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Cheapest Mathematics and Computer Science Colleges in California

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

Harvey Mudd College graduates with Mathematics and Computer Science degrees earn $122,038 annually while paying a net price of $32,492, making it one of the few schools where the investment clearly pays off despite higher costs. California's 11 affordable programs range from UC San Diego's remarkable $11,750 net price to Santa Clara University's $50,959, creating a $39,209 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. The state's position as home to Silicon Valley, major aerospace companies like SpaceX, and leading biotech firms creates strong demand for graduates with strong mathematical and computational skills, particularly in the Bay Area where many of these programs operate.
11
Programs
$11,750 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$122,038
Avg. Program Earnings
77.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Mathematics and Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
2 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
3 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
4 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
5 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
6 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
7 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
8 $32,492 $66,255 93.8% 13.4%
9 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
10 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
11 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UC San Diego and UC Irvine such affordable options for Mathematics and Computer Science?

UC San Diego offers the lowest net price at $11,750 with an 87.60% graduation rate, while UC Irvine follows at $12,840 with 86.00% graduation rate. Both schools maintain selective admissions under 24% acceptance rates while keeping costs low through California's public university system and Cal Grant funding.

How do private college costs compare to public universities for this major in California?

Private colleges range from $28,248 at Woodbury University to $50,959 at Santa Clara University, while public options like CSU Chico cost just $14,838. The gap reaches $36,121 between the most expensive private school and cheapest public option, though some private schools offer better graduation rates.

Does Harvey Mudd College justify its higher net price with career outcomes?

Harvey Mudd graduates earn $122,038 annually with only $23,000 in debt and achieve a 93.80% graduation rate. The school accepts just 13.36% of applicants, making it highly selective but offering strong returns on the $32,492 investment for those who gain admission.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and graduation rates?

UC San Diego and UC Irvine both offer strong value with graduation rates above 86% and net prices under $13,000. Pitzer College provides another strong option at $31,663 with an 83.20% graduation rate and 18.40% acceptance rate for students seeking a private college experience.

More Mathematics and Computer Science Rankings

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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.