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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,945 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,618 |
| Room and Board | $19,174 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,160 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,607 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,338 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,501 |
| $30–48k | $7,001 |
| $48–75k | $9,212 |
| $75–110k | $11,814 |
| $110k+ | $18,861 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Sacramento State graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt of $15,000 ranks in the 85.0th percentile nationally and sits $5,000 below the peer median of $20,000.
The debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,460 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with modest borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 represents highly favorable conditions, meaning typical graduates dedicate less than one-fourth of their first-year earnings to debt service.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,000 with monthly payments of $211, reflecting additional family investment in education. The combination of low median debt and strong earnings of $64,876 creates sustainable financial outcomes for graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Sacramento State delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong post-graduation outcomes. Graduates earn $9,138 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking in the 84.0th percentile for earnings uplift performance.
The median earnings of $64,876 exceed the peer median by $4,333, while median debt of $15,000 remains $5,000 below peer levels. This combination produces highly favorable investment conditions where educational benefits clearly exceed costs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates that graduates can comfortably manage debt service while building wealth and economic security. Net prices averaging $10,512 represent reasonable investment levels for the career outcomes achieved, particularly for California residents.
Sacramento State demonstrates strong financial aid effectiveness through substantial cost reductions for students across income levels. The average financial aid package reduces costs by $12,202, bringing the net price to less than half the published cost of attendance.
With 48.6% of students receiving Pell grants, Sacramento State serves significantly more lower-income students than typical universities, requiring robust aid programs to maintain accessibility. The aid structure particularly benefits families earning less than $75,000, who receive net prices below $11,000 annually.
First-generation students, comprising 49.0% of enrollment, typically benefit from both need-based aid and specialized support programs. The combination of federal Pell grants, state Cal Grant assistance, and institutional aid creates comprehensive support for California residents from diverse economic backgrounds.
