Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at California State University-Stanislaus vary significantly by field of study, ranging from nursing graduates earning over $110,000 to liberal arts majors starting their careers around $38,000. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data, not institutional reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 22 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment strength.
#19 nationally
$51K 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, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size using federal employment data.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at California State University-Stanislaus.
Computer Science at Cal State Stanislaus produces graduates earning $72,776, ranking #134 nationally. While the national ranking reflects intense competition in computer science programs, graduates earn substantially above the institutional median.
With 67 graduates annually, the program maintains solid enrollment despite competitive admission requirements. Students pursuing this path should expect strong earning potential with opportunities for continued growth in technology careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #135 | $72,776 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes from the federal College Scorecard database, which tracks graduate earnings and debt levels across thousands of institutions. Rankings compare programs within the same field of study nationally, not across different academic disciplines. Earnings represent median income for graduates working full-time, measured 4-6 years after graduation. Programs must have sufficient graduates in federal databases to ensure statistical reliability, typically requiring cohorts of 20 or more students. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt to assess overall return on educational investment. These outcome-based rankings differ from reputation or prestige rankings, focusing specifically on measurable post-graduation financial results rather than institutional characteristics or faculty research profiles.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 67 |
Business programs serve as the university's largest academic area with Business Administration graduating 412 students earning $53,911 median. The program ranks #113 nationally with a value score of 67.0, indicating solid return relative to costs.
Applied Economics graduates 20 students earning $51,815 but ranks #182 nationally, suggesting competitive pressure in economics programs. Students pursuing this path benefit from large alumni networks and diverse career opportunities across industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #110 | $53,911 | $15,000 | 412 |
Health programs at Cal State Stanislaus deliver exceptional career outcomes with nursing leading institutional earnings. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #19 nationally and produces graduates earning $111,925, nearly double the institutional median.
With 135 graduates and a value score of 93.4, this program represents the university's strongest return on investment. Students pursuing this path typically benefit from high job market demand and immediate earning potential upon graduation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #19 | $111,925★ | — | 135 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #62 | $36,383 | — | 30 |
Biology, General produces graduates earning $53,638 with 110 students annually, ranking #122 nationally with solid value scores. Mathematics programs show more variation, with Algebra and Number Theory graduates earning $37,292 but representing smaller cohorts.
Students pursuing biological sciences can expect earnings near the institutional median with opportunities for graduate school or immediate workforce entry in healthcare-adjacent fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #123 | $53,638★ | — | 110 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #219 | $37,292 | — | 35 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #195 | $26,896 | — | 13 |
Psychology, General serves as the second-largest program with 373 graduates earning $41,432, ranking #131 nationally. Applied/Public Sociology graduates 169 students earning $42,352, while Research Methodology ranks #16 nationally despite smaller cohorts.
Students pursuing social sciences should expect diverse career options in human services, research, and community organizations, with many graduates continuing to graduate school for advanced degrees.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #189 | $51,815★ | — | 20 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #94 | $49,264 | — | 20 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods. | #16 | $45,978 | — | 63 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #88 | $42,352 | — | 169 |
| Psychology, General. | #132 | $41,432 | $13,007 | 373 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #70 | $41,155 | — | 12 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 76 students earning $46,330, ranking #143 nationally with moderate value scores. The program serves students interested in media, marketing, and communication careers across multiple industries.
Students pursuing this path should expect starting salaries near the institutional median with earning potential dependent on industry specialization and geographic location after graduation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #149 | $46,330 | — | 76 |
English Language and Literature demonstrates exceptional performance, ranking #24 nationally and producing graduates earning $53,207 despite smaller cohort sizes of 50 students. American History graduates earn $38,175 with moderate rankings but represent the university's commitment to liberal arts education.
Students pursuing these programs should expect diverse career pathways requiring strong communication and analytical skills, with earnings varying significantly by career choice.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #24 | $53,207★ | — | 50 |
| General Studies. | #13 | $50,537 | — | 235 |
| American History (United States). | #156 | $38,175 | — | 58 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #256 | $24,990 | — | 24 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates 56 students earning $42,403, ranking #65 nationally and #6 in California with a strong value score of 70.6. The program serves students interested in adult learning and community education careers.
Students pursuing this path typically enter public education or community organization roles with opportunities for leadership advancement in educational administration and program development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #64 | $42,403 | — | 56 |
Agriculture, General. leads agriculture & environment with 43K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General.Small sample | #21 | $43,101 | — | 17 |
Corrections Administration at Cal State Stanislaus ranks exceptionally well at #24 nationally and #6 in California, graduating 223 students with median earnings of $51,658. The program demonstrates strong value with a score of 88.0, indicating favorable outcomes relative to educational investment.
Students pursuing this path typically enter public service careers with solid earning potential and opportunities for advancement in criminal justice systems.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #26 | $51,658 | $21,000 | 223 |
General Studies ranks exceptionally at #9 nationally and #3 in California, graduating 235 students earning $50,537 with an outstanding value score of 95.6. Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 117 students earning $46,443 with moderate national rankings.
Students pursuing interdisciplinary programs benefit from flexible career preparation and diverse skill development, though specific career outcomes vary significantly by individual specialization and career choices.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #83 | $46,443 | — | 117 |
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.
