Skip to main content

Cheapest Computer Software and Media Applications Colleges in California

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

University of California-Irvine stands out among California's Computer Software and Media Applications programs with a net price of just $12,840, making it the most affordable option in a state where program costs range up to $50,959. This price gap becomes particularly striking when considering that graduates from the most expensive program at University of Southern California earn median salaries of $108,649, while some programs like Ashford University show earnings as low as $25,967. California's position as home to Silicon Valley, major entertainment studios, and tech giants like Apple and Google creates substantial demand for software and media professionals. The state's 13 programs span from highly selective research universities to specialized art schools, reflecting the varied career paths available in this field.
13
Programs
$12,840 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$53,234
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Computer Software and Media Applications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
2 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
3 $15,693 38.5%
4 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
5 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
6 $30,799 $22,480 34.9% 64.7%
7 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
8 $33,294 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
9 $39,778 $28,024 40.5%
10 $42,168 $57,946 58.7% 75.7%
11 $47,183 $56,724 64.2% 24.8%
12 $50,209 $51,640 82.6% 71.0%
13 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between UC Irvine at $12,840 and Santa Clara University at $50,959?

UC Irvine benefits from California's public university system and substantial state funding, while Santa Clara operates as a private institution without state subsidies. Public universities like UC Irvine and Cal State Chico can offer dramatically lower net prices, with Chico's in-state tuition at just $8,064 compared to Santa Clara's $59,241 sticker price.

How do graduation rates vary among California's Computer Software and Media Applications programs?

Graduation rates span from 8.8% at Ashford University to 92% at University of Southern California, creating a massive performance gap. The UC schools perform particularly well, with UC Irvine at 86% and UC Santa Cruz at 74.5%, while several for-profit institutions struggle with completion rates below 45%.

Does program cost correlate with earning potential in this field?

Not necessarily, as University of Southern California graduates earn $108,649 despite the program's high cost, while some expensive programs show modest returns. Ashford University charges $25,321 net price but shows earnings of only $25,967, demonstrating that higher costs don't guarantee better financial outcomes.

Where should students focus when comparing these California programs?

Students should examine graduation rates alongside costs, as programs like UC Irvine combine affordability with strong completion rates at 86%. The 21.15% acceptance rate at UC Irvine versus 95% at Cal State Chico also indicates different academic requirements and potentially different career preparation approaches.

More Computer Software and Media Applications Rankings

Best Value Computer Software and Media Applications in California Computer Software and Media Applications Under $20,000 in California

Related

All Computer Software and Media Applications Programs Best Colleges in California Best Computer Software and Media Applications in California

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