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2023 Best Computer Science Schools in California

42 Schools Ranked
$43,905 Average Earnings
$18,481 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which computer science program is right for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Computer Science Degree Search has created its Best Computer Science Schools in California ranking. This report analyzed 42 schools in California to see which ones offered the best programs for computer science students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Computer Science Schools in California

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
$94,845 Average Earnings

Our 2023 rankings named California Institute of Technology the best school in California for computer science students working on their degree.

Once they receive their degree, Caltech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $94,845 during the early year of their career.

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#2

Stanford University

Stanford, California
$83,159 Average Earnings
$13,926 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 42 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the # 2 spot on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,926 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Stanford graduates make an average of $83,159 annually.

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#3

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
$60,587 Average Earnings
$15,301 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of California - Berkeley is a great place for computer science students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,301 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $323.After graduating from UC Berkeley, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,587 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of California - Berkeley

#4

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
$50,251 Average Earnings
$17,172 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means University of California - San Diego is a great place for computer science students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,172 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $242, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCSD graduates make an average of $50,251 annually.

Full University of California - San Diego Report

$54,753 Average Earnings
$18,067 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Computer Science Schools in California list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,067 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $377, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates make an average of $54,753 annually.

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#6

Asher College

Sacramento, California
$32,952 Average Earnings
$19,362 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Asher College did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working.

Degree recipients from Asher College accumulate an average of $19,362 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Asher College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,952 during the early year of their career.

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#7

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
$65,044 Average Earnings
$15,661 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern California landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,661 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $489, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, USC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,044 during the early year of their career.

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#8

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
$40,268 Average Earnings
$16,986 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

Degree recipients from UCSB accumulate an average of $16,986 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $287. During the early years of their career, UCSB graduates make an average of $40,268 annually.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Report

#9

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, California
$48,301 Average Earnings
$20,811 Avg Student Debt

Loyola Marymount University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,811 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $821 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Loyola Marymount, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,301 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Loyola Marymount University

#10

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
$39,446 Average Earnings
$17,199 Avg Student Debt

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Schools in California ranking.

Degree recipients from San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia accumulate an average of $17,199 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $102 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,446 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

#11

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
$44,120 Average Earnings
$16,722 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Irvine came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Schools in California ranking.

On average, students take out $16,722 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $209. During the early years of their career, UC Irvine graduates make an average of $44,120 annually.

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#12

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
$60,640 Average Earnings
$21,881 Avg Student Debt

University of San Francisco came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Schools in California ranking.

Degree recipients from USFCA accumulate an average of $21,881 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $653, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, USFCA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $60,640 during the early year of their career.

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#13

University of San Diego

San Diego, California
$56,794 Average Earnings
$21,638 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, University of San Diego did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working.

Degree recipients from USD accumulate an average of $21,638 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $796 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from USD, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,794 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of San Diego

#14

MTI College

Sacramento, California
$30,675 Average Earnings
$11,345 Avg Student Debt

MTI College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

On average, students take out $11,345 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $58, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from MTI College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,675 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on MTI College

#15

California Baptist University

Riverside, California
$44,426 Average Earnings
$29,767 Avg Student Debt

California Baptist University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students. It came in at #15 on the list.

On average, students take out $29,767 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $503. Once they receive their degree, Cal Baptist graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,426 during the early year of their career.

Full California Baptist University Report

#16

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
$35,777 Average Earnings
$18,900 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Santa Cruz ranked #16 on this year’s Best Computer Science Schools in California list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,900 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $285 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,777 during the early years of their career.

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$41,305 Average Earnings
$19,135 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Chico landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,135 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $365. During the early years of their career, Chico State graduates make an average of $41,305 annually.

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$42,739 Average Earnings
$18,841 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Channel Islands landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

On average, students take out $18,841 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $243 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CSUCI graduates make an average of $42,739 annually.

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#19

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, California
$35,075 Average Earnings
$35,400 Avg Student Debt

Academy of Art University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Computer Science Schools in California list.

On average, students take out $35,400 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $877. During the early years of their career, Academy of Art University graduates make an average of $35,075 annually.

Read full report on Academy of Art University

#20

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
$45,826 Average Earnings
$18,150 Avg Student Debt

San Diego State University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

On average, students take out $18,150 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $251 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from SDSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,826 during the early years of their career.

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#21

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California
$32,967 Average Earnings
$18,387 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Riverside did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students. It came in at #21 on the list.

Degree recipients from UCR accumulate an average of $18,387 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $150, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UCR graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,967 during the early year of their career.

Full University of California - Riverside Report

#22

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
$52,886 Average Earnings

San Jose State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students. It came in at #22 on the list.

Once they receive their degree, San Jose State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,886 during the early year of their career.

Full San Jose State University Report

$45,201 Average Earnings
$18,789 Avg Student Debt

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Schools in California ranking.

On average, students take out $18,789 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $171. During the early years of their career, Cal Poly Pomona graduates make an average of $45,201 annually.

Read full report on California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

#24

Laurus College

San Luis Obispo, California
$27,442 Average Earnings
$35,609 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Laurus College did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working.

Degree recipients from Laurus College accumulate an average of $35,609 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Laurus College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,442 during the early years of their career.

Full Laurus College Report

#25

National University

La Jolla, California
$58,580 Average Earnings
$31,362 Avg Student Debt

National University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best computer science programs.

On average, students take out $31,362 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $198. Once they receive their degree, National University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,580 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on National University

Best Computer Science Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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