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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in California

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

California Institute of Technology graduates earn $155,297 annually, nearly four times more than California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates at $41,565, highlighting the dramatic earnings spectrum across California's computer science programs. This $113,732 difference represents one of the largest earning gaps in any major nationwide. Meanwhile, Cal State schools dominate the value proposition with net costs under $15,000, while Caltech's $18,902 net cost delivers the highest return on investment in tech education. California's position as home to Silicon Valley, major aerospace contractors like SpaceX, and leading biotech firms creates strong demand for computer science graduates. The state's Cal Grant program helps level the playing field by covering tuition for qualifying students at public institutions. With acceptance rates ranging from Caltech's ultra-selective 2.69% to Cal State Chico's accessible 95%, students can find programs matching their academic profile while positioning themselves for California's $3.3 trillion economy.
44
Programs
$3,659 – $50,168
Net Price Range
$67,261
Avg. Program Earnings
65.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $48,432 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $3,659 $41,565 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $18,902 $155,297 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
4 $5,918 $46,966 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $14,013 $110,878 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
6 $15,624 $120,462 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
7 $6,480 $48,198 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
8 $7,599 $46,321 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
9 $15,288 $81,609 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
10 $12,840 $66,461 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
11 $9,792 $47,260 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
12 $10,550 $45,864 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
13 $14,487 $60,049 $7,437 63.2% 92.4%
14 $14,838 $59,350 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
15 $12,882 $48,823 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
16 $16,174 $51,690 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
17 $19,798 $58,673 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
18 $45,723 $72,796 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
19 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
20 $39,495 $58,222 71.1% 71.2%
21 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
22 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
23 $32,926 $51,790 70.1% 82.0%
24 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
25 $28,014 $14,804 62.2%
26 $31,601 $12,520
27 $21,557 $6,600
28 $33,294 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
29 $26,455 $21,000 59.8% 67.4%
30 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%
31 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
32 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
33 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
34 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
35 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
36 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
37 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
38 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
39 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
40 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
41 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
42 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
43 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
44 $8,388 $7,220 18.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between California's highest and lowest-paying computer science programs?

Caltech graduates earn $155,297 compared to $41,565 at Cal State Dominguez Hills, a difference of $113,732 annually. This reflects Caltech's elite status in tech research and its direct pipeline to top Silicon Valley companies. However, the 2.69% acceptance rate at Caltech versus 89.13% at Dominguez Hills shows these are fundamentally different educational pathways. Cal State graduates still enter a strong job market with reasonable debt loads averaging $16,000-$18,000.

How do California's public universities deliver value in computer science education?

Cal State Los Angeles offers the strongest value proposition with a $4,113 net cost and $48,432 graduate earnings, generating nearly 12 times return on investment. Most Cal State campuses keep net costs under $15,000 while producing graduates earning $45,000-$60,000 annually. The Cal Grant program covers full tuition for many students, making these already affordable programs essentially free for qualifying California residents. Even UC schools like Davis and Irvine provide solid returns despite higher costs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in California computer science programs?

Caltech leads with a 93.2% graduation rate, followed closely by UCLA at 92.7%, both charging significantly more than Cal State schools. However, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo achieves an impressive 85.2% graduation rate while maintaining moderate costs. Most Cal State programs graduate 50-65% of students, which aligns with their open-access mission and varied student populations. The pattern suggests selectivity and resources matter, but affordable programs can still achieve solid completion rates.

Where do California computer science graduates find the best job markets?

Silicon Valley companies recruit heavily from UC schools and Cal Poly, explaining why these graduates earn $80,000-$120,000 annually. Los Angeles aerospace firms like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman hire from nearby Cal State campuses, providing solid career paths for graduates earning $45,000-$50,000 starting salaries. The state's biotech corridor from San Diego to San Francisco creates additional opportunities beyond traditional tech roles. Even smaller Cal State campuses benefit from California's tech-driven economy and remote work opportunities.

Is the high cost of living worth it for California computer science students?

Despite California's expensive housing market, computer science graduates typically out-earn the cost premium compared to other states. UC graduates earning $80,000-$110,000 can afford Bay Area living costs, while Cal State graduates earning $45,000-$60,000 find better value in inland areas like Fresno or San Bernardino. The Cal Grant program eliminates tuition costs for many students, reducing the financial barrier. California's tech industry concentration creates career advancement opportunities that often justify the initial cost investment.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.