Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at California State University-Monterey Bay vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $34,089 in Adult Development and Aging to $122,142 in Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 20 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Cal State Monterey Bay.
#3 nationally
$38K 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-Monterey Bay.
Computer Science graduates 173 students annually with median earnings of $61,516, though the program ranks #137 nationally, indicating room for improvement relative to peers. Despite moderate national ranking performance, the program delivers solid earnings outcomes and serves as a major pathway for students interested in technology careers.
The large cohort size reflects strong student demand in this growing field.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #141 | $61,516 | — | 173 |
Rankings reflect labor market outcomes for graduates based on federal College Scorecard data, which tracks earnings and debt levels for students who received federal financial aid. Programs at the same institution can show different outcomes due to varying career paths, industry demand, graduate school continuation rates, and regional employment patterns. These rankings measure post-graduation success rather than academic reputation or program quality. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts generally providing more reliable data. Students should consider both earnings potential and personal interests when evaluating programs, as career satisfaction involves factors beyond compensation alone.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business Administration and Management serves as one of the university's flagship programs, graduating 262 students with median earnings of $61,638 and ranking #84 nationally. This program combines strong enrollment numbers with solid career outcomes, making it accessible to students while delivering above-average earnings.
The value score of 75.5 indicates good return on investment for this popular field.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #82 | $61,638★ | $14,844 | 262 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #79 | $35,760 | — | 22 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out with exceptional earnings of $122,142 and ranks #5 nationally, demonstrating the strong career outcomes possible in healthcare fields. This program represents one of Cal State Monterey Bay's highest-performing offerings with a value score of 98.5, indicating outstanding return on investment.
The relatively small cohort size of 68 graduates reflects the selective nature of nursing programs while delivering transformational economic outcomes for completers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #3 | $122,142 | — | 68 |
Biology, General produces more modest earnings of $37,651 among 99 graduates but serves an important pre-professional pathway for students planning graduate study in health sciences. Algebra and Number Theory shows stronger earning potential at $55,468 among a smaller cohort of 34 students.
The variation within this group reflects different career trajectories, from immediate workforce entry to graduate school preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #113 | $55,468★ | — | 34 |
| Biology, General. | #332 | $37,651 | $24,500 | 99 |
Psychology, General ranks #71 nationally and graduates 242 students with median earnings of $45,847, representing strong enrollment in this popular field. Human Services, General demonstrates exceptional performance with #2 national ranking and earnings of $52,771 among 143 graduates.
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods serves a smaller but specialized cohort with earnings of $44,485. This group shows how social service fields can deliver meaningful career outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | #3 | $52,771★ | — | 143 |
| Psychology, General. | #71 | $45,847 | $14,561 | 242 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods. | #21 | $44,485 | — | 84 |
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia graduates 63 students with earnings of $44,249 and ranks #22 nationally, showing strong performance in creative technology fields. This program demonstrates how communications can blend technical skills with creative expression to produce competitive career outcomes in growing digital media industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #24 | $44,249 | — | 63 |
General Studies serves as the university's largest program with 282 graduates earning $46,794 and ranking #26 nationally. This interdisciplinary approach provides flexibility for students with diverse interests while maintaining solid earning potential.
Commercial Photography produces higher earnings of $48,939 among 47 graduates, demonstrating how specialized creative fields can deliver strong economic outcomes for dedicated students.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #53 | $48,939★ | — | 47 |
| General Studies. | #29 | $46,794 | $16,427 | 282 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #106 | $37,709 | — | 27 |
| Brass Instruments. | #140 | $28,009 | — | 20 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #172 | $24,615 | — | 19 |
Environmental Science produces strong earnings of $51,606 among 72 graduates and ranks #32 nationally, demonstrating solid career prospects in sustainability and environmental protection fields. This program combines scientific training with practical application, positioning graduates for roles in environmental consulting, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #33 | $51,606 | — | 72 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 185 students with earnings of $43,211, serving students interested in fitness, sports, and health promotion careers. Adult Development and Aging represents a specialized field with lower earnings of $34,089 but serves important social service functions.
Marine Sciences produces $38,329 in earnings among 57 graduates, reflecting the specialized nature of oceanographic and environmental careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #81 | $43,211★ | $14,000 | 185 |
| Marine Sciences. | #1 🏆 | $38,329 | — | 57 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #50 | $34,246 | — | 25 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #71 | $34,089 | — | 59 |
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.
