Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Cal State Fullerton vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 39 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#20 nationally
$66K 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-Fullerton.
Engineering programs demonstrate strong earning potential with Civil Engineering ranking #20 nationally and producing $83,693 in median earnings, while Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $83,094. Computer Science, with 264 graduates, generates earnings of $89,630 though ranks lower nationally at #88.
These programs offer excellent career prospects for students comfortable with technical coursework and seeking high-growth STEM fields with strong employment demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General. | #48 | $101,927★ |
Program rankings reflect graduate earnings and debt levels based on federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual labor market outcomes rather than prestige or reputation. Earnings represent median income of graduates 10 years after enrollment, while debt reflects typical borrowing levels for degree completion. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and program-specific factors to identify programs offering strong return on educational investment. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major, helping students understand how Cal State Fullerton performs relative to other institutions offering the same degree. Cohort sizes indicate enrollment scale and data reliability, with larger cohorts providing more stable outcome measurements. This methodology helps students evaluate programs based on economic outcomes rather than institutional marketing or historical reputation.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 45 |
| Computer Science. | #88 | $89,630 | — | 264 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #85 | $88,331 | — | 74 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #22 | $83,693 | — | 113 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #82 | $83,094 | — | 231 |
Business Administration represents Cal State Fullerton's largest program with 2,374 graduates earning $60,980 and ranking #39 nationally. The program combines substantial scale with solid value scores of 88.8, making it attractive for students seeking broadly applicable skills and strong career flexibility.
This program is well-suited for students interested in management, entrepreneurship, or professional advancement across diverse industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #37 | $60,980★ | $16,201 | 2,374 |
| International Business. | #42 | $49,269 | — | 77 |
Health programs at Cal State Fullerton deliver exceptional outcomes, led by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing which ranks #20 nationally and produces graduates earning $105,346. The program combines strong national recognition with substantial enrollment of 295 graduates, demonstrating both quality and scale.
Health Services programs also perform well with earnings of $47,404 and solid value scores. These programs are ideal for students seeking high-earning careers with strong job security in growing healthcare fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #20 | $105,346★ | — | 295 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #32 | $53,815 | — | 155 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #22 | $47,404 | $19,818 | 362 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #93 | $34,909 | — | 100 |
Sciences & Mathematics graduates earn 52K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #4 | $65,717★ | — | 38 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #20 | $65,436 | — | 61 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #164 | $44,903 | — | 83 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #178 | $31,314 | — | 41 |
Social science programs show varied outcomes, with American Government and Politics producing $50,663 earnings though ranking #151 nationally, while Applied Sociology graduates earn $45,407. Psychology, serving 723 students, generates $46,506 with a strong value score of 88.2 and ranks #42 nationally.
These programs serve students interested in human behavior, policy, and social impact careers while maintaining reasonable earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #130 | $71,016★ | — | 51 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #10 | $57,169 | — | 40 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #154 | $50,663 | — | 126 |
| Anthropology, General. | #25 | $48,746 | — | 37 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #33 | $47,679 | — | 37 |
| Psychology, General. | #43 | $46,506 | $10,418 | 723 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #80 | $45,407 | — | 382 |
Communication programs perform exceptionally well in value creation, with Communication and Media Studies ranking #30 nationally and earning $51,693 for 730 graduates. Digital Communication ranks even higher at #19 nationally with more specialized earnings of $44,074.
These programs combine creative expression with practical career preparation, ideal for students seeking media, marketing, or digital content careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #30 | $51,693★ | $16,532 | 730 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #22 | $44,074 | — | 189 |
Humanities programs demonstrate surprising strength, with Art History ranking #15 nationally and producing $41,619 in earnings despite common perceptions about arts careers. English Language and Literature generates $41,189 with solid enrollment of 134 graduates.
These programs serve students passionate about culture, creativity, and critical thinking while maintaining viable career pathways in education, museums, and cultural institutions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #19 | $49,653★ | — | 125 |
| American History (United States). | #102 | $45,280 | — | 103 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #104 | $44,397 | — | 29 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #17 | $41,619 | $26,955 | 376 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #115 | $41,189 | — | 134 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #88 | $31,759 | — | 22 |
| Acting. | #48 | $29,587 | — | 107 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #95 | $22,192 | — | 24 |
| Brass Instruments. | #155 | $20,354 | — | 67 |
| Ballet. | #23 | $20,140 | — | 34 |
Adult and Continuing Education serves 518 graduates but shows challenging earning outcomes at $28,933, ranking #201 nationally with low value scores. Exercise Science and Kinesiology performs better with $44,977 earnings and ranks #53 nationally.
Education programs require careful consideration of career goals and financial expectations, particularly for students prioritizing public service over earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #221 | $28,933 | — | 518 |
Corrections Administration serves 334 graduates with median earnings of $49,198 and ranks #57 nationally. The program demonstrates solid value creation with reasonable earning potential for students committed to public safety and criminal justice careers.
This field offers stable employment in government sectors with opportunities for advancement and public service impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #59 | $49,198 | — | 334 |
African Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 48K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #28 | $47,728★ | — | 68 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #30 | $45,701 | — | 38 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #53 | $44,977 | $20,202 | 562 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
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.
