2024 Best Colleges for Computer Science in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Computer Science programs in California. We looked at 56 programs to put our Computer Science rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Computer Science in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Computer Science is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Computer Science: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Computer Science in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Computer Science undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Computer Science degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Computer Science Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Computer Science in California?

Stanford University is the best university for majoring in Computer Science based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Stanford University earned an average of $147,858 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Computer Science in California?

California State University-Monterey Bay is the cheapest university for majoring in Computer Science based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,119 to attend California State University-Monterey Bay.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Computer Science in California?

Harvey Mudd College is the most expensive university for majoring in Computer Science based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,649 to attend Harvey Mudd College.

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#16 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $73,635
Average Debt $19,435
Program Size 79
California State University-Channel Islands
4 Year
Camarillo, CA
California State University-Channel Islands, located in Camarillo, CA has 79 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $73,635.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 1,718 students
Tuition $6,547
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#17 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $73,128
Average Debt $15,738
Program Size 951
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 951 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $73,128.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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#18 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $73,128
Average Debt $15,738
Program Size 951
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 951 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $73,128.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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#19 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $72,899
Average Debt $35,168
Program Size 55
National University
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
National University, located in La Jolla, CA has 55 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $72,899.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 5,223 students
Tuition $12,744
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#20 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $72,796
Average Debt $25,000
Program Size 70
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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University of San Francisco, located in San Francisco, CA has 70 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $72,796.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 3,307 students
Tuition $42,634
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#21 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $71,575
Average Debt $19,404
Program Size 51
California Lutheran University (CLU)
4 Year
Thousand Oaks, CA
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California Lutheran University (CLU), located in Thousand Oaks, CA has 51 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $71,575.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 1,282 students
Tuition $38,430
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#22 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $71,015
Average Debt $19,636
Program Size 241
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning
4 Year
San Marcos, CA
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N/A
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning, located in San Marcos, CA has 241 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $71,015.
Acceptance Rate 54%
Undergraduates 3,507 students
Tuition $7,269
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#23 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $69,338
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 38
University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
University of San Diego, located in San Diego, CA has 38 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $69,338.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 2,400 students
Tuition $44,586
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#24 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $68,499
Average Debt $18,538
Program Size 313
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 313 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $68,499.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#25 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $68,219
Average Debt $17,047
Program Size 252
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
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San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 252 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $68,219.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#26 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $67,240
Average Debt $18,445
Program Size 299
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 299 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $67,240.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#27 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $67,101
Average Debt $18,283
Program Size 334
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
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California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, CA has 334 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $67,101.
Acceptance Rate 42%
Undergraduates 10,530 students
Tuition $6,437
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#28 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $65,585
Average Debt $17,977
Program Size 807
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
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University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, CA has 807 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $65,585.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 4,437 students
Tuition $13,461
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#29 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $65,387
Average Debt $16,281
Program Size 208
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 208 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $65,387.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
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#30 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $64,394
Average Debt $18,795
Program Size 405
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
4 Year
Pomona, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, located in Pomona, CA has 405 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $64,394.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 5,596 students
Tuition $7,016
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