Compare 25 Computer Engineering. programs in California. Average earnings: $102,221.
The highest-earning Computer Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $78K earnings gap across 25 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Santa Clara University's Computer Engineering program leads with graduates earning $159,782, well above the state average of $102,221. But UC Los Angeles follows closely at $128,131, while San Jose State delivers $127,047—proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to private institutions.
For students, UC Los Angeles offers the best deal: graduates borrow $14,000 with just a 1.8% payment burden, earning 'Excellent' affordability status. When family debt matters, Cal State Fresno leads with a 4.9% family burden—loan payments take minimal bites from post-graduation budgets.
Highest program earnings: $159,782
Strong outcomes ($127,047) with 80% acceptance
1.8% payment burden | Excellent
4.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $159,782 | 77 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | Good |
| #2 | $128,131 | 74 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #3 | $127,047 | 276 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $126,160 | 124 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $122,307 | 158 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #6 | $120,745 | 100 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Excellent | |
| #7 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $120,601 | 5 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | Good |
| #8 | $118,191 | 85 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $115,102 | 42 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #10 | $114,658 | 55 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $102,202 | 24 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $101,927 | 45 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Excellent | |
| #13 | $100,678 | 49 | $17,500 | Excellent | $18,275 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $100,156 | 288 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $97,708 | 42 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Excellent | |
| #16 | $94,641 | 64 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #17 | $94,197 | 7 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Excellent | |
| #18 | $93,970 | 36 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Excellent | |
| #19 | $88,988 | 105 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $81,634 | 57 | $14,715 | Excellent | $12,000 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $80,693 | 134 | $16,144 | Excellent | $18,376 | Good | |
| #22 | $78,931 | 5 | $26,063 | Excellent | $31,387 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $71,015 | 41 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Good | |
| #24 | $70,456 | 81 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $45,600 | 14 | $16,600 | Good | $9,000 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
