Nursing at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
91 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
91
Optimistic
91
Base Case
88
Pessimistic
Earnings $96,890/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 38.3x earnings multiple (14.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,074K $1,070K $902K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 38.5x 38.3x 32.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.2x 14.2x 12.0x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 91 91 88

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (14.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,966
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$113,245
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $96,890 put California State University-Fresno's Nursing program 29% above the national median of $75,273 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 38.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $96,890 far exceeding the $17,966 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Among 990 Nursing programs nationally, California State University-Fresno ranks #5 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The limited growth from $96,890 to $113,245 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,070 students enrolled in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 91/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at California State University-Fresno?
At 91/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at California State University-Fresno?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Fresno one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 990 Nursing programs, California State University-Fresno's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →