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2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k

39 Ranked Colleges
13,342 Degrees Awarded
Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

With 59,565 degrees handed out in 2020-2021, computer science is the 8th most popular major in the United States.

Across California, there were 13,342 computer science graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking analyzed 39 colleges that offered a degree in computer science. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent computer science programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the computer science program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Computer Science (Income $48-$75k) in California

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Stanford, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 628 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Stanford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend Stanford University is $7,081 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Stanford University Computer Science Report

2

Out of the 39 schools in the Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, California Institute of Technology landed the #2 spot on the list. California Institute of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pasadena, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 84 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Caltech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California Institute of Technology is $9,755 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Computer Science at California Institute of Technology

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 856 ’s computer science degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Berkeley, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Berkeley is $13,423 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Computer Science at University of California - Berkeley

4

Out of the 39 schools in the Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #4 spot on the list. University of California - San Diego is a large school located in La Jolla, California that handed out 868 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

UCSD not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. It costs about $14,310 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of California - San Diego.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Computer Science at UCSD

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Irvine. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k. University of California - Irvine is located in Irvine, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,007 ’s computer science degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Irvine, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Irvine is $13,275 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Computer Science at University of California - Irvine

6
Pomona crest
Pomona College
Claremont, California

Pomona College landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Pomona College is located in Claremont, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 33 ’s computer science degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k list, Pomona has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Pomona is $9,365 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Pomona College Computer Science Report

7
Harvey Mudd College crest
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, California

Harvey Mudd College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Harvey Mudd College is located in Claremont, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 48 ’s computer science degrees to qualified students.

Harvey Mudd College also made our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list, coming in at #7. The yearly cost to attend Harvey Mudd College is $18,077 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 92%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Computer Science at Harvey Mudd College

8

With a ranking of #8, California State University - Los Angeles did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State University - Los Angeles is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 182 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $5,700 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - Los Angeles.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer Science at California State University - Los Angeles

9

California State University - Fullerton ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 397 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton also took the #18 spot in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $9,017 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer Science at Cal State Fullerton

10

University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. This large school is located in Santa Barbara, California, and it awarded 215 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k list, UCSB has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $14,583 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UCSB.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Computer Science Report

11

University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #11. Santa Cruz, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s computer science degrees to 729 students in 2020-2021.

UC Santa Cruz not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for UC Santa Cruz is $15,567 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of California - Santa Cruz Computer Science Report

12
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #12. USC is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 1,386 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k list, USC has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Southern California is $22,826 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full USC Computer Science Report

13

University of California - Riverside landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Riverside, California, this large public school awarded 316 diplomas to qualified ’s computer science students in 2020-2021.

UCR also made our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $11,126 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UCR.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full UCR Computer Science Report

14

With a ranking of #14, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 310 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. It costs about $12,602 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - Sacramento.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Sacramento Computer Science Report

15

California State University - Long Beach landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California State University - Long Beach is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 304 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB also made our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list, coming in at #22. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Long Beach is $11,189 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full CSULB Computer Science Report

16

With a ranking of #16, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State University - Northridge is a public institution located in Northridge, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 228 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUN also made our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list, coming in at #24. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $10,780 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer Science at California State University - Northridge

17
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. SDSU is a large public school situated in San Diego, California. It awarded 381 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend SDSU is $14,698 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer Science at San Diego State University

18

California State University - Fresno ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Fresno, California, this large public school handed out 69 diplomas to qualified ’s computer science students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fresno is $8,030 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Computer Science at California State University - Fresno

19

California State University - Dominguez Hills ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Carson, California, this fairly large public school awarded 90 diplomas to qualified ’s computer science students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUDH is $6,333 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Computer Science at CSUDH

20

California State University - San Bernardino landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California State University - San Bernardino is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 90 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - San Bernardino is $9,854 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - San Bernardino Computer Science Report

21

With a ranking of #21, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Pomona, California, and it awarded 297 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly Pomona not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. It costs about $15,958 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer Science at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

22

With a ranking of #22, California State University - Stanislaus did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State University - Stanislaus is a fairly large school located in Turlock, California that handed out 78 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Stanislaus is $7,976 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Stan State Computer Science Report

23

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #23. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is a large school located in San Luis Obispo, California that handed out 206 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” list. It costs about $17,340 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Computer Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

24

California State University - East Bay did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #24. Located in Hayward, California, this fairly large public school handed out 280 diplomas to qualified ’s computer science students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $15,615 for California Computer Science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - East Bay.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal State East Bay Computer Science Report

25
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

With a ranking of #25, San Jose State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer Science Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. San Jose State University is a large public school situated in San Jose, California. It awarded 287 ’s computer science degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at San Jose State, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Computer Science Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $17,338 for california computer science students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend San Jose State University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Read more about Computer Science at San Jose State

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