California State University-Sacramento

California State University-Sacramento maintains Open Access admission standards, accepting 93.6% of applicants. This means roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive admission offers, making Sacramento State one of the most accessible universities in California.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% demonstrates that Sacramento State admits students at significantly higher rates than typical four-year institutions. This open access approach supports the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including first-generation college students, transfer students, and those from lower-income backgrounds.

For prospective applicants, Sacramento State's admission rate indicates that meeting basic eligibility requirements typically results in acceptance. However, popular programs may have additional requirements or capacity limits.

Students should view Sacramento State as a reliable option when building their college lists, particularly those seeking strong post-graduation outcomes without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. The combination of accessible admission and strong economic mobility outcomes makes Sacramento State an attractive choice for students prioritizing educational access alongside career advancement potential.

California State University-Sacramento maintains affordable pricing that supports its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $22,714 annually, including $7,602 in-state tuition, $16,278 for room and board, and $1,112 for books and supplies.

However, the average student pays just $10,512 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,202 from the sticker price. This net price of $10,512 sits $5,078 below the peer median of $15,590, making Sacramento State substantially more affordable than similar public universities.

Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $19,482, though financial aid availability helps reduce actual costs for many families. The significant gap between published prices and actual costs reflects Sacramento State's commitment to need-based financial aid that makes education accessible regardless of family income.

Financial aid effectiveness varies considerably by income level, with the greatest support directed toward students from lower-income backgrounds. The affordability profile supports Sacramento State's role as a Mobility Engine institution, ensuring that students can access quality education without excessive debt burdens that might undermine post-graduation economic advancement.

Sacramento State graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth across the post-graduation timeline. Median earnings rise from $51,074 six years after enrollment to $58,491 at eight years and $64,876 at ten years, representing 27.0% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from large cohorts, including 8,664 graduates in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $9,138 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking in the 84.0th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates achieve median earnings of $51,900, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $43,257 at the 25th percentile to $89,789 at the 75th percentile, a 2.1:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 24.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Sacramento State's earnings performance of $64,876 exceeds the peer median by $4,333, highlighting the institution's strong outcomes relative to similar public universities.

Sacramento State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out with #6 national ranking and median earnings of $123,869 from 253 graduates, achieving an exceptional value score of 98.2.

Computer Science ranks #79 nationally and #21 in California, graduating 239 students with median earnings of $90,351. Civil Engineering achieves #18 national ranking and #14 in California with 174 graduates earning $84,258.

Business Administration represents the largest program, graduating 1,007 students annually with median earnings of $60,075 and ranking #71 nationally. Communication and Media Studies ranks #27 nationally and #10 in California, producing 531 graduates with median earnings of $52,314.

Corrections Administration achieves #9 national ranking and #2 in California, graduating 494 students with median earnings of $56,016. Psychology graduates 489 students annually with median earnings of $49,078 and ranks #39 nationally.

These flagship programs demonstrate Sacramento State's strength across healthcare, technology, engineering, business, and social sciences disciplines.