Best Value Management Information Systems and Services Colleges in California

California State University-Northridge delivers the strongest return on investment for Management Information Systems students with a net cost of just $7,599 and median earnings of $57,860. This creates a 7.6-to-1 earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms even much pricier options. Santa Clara University commands the highest price at $50,959 but also produces the highest earners at $80,391, reflecting Silicon Valley's premium tech salaries. California's tech-heavy economy, anchored by companies like Apple, Google, and emerging fintech startups, drives consistent demand for MIS professionals who can bridge business strategy and technology implementation.

Programs

$7,599 – $50,959

Net Price Range

$59,765

Avg. Program Earnings

60.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Management Information Systems and Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Northridge Northridge, California	$7,599	$57,860	$7,095	56.2%	91.2%
2	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, California	$8,931	$50,439	$7,008	69.9%	40.0%
3	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$65,332	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
4	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$57,318	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
5	California State University-Chico Chico, California	$14,838	$42,682	$8,064	63.6%	95.0%
6	National University San Diego, California	$31,058	$73,949	$13,320	50.0%
7	Ashford University San Diego, California	$25,321	$50,149	$13,160	8.8%
8	Santa Clara University Santa Clara, California	$50,959	$80,391	$59,241	88.5%	52.1%
9	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, California	$19,798		$43,600	64.4%	87.0%
10	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	$45,723		$58,974	79.8%	41.3%
11	Pacific Union College Angwin, California	$20,979		$35,214	51.5%	48.5%
12	Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, California	$50,168		$43,550	73.8%	81.9%
13	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, California	$10,550		$7,739	54.2%	95.2%
14	Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas, California	$20,170		$11,976	32.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Northridge such strong value for MIS students?

CSU-Northridge combines the lowest net cost among all 14 programs at $7,599 with solid median earnings of $57,860. The 91% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, while graduates earn nearly 8 times their educational investment.

How much do private MIS programs cost compared to public options?

Private programs range from $19,798 to $50,959 in net costs, while public schools span $7,599 to $14,838. Santa Clara University charges the most at $50,959 but produces graduates earning $80,391, the highest among all California MIS programs.

Does UC Irvine offer good value despite higher public school costs?

UC Irvine charges $12,840 net cost but delivers $65,332 median earnings with an impressive 86% graduation rate. The 21% acceptance rate reflects selectivity, while proximity to Orange County tech companies supports strong job placement.

Where do MIS graduates find the best earning potential in California?

Santa Clara University graduates earn the most at $80,391, benefiting from direct access to Silicon Valley employers. UC Irvine follows at $65,332, while National University in San Diego produces $73,949 earners despite lower graduation rates.

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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.