2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Computer Science degree programs in California? This list ranks 668 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Computer Science Degree analyzed 42 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Computer Science Degree Schools in California
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of California Berkeley, our #1 best-value Computer Science school in California. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
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Out of the 42 schools in California in this year's value ranking, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Computer Science students take on a median of $19,273 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
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California State University Channel Islands came in at #3 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in California. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. That is a strong return on a $16,997 median debt. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
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California State University Chico came in at #4 on this year's best-value Computer Science ranking in California. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,591 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Chico report
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You'll get strong value at California State University Long Beach, which ranked #5 this year. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. California State University Long Beach Computer Science students take on a median of $15,671 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
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California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #6 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,226 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
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California State University Monterey Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. California State University Monterey Bay is a public school based in Seaside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $14,622. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,247. Set against $14,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full California State University Monterey Bay report
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California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete their Computer Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
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San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
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California State University Sacramento placed #10 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
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San Diego State University placed #11 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $16,417. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
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University Of California San Diego came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,101. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
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California State University East Bay ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full California State University East Bay report
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California State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. California State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,527 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $62,908 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,527 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
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California State University Fullerton came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,525. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on California State University Fullerton
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California State University Los Angeles placed #15 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Computer Science program here. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
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University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #17 spot for value in California this year. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,501 to complete their Computer Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
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San Francisco State University placed #18 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. The median Computer Science program debt is $17,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Francisco State University profile
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University Of California Irvine ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
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University Of Phoenix California came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. University Of Phoenix California Computer Science students take on a median of $37,432 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $37,432 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix California
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California State University San Bernardino offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. California State University San Bernardino Computer Science students take on a median of $15,149 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,977 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University San Bernardino
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California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete their Computer Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full California State University Fresno profile
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California State University Stanislaus landed the #23 spot for value in California this year. Located in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. California State University Stanislaus Computer Science students take on a median of $14,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,188 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Stanislaus
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California State University Dominguez Hills placed #24 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Set in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. California State University Dominguez Hills Computer Science students take on a median of $15,886 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Dominguez Hills
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University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,559. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report
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Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Riverside placed #26 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Located in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,699 ten years out. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside
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National University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $30,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Get the full National University report
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Devry University California placed #28 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. Students from in state pay about $17,008 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $45,747 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,987. Set against $45,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Devry University California profile
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California Institute Of Technology ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Pasadena, CA, California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,898 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $128,566 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 3%. More on California Institute Of Technology
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Stanford University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University Computer Science students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Stanford University
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California Baptist University placed #31 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,169 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,504 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Baptist University
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University Of San Francisco came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,522. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,935. University Of San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $89,812 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
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Academy Of Art University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $30,736 in tuition and fees. Academy Of Art University Computer Science students take on a median of $33,568 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,008. That is a strong return on a $33,568 median debt. Get the full Academy Of Art University report
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University Of San Diego placed #34 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,486. University Of San Diego Computer Science students take on a median of $23,795 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about University Of San Diego
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California Lutheran University placed #35 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Set in Thousand Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,560 in tuition and fees. California Lutheran University Computer Science students take on a median of $22,727 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,712. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. California Lutheran University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full California Lutheran University profile
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Loyola Marymount University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $22,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,248 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
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University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Get the full University Of Southern California report
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Chapman University landed the #38 spot for value in California this year. Set in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,984. Graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Median earnings reach $70,070 ten years out. Set against $21,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Chapman University profile
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San Joaquin Valley College Visalia ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. San Joaquin Valley College Visalia is a private for-profit school based in Visalia, CA. San Joaquin Valley College Visalia Computer Science students take on a median of $16,957 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,317 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,957 median debt. Read the full report on San Joaquin Valley College Visalia
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Mti College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Sacramento, CA, Mti College is a private for-profit institution. Typical Computer Science student debt is $10,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,328 ten years after entry. Set against $10,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. More on Mti College
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Asher College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Located in Sacramento, CA, Asher College is a private for-profit institution. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,645. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,468 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,645 median debt. Read more about Asher College
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Laurus College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, Laurus College is a private for-profit institution. The median Computer Science program debt is $33,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,896. That is a strong return on a $33,595 median debt. More on Laurus College
Request InformationAdvance Beauty Techs Academy came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Advance Beauty Techs Academy
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Edvance College
Edvance College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Edvance College
Request InformationEvergreen Valley College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. See the full Evergreen Valley College profile
Request InformationLos Medanos College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Get the full Los Medanos College report
Request InformationSan Joaquin Valley College Hesperia placed #47 among the best-value Computer Science schools in California. Read more about San Joaquin Valley College Hesperia
Request InformationUniversity Of East West Medicine came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of East West Medicine
Request InformationUniversity Of La Verne ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Computer Science schools. Read more about University Of La Verne
Request InformationCalifornia Western School Of Law landed the #50 spot for value in California this year. See the full California Western School Of Law profile
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Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Computer Science Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 42 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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