California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California · Public · 93.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,449/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $20,049/yr |
| Average net price | $8,615/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $34,460 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,162 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $13,807 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $146 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,538 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,303 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,090 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,855 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,323 |
| $110,001+ | $18,947 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at California State University-Dominguez Hills with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,662 | B+ |
| Psychology | $52,742 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $44,654 | B |
| Sociology | $55,100 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $118,588 | A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,727 | B+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $62,164 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,185 | C |
| Biology | $54,405 | C+ |
| Computer Science | $59,603 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at California State University-Dominguez Hills is $7,449/year ($20,049/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $8,615/year, or roughly $34,460 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,303/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,947/year.
The median graduate leaves with $13,807 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $146 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,162 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.36 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 52.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 57.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 54.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 56.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.3% |
| Enrollment | 12,538 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 63.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,789 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Dominguez Hills (this school) | 71 | $8,615 | $57,162 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| Western Washington University | 72 | $21,193 | $62,569 |
| Oakland University | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| Portland State University | 69 | $9,552 | $57,906 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $8,615 per year leads to $34,460 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,162 a decade out. The payback period of 7.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 42.8% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $13,807 is very manageable against $57,162 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.