California · Computer Science

Best Computer Science institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

Institutions
135
offering CIP 11.07
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
15,458
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$132,265
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
39
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,035
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
51%
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
1California Institute of Technology
Pasadena Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$173,3449494%$17,608
2University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$149,86684693%$13,900
3Pomona College
Claremont Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$143,0846593%$16,571
4Stanford University
Stanford Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$138,61382892%$12,032$10,399
5University of Southern California
Los Angeles Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$137,2841,53392%$26,873$20,178
6Harvey Mudd College
Claremont Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$132,2653792%$22,858$22,949
7University of California - San Diego
La Jolla Public · Bachelor's degree
$112,00685486%$16,550
8California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Public · Bachelor's degree
$111,14124786%$19,298
9University of California - Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Public · Bachelor's degree
$107,77623983%$11,000
10University of San Diego
San Diego Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$104,9485384%$26,035$19,719

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
Data Scientists
$155,450 avg · 36,850 jobs
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
$130,250 avg · 31,530 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$141,610 avg · 27,210 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in California.

Which Computer Science program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), California Institute of Technology tops the list at $173,344. 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 Science program?+

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

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).

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