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Operations Research at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
67
Optimistic
66
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,677/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (54% exposed)
Job Market Medium (22,200 openings/yr)
ROI 26.0x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 6 Operations Research programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Operations Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $750K $738K $629K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.4x 26.0x 22.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.9x 9.7x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 70% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 66 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (9.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,998
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,841
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Northridge's Operations Research graduates start at $53,677/yr, trailing the $87,034 national average by 38%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 26.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Operations Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,998 in median debt clears quickly against $53,677 in annual earnings.

Operations Research is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. California State University-Northridge's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

A 45% earnings increase from $53,677 to $77,841 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Northridge

A 93% acceptance rate means California State University-Northridge is accessible to most applicants, with 32,357 students enrolled in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
Operations research analysts $91,290/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 6 schools offering Operations Research →

Operations Research at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($110,457) Princeton University ($100,354) Cornell University ($96,377) University of California-Berkeley ($88,685) Southern Methodist University ($72,658)

Other Majors at California State University-Northridge

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($106,780) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($100,724) Construction Engineering Technologies ($79,352) Public Administration ($76,049) Computer Engineering ($75,692) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,207) Mechanical Engineering ($71,359) Accounting and Related Services ($68,904)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Operations Research at California State University-Northridge?
At 66/100, California State University-Northridge's Operations Research program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Operations Research at California State University-Northridge?
The 54% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Operations Research?
Among 6 Operations Research programs, California State University-Northridge's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is California State University-Northridge a good choice for Operations Research despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Northridge's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →