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.

Show Less

Sort By:

#1 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $147,858
Average Debt $14,970
Program Size 593
Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
Video Rating
N/A
Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA has 593 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $147,858.
Acceptance Rate 5%
Undergraduates 4,779 students
Tuition $46,320
0
Slide this button to indicate your GPA
4.0
My GPA
#2 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $142,581
Average Debt $21,000
Program Size 72
Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Harvey Mudd College, located in Claremont, CA has 72 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $142,581.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 195 students
Tuition $50,649
0
4.0
My GPA
#3 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $135,393
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 89
Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Pomona College, located in Claremont, CA has 89 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $135,393.
Acceptance Rate 10%
Undergraduates 387 students
Tuition $47,620
0
4.0
My GPA
#4 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $129,821
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 124
California Institute of Technology
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena, CA has 124 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $129,821.
Acceptance Rate 9%
Undergraduates 556 students
Tuition $45,390
0
4.0
My GPA
#5 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $128,909
Average Debt $13,543
Program Size 1,162
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
Video Rating
UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 1,162 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $128,909.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
0
4.0
My GPA
#6 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $128,909
Average Debt $13,543
Program Size 1,162
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 1,162 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $128,909.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
0
4.0
My GPA
#7 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $94,851
Average Debt $19,402
Program Size 376
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 376 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $94,851.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
0
4.0
My GPA
#8 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $91,744
Average Debt $18,500
Program Size 240
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
Video Rating
UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 240 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $91,744.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
0
4.0
My GPA
#9 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $91,744
Average Debt $18,500
Program Size 240
University of California-Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
Video Rating
N/A
University of California-Santa Barbara, located in Santa Barbara, CA has 240 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $91,744.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
0
4.0
My GPA
#10 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $86,972
Average Debt $17,530
Program Size 1,149
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
Video Rating
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 1,149 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $86,972.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
0
4.0
My GPA
#11 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $82,440
Average Debt $18,157
Program Size 93
California State University-Chico
4 Year
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico, located in Chico, CA has 93 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $82,440.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 4,093 students
Tuition $7,022
0
4.0
My GPA
#12 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $80,336
Average Debt $21,500
Program Size 55
Chapman University (CU)
4 Year
Orange, CA
Video Rating
Chapman University (CU), located in Orange, CA has 55 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $80,336.
Acceptance Rate 48%
Undergraduates 2,243 students
Tuition $47,260
0
4.0
My GPA
#13 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $77,715
Average Debt $22,060
Program Size 105
Sonoma State University
4 Year
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University, located in Rohnert Park, CA has 105 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $77,715.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,461 students
Tuition $7,330
0
4.0
My GPA
#14 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $77,536
Average Debt $17,556
Program Size 406
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
Video Rating
N/A
San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 406 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $77,536.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
0
4.0
My GPA
#15 Best College for Computer Science
Average Salary $75,047
Average Debt $17,405
Program Size 236
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 236 students majoring in Computer Science. On average, graduates earn $75,047.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
0
4.0
My GPA
Other Major Rankings
Best Computer Science Programs by State
Most Popular Major Rankings