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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable computer science education at just $3,659 net cost, though graduates earn $41,565 annually compared to UC Irvine's $66,461. The $12,000 cost difference between these programs reflects California's two-tier public system, where CSU campuses focus on accessibility while UC schools command higher prices for research opportunities. California's tech sector, anchored by Silicon Valley giants and aerospace companies like SpaceX, creates steady demand for computer science graduates across skill levels. The Cal Grant program covers full tuition at CSU campuses for qualifying students, making programs like CSU-Los Angeles at $4,113 net cost particularly attractive. With 20 programs ranging from $3,659 to $15,288, students can choose between affordable regional options or higher-cost research universities. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Bethesda University's concerning 18.2% to UC San Diego's strong 87.6%, suggesting careful program selection matters beyond cost alone.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
4 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
6 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
7 $8,388 $7,220 18.2%
8 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
9 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
10 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
11 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
12 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
13 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
14 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
15 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
16 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
17 $14,487 $7,437 63.2% 92.4%
18 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
19 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
20 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
21 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
22 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
23 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
24 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
25 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
26 $21,557 $6,600
27 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
28 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
29 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
30 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
31 $26,455 $21,000 59.8% 67.4%
32 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
33 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
34 $28,014 $14,804 62.2%
35 $31,601 $12,520
36 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
37 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
38 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
39 $32,926 $51,790 70.1% 82.0%
40 $33,294 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
41 $39,495 $58,222 71.1% 71.2%
42 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
43 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
44 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $8,000 earnings gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UC Irvine graduates earning $66,461 annually significantly outpace CSU-Dominguez Hills graduates at $41,565, reflecting different program focuses and employer recruitment patterns. Research universities like UC Irvine attract major tech companies for campus recruiting, while CSU programs often serve regional markets. However, CSU-Los Angeles graduates earn $48,432 at just $4,113 net cost, demonstrating that affordable programs can still deliver solid returns. Location also matters, as Bay Area and Los Angeles tech hubs typically offer higher starting salaries.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in California?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with UC San Diego achieving 87.6% graduation at $11,750 net cost versus CSU-Dominguez Hills' 46.9% at $3,659. CSU-Long Beach breaks this pattern, combining a reasonable $8,931 cost with strong 69.9% graduation rates and competitive job placement. Bethesda University's 18.2% graduation rate raises serious concerns despite moderate costs. Students should weigh completion likelihood against affordability when choosing programs.

Does the Cal Grant program significantly reduce costs for computer science students?

Cal Grant eligibility can eliminate tuition entirely at CSU campuses, where published tuition ranges from $6,813 to $7,826 but net costs drop to $3,659-$10,512 after aid. This means qualifying students pay primarily for housing and living expenses rather than instruction. Private schools like Bethesda University at $7,220 tuition may cost less than living expenses at public universities in expensive areas. The program makes California's public computer science education highly accessible compared to other states.

Where do the most affordable programs provide the best value for computer science careers?

CSU-Los Angeles combines low $4,113 net cost with solid $48,432 graduate earnings and reasonable 52.6% graduation rates in the major tech center of Los Angeles. CSU-Fresno offers similar value at $6,480 net cost with $48,198 earnings potential in California's growing Central Valley tech sector. These programs provide access to internships and entry-level positions at major employers without the debt burden of more expensive alternatives. Regional location can offset lower prestige through reduced living costs and local employer connections.

Is the high acceptance rate at most California computer science programs misleading?

Acceptance rates above 85% at most CSU campuses reflect open access philosophy rather than program quality, as these schools serve California's broad educational mission. UC campuses like Irvine (21.15% acceptance) and San Diego (23.71% acceptance) maintain selectivity but offer limited seats relative to demand. CSU-Long Beach's 39.95% acceptance rate with 69.9% graduation suggests a middle ground between accessibility and academic rigor. High acceptance rates can benefit students who need flexible admission requirements while building technical skills.

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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.