Compare 40 Computer Science. programs in California. Average earnings: $103,628.
Computer Science programs produce graduates earning between $94,132 and $200,950—a $107K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 40 ranked programs in California, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
At the top, Stanford University produces Computer Science graduates earning $200,950, with Harvey Mudd College close behind at $183,524. UC Berkeley ranks third at $178,867—proving that public programs compete directly with elite privates. The state average of $103,628 shows the massive variation within California alone.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Stanford graduates borrow just $12,000 and face a 0.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, UC Berkeley leads with a 4.0% family burden, demonstrating that top programs can also be affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $200,950 | 307 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Excellent |
| #2 | Harvey Mudd CollegePrivate | $183,524 | 47 | $25,000 | Excellent | $33,386 | Excellent |
| #3 | $178,867 | 845 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $173,344 | 72 | — | — | — | — | |
| #5 | $143,152 | 247 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Excellent | |
| #6 | $136,471 | 163 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $131,731 | 435 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #8 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $129,473 | 66 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Excellent |
| #9 | Pomona CollegePrivate | $128,737 | 34 | $11,782 | Excellent | $27,861 | Excellent |
| #10 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $121,602 | 66 | $23,000 | Excellent | $44,413 | Good |
| #11 | $118,830 | 145 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $111,141 | 191 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #13 | $111,041 | 805 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $108,095 | 61 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $107,813 | 160 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Excellent | |
| #16 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $104,948 | 37 | $22,940 | Excellent | $56,559 | Manageable |
| #17 | $102,977 | 265 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Excellent | |
| #18 | $101,953 | 667 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Good | |
| #19 | $100,661 | 64 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,033 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $94,132 | 140 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $93,753 | 161 | $17,350 | Excellent | $18,031 | Excellent | |
| #22 | $92,118 | 238 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #23 | $91,805 | 209 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Good | |
| #24 | $90,351 | 239 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Excellent | |
| #25 | $89,630 | 264 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Excellent |
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 →
