California · Computer and Information Sciences

Best Computer and Information Sciences institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Computer and Information Sciences program focuses on the intersection of computing and informatics, treating computers as essential tools for problem-solving and innovation. This program is designed for students interested in…

Institutions
127
offering CIP 11.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
6,896
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$59,291
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
17
College Scorecard
Median net price
$28,035
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
47%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Computer and Information Research Scientists
$163,890
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$88,03078693%$13,550
2University of California - Davis
Davis Public · Bachelor's degree
$84,3435886%$14,282
3Westmont College
Santa Barbara Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$83,0261170%$28,035
4Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$79,7637779%$36,488$26,000
5Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$71,1112177%$48,795$25,000
6University of Phoenix - California
Ontario Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$59,291522%$41,693
7California State University - Northridge
Northridge Public · Bachelor's degree
$55,93111257%$19,007
8California Baptist University
Riverside Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$55,0011462%$26,940
9University of California - Irvine
Irvine Public · Bachelor's degree
$53,51711187%$20,000
10University of La Verne
La Verne Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$52,1602963%$45,461$25,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+19.7%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$140,910
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningMathematics

What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in California

Jobs in California
8,570
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$163,890
median $156,290
Best-paying metro
$201,460
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Software Developers
$185,750 avg · 292,630 jobs
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$232,710 avg · 100,020 jobs
Computer Occupations, All Other
$136,310 avg · 85,270 jobs
Computer Systems Analysts
$132,940 avg · 55,460 jobs
Data Scientists
$155,450 avg · 36,850 jobs
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
$130,250 avg · 31,530 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Computer and Information Sciences programs in California.

Which Computer and Information Sciences program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of California - Berkeley tops the list at $88,030. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in California is $163,890 (median $156,290), across about 8,570 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Computer and Information Sciences program?+

The Computer and Information Sciences program focuses on the intersection of computing and informatics, treating computers as essential tools for problem-solving and innovation. This program is designed for students interested in…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Computer and Information Sciences in other statesSouth DakotaMinnesotaUtahConnecticutWisconsinVirginiaWashingtonMichigan

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card