Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at California State University-East Bay vary significantly by field of study, with some majors delivering exceptional career returns while others provide pathways to public service and graduate education. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment and salary data.
Analyzing 23 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment size at Cal State East Bay.
#1 nationally
$140K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at California State University-East Bay.
Computer Science graduates 140 students annually with strong $94,132 earnings, though national ranking sits at #82. The program benefits from Bay Area technology industry proximity but faces intense competition from more prestigious programs.
Outcomes reflect solid technical preparation for software and IT careers. Best for students seeking technology careers without requiring admission to highly selective engineering programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #83 | $94,132 | — | 140 |
Program outcomes reflect labor market performance of recent graduates rather than institutional prestige or academic reputation. Rankings are based on median earnings, cohort size, and value scores derived from debt-to-earnings ratios. Data comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, which tracks graduates' earnings through tax records and employment data. Programs must have sufficient graduates to ensure statistical reliability, which explains why some smaller programs may not appear in national datasets. These outcomes represent typical career trajectories but do not guarantee individual results, as earnings depend on factors including location, employer, and career choices after graduation.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
recent graduates
Business programs represent Cal State East Bay's largest academic area, with Business Administration graduating 658 students annually and ranking #41 nationally. These programs deliver solid middle-class earnings in the $57,000-$66,000 range with strong value scores above 88.
The university's business programs benefit from Bay Area industry connections while maintaining accessible admission standards. Well-suited for students seeking versatile career preparation with steady employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #7 | $97,048★ | — | 24 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #38 | $65,830 | $15,814 | 658 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #4 | $57,752 | — | 42 |
Health programs at Cal State East Bay deliver the strongest career outcomes on campus, led by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing with #1 national rankings and $139,795 median earnings. Health Services/Allied Health programs rank #10 nationally while producing 319 graduates annually.
These programs combine high earning potential with strong job market demand, though they require substantial clinical preparation and licensing requirements. Best suited for students prioritizing stable, high-earning healthcare careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #1 🏆 | $139,795★ | — | 190 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #8 | $56,148 | $13,500 | 319 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #117 | $46,108 | — | 35 |
Biology programs serve 142 graduates with $57,742 median earnings, though rankings fall to #85 nationally. These programs provide pre-professional preparation for health careers or graduate study, with moderate earnings reflecting the need for additional education.
Exercise Science shows lower earnings at $47,478, typical for fitness and recreation fields. Best for students planning advanced education in health sciences or research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #86 | $57,742 | — | 142 |
Social science programs at Cal State East Bay demonstrate exceptional value performance despite moderate earnings. Psychology ranks #30 nationally with 345 graduates, while Applied/Public Sociology achieves #20 national ranking.
These programs typically lead to careers in social services, education, or graduate study preparation. Adult Development and Aging ranks #4 nationally, reflecting specialized program strength.
Best for students prioritizing social impact and graduate school preparation over immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #119 | $59,908★ | — | 56 |
| Applied Economics. | #132 | $59,028 | — | 27 |
| Psychology, General. | #29 | $53,636 | — | 345 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #23 | $51,950 | — | 235 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #26 nationally while graduating 160 students with $60,326 median earnings. This program provides preparation for media, marketing, and corporate communication roles in the competitive Bay Area market.
The program combines theoretical foundations with practical skills development, though job markets can be competitive. Best suited for students with strong communication skills seeking versatile career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #24 | $60,326 | — | 160 |
Art History ranks #11 nationally despite moderate $48,049 earnings, demonstrating program quality that exceeds typical financial returns. These programs prepare students for careers requiring critical thinking and cultural analysis, often leading to graduate study or specialized fields.
Value scores remain strong due to low debt relative to outcomes. Suited for students prioritizing intellectual development and planning graduate education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #54 | $50,433★ | — | 95 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #12 | $48,049 | — | 82 |
| American History (United States). | #52 | $46,913 | — | 36 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #225 | $37,738 | — | 40 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #44 | $58,905 | — | 23 |
Corrections Administration ranks #10 nationally with strong earnings of $57,898 for 204 graduates annually. This program prepares students for law enforcement and corrections careers with above-average starting salaries and clear career progression paths.
The program benefits from California's large criminal justice system and strong public sector employment opportunities. Ideal for students committed to public safety and law enforcement careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #9 | $57,898 | — | 204 |
Adult Development and Aging stands out as a specialized program with #4 national ranking and strong value scores. General Studies serves 95 graduates with moderate earnings but provides flexible pathways for working adults and career changers.
These programs offer unique specializations or flexible completion options for non-traditional students. Suitable for students with specific career goals or those needing flexible degree completion paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Development and Aging. | #5 | $53,103★ | — | 213 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #10 | $47,830 | — | 32 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #25 | $47,511 | — | 32 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #87 | $47,478 | — | 159 |
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
