California State University-Fresno vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?
California State University-Fresno has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $28,000 in 2.2 years versus 2.3 years at Northeastern University Oakland, on median earnings of $61,244 vs $92,538 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | California State University-Fresno | Northeastern University Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $7,000 | $25,181 |
| Total net cost | $28,000 | $100,724 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,244 | $92,538 |
| Median debt | $14,505 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 2.2 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $229,680 | $782,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Fresno or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Fresno, at $7,000 a year after aid versus $25,181 — a gap of $18,181 a year, or $72,724 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do California State University-Fresno or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $31,294 more than the $61,244 at California State University-Fresno. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, California State University-Fresno or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Fresno: its completers carry a median $14,505 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University Oakland, a difference of $9,745. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.