California State University-Sacramento vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?
Northeastern University Oakland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,724 in 2.3 years versus 2.3 years at California State University-Sacramento, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $64,876 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | California State University-Sacramento | Northeastern University Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,338 | $25,181 |
| Total net cost | $37,352 | $100,724 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,876 | $92,538 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 2.3 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $292,968 | $782,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Sacramento, at $9,338 a year after aid versus $25,181 — a gap of $15,843 a year, or $63,372 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-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $27,662 more than the $64,876 at California State University-Sacramento. 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-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Sacramento: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University Oakland, a difference of $9,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.