Best colleges for Computer Software and Media Applications in California
Ranked by graduate earnings
Academy of Art University, University of Southern California and San Diego Global Knowledge University award the most Computer Software and Media Applications degrees in California: 248, 149 and 89 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 69 California colleges offer Computer Software and Media Applications and award 1,300 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Software and Media Applications program focuses on the design, development, and implementation of software systems and media applications. It is ideal for individuals interested in combining creativity with technical skills to…
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California Los Angeles Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $103,071 | 149 | 92% | $26,873 | $23,500 |
| 2 | Academy of Art University San Francisco Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,387 | 248 | 34% | $40,294 | $39,715 |
| 3 | University of Silicon Valley San Jose Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,693 | 25 | 29% | $30,599 | $31,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Software and Media Applications degrees in California
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academy of Art University San Francisco Private for-profit | 248 | $45,387 |
| 2 | University of Southern California Los Angeles Private not-for-profit | 149 | $103,071 |
| 3 | San Diego Global Knowledge University San Diego Private for-profit | 89 | Not reported |
| 4 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa Public | 58 | Not reported |
| 5 | Art Center College of Design Pasadena Private not-for-profit | 57 | Not reported |
| 6 | Modesto Junior College Modesto Public | 35 | Not reported |
| 7 | Imperial Valley College Imperial Public | 30 | Not reported |
| 8 | MiraCosta College Oceanside Public | 30 | Not reported |
| 9 | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Public | 28 | Not reported |
| 10 | Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster Public | 27 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 59 California colleges offering Computer Software and Media Applications
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252).
Top skills
What Software Developers earn in California
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer Software and Media Applications programs in California.
Which California colleges award the most Computer Software and Media Applications degrees?+
Academy of Art University (248 graduates a year), University of Southern California (149 graduates a year) and San Diego Global Knowledge University (89 graduates a year) award the most Computer Software and Media Applications degrees in California, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 69 California colleges offer Computer Software and Media Applications.
Which Computer Software and Media Applications program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Southern California tops the list at $103,071. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Software Developers earn in California?+
The average annual wage for Software Developers in California is $186,770 (median $174,410), across about 284,390 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Computer Software and Media Applications program?+
The Computer Software and Media Applications program focuses on the design, development, and implementation of software systems and media applications. It is ideal for individuals interested in combining creativity with technical skills to…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, active listening, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Software Developers?+
The national job outlook is about +15.8% growth with around 115,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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