California State University-Sacramento vs West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County: which has better ROI?
California State University-Sacramento has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,352 in 2.3 years versus 2.4 years at West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County, on median earnings of $64,876 vs $102,672 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | California State University-Sacramento | West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,338 | $32,879 |
| Total net cost | $37,352 | $131,516 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,876 | $102,672 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $32,946 |
| Payback | 2.3 yrs | 2.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $292,968 | $954,724 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County?
California State University-Sacramento, at $9,338 a year after aid versus $32,879 — a gap of $23,541 a year, or $94,164 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 West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County graduates earn more?
West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County graduates report a median $102,672 ten years after entry, $37,796 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 West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County?
California State University-Sacramento: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $32,946 at West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County, a difference of $17,946. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County, against 56% at California State University-Sacramento. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.