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Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California

125 Schools Ranked
$2,018 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$16,665 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which computer science program to enroll in when you have so many options available. 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. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Computer Science Degree Search has created the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 125 schools in California to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for computer science students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

De Anza College

Cupertino, California
177 Total Awards
$1,562 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,713 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found De Anza College to be the most popular school for computer science students who want to pursue a associate degree in California. De Anza College is a fairly large public school situated in Cupertino, California. It awarded 177 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,562 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend De Anza College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,787. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,713 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 25% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at De Anza College. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on De Anza College

#2

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
169 Total Awards
$1,312 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,188 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Diablo Valley College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. This fairly large public school is located in Pleasant Hill, California, and it awarded 169 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Diablo Valley is $1,312. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,328. Associate Degree recipients from Diablo Valley accumulate an average of $12,188 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Diablo Valley, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 42% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Diablo Valley College Report

#3

Long Beach City College

Long Beach, California
115 Total Awards
$1,556 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,172 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Long Beach City College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in California. Located in Long Beach, California, the large public school handed out 115 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,556 in tuition and fees if they attend Long Beach City College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,444. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,172 in student loans. Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Long Beach City College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Long Beach City College Report

#4

American River College

Sacramento, California
105 Total Awards
$14,093 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend American River College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. American River is a public institution located in Sacramento, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 105 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,093 in student loans. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at American River. In 2019-2020 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on American River College

#4

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
105 Total Awards
$13,604 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at City College of San Francisco helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in California. Located in San Francisco, California, the fairly large public school awarded 105 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $13,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at City College of San Francisco, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 35% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full City College of San Francisco Report

#6

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, California
99 Total Awards
$1,198 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,449 Avg Student Debt

Orange Coast College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Costa Mesa, California, and it awarded 99 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Orange Coast College is $1,198. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,398. On average, associate degree students take out $10,449 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Orange Coast College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Orange Coast College Report

#7

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
90 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Santa Monica College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their associate degree. Located in Santa Monica, California, the large public school awarded 90 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SMC is $1,146. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,090. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,428 in student loans. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SMC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Santa Monica College

#8

Grossmont College

El Cajon, California
86 Total Awards
$1,332 Average Tuition & Fees

Grossmont College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. El Cajon, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 86 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,332 in tuition and fees if they attend Grossmont College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,928. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Grossmont College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Grossmont College Report

#9

Asher College

Sacramento, California
84 Total Awards
$18,907 Avg Student Debt

Asher College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Asher College is located in Sacramento, California and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 84 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Asher College accumulate an average of $18,907 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 12% were women.

Asher College is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#10

University of the People

Pasadena, California
80 Total Awards

University of the People ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Pasadena, California, and it awarded 80 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, University of the People is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on University of the People

#11

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
73 Total Awards
$1,156 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,268 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Sierra College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their associate degree. Sierra College is located in Rocklin, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 73 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees if they attend Sierra College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,900. Associate Degree recipients from Sierra College accumulate an average of $16,268 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 11% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Sierra College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 56% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Sierra College Report

#12

Southwestern College

Chula Vista, California
65 Total Awards
$1,342 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,239 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. SWC Chula Vista is a public institution located in Chula Vista, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 65 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend SWC Chula Vista full time pay an average of $1,342 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,434. On average, associate degree students take out $11,239 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 9% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that SWC Chula Vista does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 43% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Southwestern College Report

#12

Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, California
65 Total Awards
$1,184 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,680 Avg Student Debt

Chaffey College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and it awarded 65 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Chaffey College full time pay an average of $1,184 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,960. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,680 in student loans. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Chaffey College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Chaffey College Report

#14

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, California
63 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,439 Avg Student Debt

College of the Canyons came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 63 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees if they attend College of the Canyons full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,682. Associate Degree recipients from College of the Canyons accumulate an average of $13,439 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 27% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at College of the Canyons. In 2019-2020 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full College of the Canyons Report

#15

Mt. San Jacinto College

San Jacinto, California
58 Total Awards
$1,406 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,865 Avg Student Debt

Mt. San Jacinto College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. MSJC is a public institution located in San Jacinto, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 58 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend MSJC full time pay an average of $1,406 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,276. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,865 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 21% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at MSJC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 18% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, California
57 Total Awards
$1,274 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,121 Avg Student Debt

Modesto Junior College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Modesto, California, and it awarded 57 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MJC is $1,274. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,550. On average, associate degree students take out $11,121 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at MJC. In fact, around 84% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, California
57 Total Awards
$1,170 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,825 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Coastline Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their associate degree. Coastline Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Fountain Valley, California that handed out 57 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,170 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Coastline Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,010. Associate Degree recipients from Coastline Community College accumulate an average of $13,825 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Coastline Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Coastline Community College Report

#16

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
57 Total Awards
$1,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,559 Avg Student Debt

Mt. San Antonio College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree computer science programs. Mt. SAC is located in Walnut, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 57 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from California who attend Mt. SAC full time pay an average of $1,352 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,032. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,559 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 7% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Mt. SAC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#16

Sacramento City College

Sacramento, California
57 Total Awards
$14,875 Avg Student Debt

Sacramento City College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Sacramento City College is a fairly large public school located in Sacramento, California that handed out 57 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,875 in student loans. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Sacramento City does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Sacramento City College Report

#20

Cosumnes River College

Sacramento, California
55 Total Awards
$11,169 Avg Student Debt

Cosumnes River College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 55 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Cosumnes River accumulate an average of $11,169 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Cosumnes River. In 2019-2020 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Cosumnes River College Report

#21

Irvine Valley College

Irvine, California
54 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees

Irvine Valley College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in Irvine, California, the fairly large public school awarded 54 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Irvine Valley College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,826. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Irvine Valley College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Irvine Valley College

#21

DeVry University - California

Pomona, California
54 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,424 Avg Student Debt

DeVry University - California did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. This small private for-profit school is located in Pomona, California, and it awarded 54 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend DeVry University - California, expect to pay an average of $15,032 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $35,424 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 13% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at DeVry University - California, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full DeVry University - California Report

#23

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, California
51 Total Awards
$1,565 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,391 Avg Student Debt

Foothill College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Foothill College is a fairly large public school situated in Los Altos Hills, California. It awarded 51 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Foothill College is $1,565. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,790. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,391 in student loans. Around 22% of those degree recipients were women.

Foothill College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Foothill College

#24

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California
49 Total Awards
$1,126 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,645 Avg Student Debt

Imperial Valley College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California list. IVC is a public institution located in Imperial, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 49 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,126 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend IVC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,646. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,645 in student loans. Around 29% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at IVC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Imperial Valley College

#24

Cerritos College

Norwalk, California
49 Total Awards
$1,346 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,554 Avg Student Debt

Cerritos College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Norwalk, California, the fairly large public school handed out 49 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Cerritos College is $1,346. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,026. On average, associate degree students take out $14,554 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

Online courses are available at Cerritos College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 85% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Cerritos College

Most Popular Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular computer science schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Palomar College San Marcos, CA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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