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Head-to-head comparison

California State University-Sacramento vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?

Public, Sacramento CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Oakland CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Sacramento, CA

California State University-Sacramento

Net price / year
$9,338
Earnings, 10 years
$64,876
Payback
2.3 yrs

Option B Oakland, CA

Northeastern University Oakland

Net price / year
$25,181
Earnings, 10 years
$92,538
Payback
2.3 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureCalifornia State University-SacramentoNortheastern 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
Payback2.3 yrs2.3 yrs
20-year net return$292,968$782,836

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

California State University-Sacramento vs Northeastern University Oakland: frequently asked questions

Is California State University-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland a better value?
Northeastern University Oakland. It clears its $100,724 net cost in about 2.3 years versus 2.3 years at California State University-Sacramento, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $64,876 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Sacramento: $9,338/yr net price after aid versus $25,181/yr at Northeastern University Oakland — a difference of $15,843 a year, or about $63,372 over four years.
Do California State University-Sacramento or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn a median $92,538 ten years after entry, versus $64,876 at California State University-Sacramento — a $27,662 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.