Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at California State University-Long Beach vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $37,445 in Art History to $106,552 in Adult Health Nursing. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 56 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at CSULB.
#17 nationally
$42K median earnings
Earnings variation across program categories reflects labor market realities, with health professions and engineering typically producing higher starting salaries while humanities and social sciences may emphasize different forms of career preparation and advancement. Students should examine the earnings data within program categories to understand typical outcomes while considering personal interests and longer-term career trajectories.
The program rankings highlight standout performance across different academic categories rather than listing specific programs, as the grouped tables provide comprehensive program-by-program comparisons. Students should examine the category tables to identify programs that align with their career interests while delivering strong outcomes relative to similar majors at peer institutions nationwide.
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-Long Beach.
Engineering programs show strong earnings outcomes with Electrical and Electronics Engineering producing $88,978 median earnings and Mechanical Engineering delivering $85,474. Computer Science graduates earn $84,658 though ranking lower nationally at #103.
These technical programs are best suited for students seeking high-earning STEM careers with solid long-term growth potential in California's technology economy.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | #5 | $100,265 |
Program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual graduate earnings and debt rather than institutional reputation or input measures. Outcomes vary significantly by field of study because different majors lead to different career paths with varying salary levels and advancement opportunities. Rankings evaluate how specific programs perform relative to the same major at other institutions nationwide, providing program-level assessment beyond overall institutional performance. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Some programs may not appear due to insufficient graduate numbers for federal reporting requirements, while others reflect specific career preparation that may emphasize outcomes beyond immediate earnings, such as graduate school preparation or public service pathways.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with debt levels and national ranking performance to identify programs delivering strong return on investment. The category tables reveal which programs at CSULB provide exceptional value within their respective fields, helping students identify academic paths that balance career preparation effectiveness with financial sustainability.
Debt capacity analysis shows that most programs at CSULB maintain excellent to good affordability ratings, with expected loan payments under 12% of discretionary income for most graduates. Business programs achieve excellent ratings with payments under 8% of discretionary income, while Visual & Performing Arts programs require more careful financial planning with payments reaching 12-18% of discretionary income. Health professions demonstrate excellent affordability despite higher earning potential, reflecting strong debt-to-earnings ratios.
| — |
| 49 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #56 | $94,641 | — | 64 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #49 | $88,978 | — | 169 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #19 | $87,463 | — | 73 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #66 | $85,474 | — | 193 |
| Computer Science. | #103 | $84,658 | — | 220 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #21 | $83,849 | — | 127 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #19 | $74,802 | — | 11 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #123 | $74,366 | — | 91 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #76 | $73,949 | — | 24 |
Business Administration and Management represents CSULB's largest program with 1,443 graduates earning median salaries of $58,055, ranking #93 nationally. The substantial enrollment reflects strong student demand and diverse career pathways.
This program is well-suited for students seeking broad business preparation with solid earning potential and extensive networking opportunities through the large alumni base.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #36 | $60,567★ | — | 45 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #93 | $58,055 | — | 1,443 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #43 | $44,454 | — | 69 |
Health programs at CSULB deliver exceptional outcomes with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranking #18 nationally and producing median earnings of $106,552. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #9 nationally with solid earnings of $56,104.
These programs stand out for their strong national rankings and career preparation, making them well-suited for students prioritizing healthcare careers with strong earning potential and clear professional pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #17 | $106,552★ | — | 236 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #36 | $59,051 | — | 53 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #14 | $56,104 | — | 186 |
Biology, General produces median earnings of $56,054 with 247 graduates, ranking #67 nationally and #16 in California. The program demonstrates solid outcomes for students pursuing healthcare, research, or graduate study pathways.
This field is best suited for students planning advanced degrees or careers in biological sciences with strong preparation for professional schools.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry. | #19 | $66,742★ | — | 32 |
| Acoustics. | #36 | $58,587 | — | 53 |
| Biology, General. | #68 | $56,054 | — | 247 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #110 | $55,381 | — | 81 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #50 | $52,531 | — | 65 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #57 | $50,856 | — | 12 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #16 | $45,596 | — | 31 |
| Immunology. | #36 | $43,798 | — | 20 |
Applied/Public Sociology graduates earn $45,282 with 322 students, ranking #67 nationally in major. Psychology, General produces similar earnings of $45,416 with 503 graduates.
These programs are best suited for students pursuing social services, counseling, or graduate study pathways where personal fulfillment and social impact may complement moderate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #129 | $62,301★ | — | 69 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #4 | $59,826 | — | 69 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #18 | $49,077 | — | 56 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #190 | $47,695 | — | 172 |
| Psychology, General. | #91 | $45,416 | — | 503 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #75 | $45,282 | — | 322 |
| Anthropology, General. | #56 | $37,377 | — | 78 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $49,107 with 365 students in the program, ranking #63 nationally. The substantial cohort size reflects strong student interest in media and communication careers.
These programs are well-suited for students seeking creative and professional communication roles with moderate earning potential and diverse industry applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #39 | $49,160★ | — | 101 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #67 | $49,107 | — | 365 |
| Advertising. | #82 | $28,226 | — | 46 |
Art History, Criticism and Conservation ranks #34 nationally despite modest earnings of $37,445, with 370 graduates reflecting substantial enrollment. English Language and Literature produces $45,576 earnings with strong national ranking at #44.
Commercial Photography stands out with $58,879 earnings ranking #14 nationally. These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing intellectual engagement and creative expression over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #15 | $58,879★ | — | 130 |
| General Studies. | #48 | $46,751 | — | 240 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #48 | $45,576 | — | 262 |
| American History (United States). | #94 | $43,713 | — | 143 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #101 | $41,926 | — | 52 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #55 | $39,609 | — | 32 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #41 | $37,445 | — | 370 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #67 | $34,682 | — | 41 |
| Buddhist Studies.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 7 |
| Acting. | #49 | $29,209 | — | 78 |
| Brass Instruments. | #66 | $28,306 | — | 113 |
| Chinese Language and Literature.Small sample | — | $25,194 | — | 7 |
| Ballet. | #39 | $17,572 | — | 34 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 55K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #37 | $54,749 | — | 39 |
Corrections Administration graduates earn $51,201 with 208 students, ranking #36 nationally and #10 in California. The program demonstrates solid outcomes for students pursuing law enforcement and criminal justice careers.
This field is well-suited for students seeking public service careers with stable earning potential and clear professional advancement pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #36 | $51,201 | — | 208 |
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences ranks #3 nationally with exceptional value score of 90.0, producing median earnings of $41,642 with 506 graduates. General Studies serves 240 students with earnings of $46,751.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology delivers $49,313 earnings with 218 graduates. These interdisciplinary programs are best suited for students seeking diverse career preparation with strong institutional support and flexibility.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #22 | $51,163★ | — | 65 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #54 | $49,313 | — | 218 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #16 | $44,407 | — | 87 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #19 | $43,796 | — | 175 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | #4 | $41,642 | — | 506 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #39 | $40,003 | — | 92 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #51 | $31,589 | — | 47 |
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.
