounds. Located in Hayward, California, this large public university serves as a true "Mobility Engine," combining broad access with remarkably strong long-term outcomes. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants and over half are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the institution in the top 20% nationally.
What makes Cal State East Bay particularly compelling is its ability to help students exceed earnings expectations. Graduates earn a median of $71,401 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering nearly $19,315 more in earnings than similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects both the university's strategic program mix and its location in the Bay Area's dynamic job market.
As a comprehensive public university, Cal State East Bay offers the accessibility families need with the financial outcomes they want. The combination of affordable net prices, manageable debt levels, and consistently strong graduate earnings makes it an exceptional choice for students seeking reliable economic advancement through higher education.
California State University-East Bay's program portfolio strategically balances high-enrollment fields with exceptional earning potential. Business Administration dominates with 658 graduates and serves as the university's economic engine, combining substantial scale with solid median earnings of $47,676. This program's success reflects both student demand and the Bay Area's robust business ecosystem, where graduates find abundant opportunities in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Nursing represents the institution's highest-earning program, with Adult Health Nursing graduates achieving remarkable median earnings of $113,585 ten years after graduation. This exceptional performance reflects the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in California and the premium wages available in the Bay Area's competitive medical market. Psychology, with 345 graduates, provides a foundation for diverse career paths including counseling, social services, and graduate school preparation.
The university's program mix reflects its mission as a comprehensive public institution serving the Bay Area's diverse economy. From business and healthcare to liberal arts and social sciences, Cal State East Bay prepares students for careers across multiple sectors while maintaining strong connections to regional employers who actively recruit graduates.
California State University-East Bay delivers exceptionally strong financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $71,401, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for long-term earnings. What makes these outcomes particularly impressive is that graduates earn nearly $19,315 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add substantial value beyond what would typically be expected.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this success. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 658 graduates and the highest aggregate return generator, producing graduates who earn around $47,676 in their early careers. Adult Health Nursing represents the institution's highest-earning program, with graduates achieving median earnings of $113,585 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the Bay Area. Psychology, the second-largest program with 345 graduates, provides a solid foundation for various career paths with median earnings of $37,640.
Cal State East Bay's location in the San Francisco Bay Area significantly enhances earning potential, as graduates enter one of the nation's most dynamic job markets. While the region's cost of living is high, the university's strong industry connections and comprehensive program offerings help graduates secure positions that more than compensate for higher living expenses, contributing to the institution's exceptional earnings performance.
California State University-East Bay offers strong affordability across all income levels, making quality higher education accessible to diverse families. Low-income students pay approximately $8,059 annually in net price, well below national averages for public universities. Middle-income families face net costs around $11,087 per year, while higher-income families pay about $20,930 annually, representing reasonable value given the institution's strong outcomes and Bay Area location.
Debt levels remain manageable despite the region's higher costs. Typical graduates leave with about $16,544 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's strong earning potential. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,456, reflecting families' strategic investment in their students' futures. The university's combination of substantial grant aid and reasonable borrowing levels creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
What makes Cal State East Bay particularly affordable is the strong return on investment students achieve. With median earnings of $71,401 ten years after graduation, most borrowers can comfortably manage standard loan repayment while building financial security. The university's track record of helping students achieve earnings that exceed expectations provides families with confidence that their educational investment will pay dividends over the long term.
California State University-East Bay Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
