Best colleges for Mathematics and Computer Science in California
Ranked by graduate earnings
Harvey Mudd College, Santa Clara University and University of California-San Diego are the top bachelor's Mathematics and Computer Science programs in California by graduate earnings. Harvey Mudd College leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $166,573, College Scorecard. University of California-San Diego, Santa Clara University and Harvey Mudd College award the most Mathematics and Computer Science degrees in California: 454, 119 and 54 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 11 California colleges offer Mathematics and Computer Science and award 722 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Mathematics and Computer Science program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining essential concepts from both fields to prepare students for a dynamic career landscape. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate…
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 | Harvey Mudd College Claremont Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $166,573 | 54 | 92% | $22,858 | $23,000 |
| 2 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $91,851 | 119 | 88% | $44,094 | $21,500 |
| 3 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla Public · Bachelor's degree | $89,651 | 454 | 86% | — | $18,887 |
Colleges awarding the most Mathematics and Computer Science 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 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla Public | 454 | $89,651 |
| 2 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara Private not-for-profit | 119 | $91,851 |
| 3 | Harvey Mudd College Claremont Private not-for-profit | 54 | $166,573 |
| 4 | University of California-Irvine Irvine Public | 49 | Not reported |
| 5 | Pepperdine University Malibu Private not-for-profit | 22 | Not reported |
| 6 | California Institute of Technology Pasadena Private not-for-profit | 8 | Not reported |
| 7 | San Jose State University San Jose Public | 5 | Not reported |
| 8 | University of Southern California Los Angeles Private not-for-profit | 4 | Not reported |
| 9 | Whittier College Whittier Private not-for-profit | 3 | Not reported |
| 10 | Woodbury University Burbank Private not-for-profit | 3 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 1 California colleges offering Mathematics and Computer Science
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scripps College | Claremont | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Mathematicians (SOC 15-2021).
Top skills
What Mathematicians earn in California
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Mathematics and Computer Science programs in California.
Which California colleges award the most Mathematics and Computer Science degrees?+
University of California-San Diego (454 graduates a year), Santa Clara University (119 graduates a year) and Harvey Mudd College (54 graduates a year) award the most Mathematics and Computer Science degrees in California, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 11 California colleges offer Mathematics and Computer Science.
What is the best college for Mathematics and Computer Science in California?+
By graduate earnings, Harvey Mudd College leads among bachelor's Mathematics and Computer Science programs in California, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $166,573, College Scorecard. Santa Clara University and University of California-San Diego follow. By degrees awarded, University of California-San Diego is the largest, with 454 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Mathematics and Computer Science program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Harvey Mudd College tops the list at $166,573. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Mathematicians earn in California?+
The average annual wage for Mathematicians in California is $129,110 (median $126,710), across about 250 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Mathematics and Computer Science program?+
The Mathematics and Computer Science program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining essential concepts from both fields to prepare students for a dynamic career landscape. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop mathematics, critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Mathematicians?+
The national job outlook is about -0.7% growth with around 100 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).
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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