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2023 Best Value Colleges for Computer & Information Sciences (Income $0-$30k) in California

44 Ranked Colleges
24,704 Degrees Awarded
$7,700 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

With 254,454 degrees handed out in 2020-2021, computer and information sciences is the 6th most popular major in the United States. In 2019-2020, computer and information sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $52,893 and had an average of $27,324 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 24,704 computer and information sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $59,872 and $23,859 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 44 colleges that offer a degree in computer and information sciences. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent computer and information sciences programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the computer and information sciences program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Computer & Information Sciences Schools

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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 & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Computer & Information Sciences (Income $0-$30k) in California

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Stanford University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k. Stanford University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 628 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Stanford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Stanford University is $1,233 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 4 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. 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%.

Full Stanford Computer & Information Sciences Report

2

Out of the 44 schools in the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k 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 small school located in Pasadena, California that handed out 90 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Caltech, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $-539 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California Institute of Technology. A negative average net price may seem strange, but it generally means that financial aid will more than cover the cost to attend the school.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Full Caltech Computer & Information Sciences Report

3

Out of the 44 schools in the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #3 spot on the list. UC Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,843 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Berkeley, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Berkeley is $8,450 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. 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%.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at UC Berkeley

4

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - San Diego. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. UCSD is a large public school situated in La Jolla, California. It awarded 1,146 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSD, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UCSD is $9,823 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at UCSD

5
Pomona crest
Pomona College
Claremont, California

Out of the 44 schools in the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Pomona College landed the #5 spot on the list. Pomona is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Claremont, California. It awarded 33 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Pomona, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Pomona is $8,629 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Full Pomona Computer & Information Sciences Report

6

With a ranking of #6, University of California - Irvine did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of California - Irvine is located in Irvine, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,231 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

UC Irvine not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend UC Irvine is $6,540 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 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 more about Computer & Information Sciences at University of California - Irvine

7

California State University - Los Angeles landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school awarded 328 diplomas to qualified ’s computer and information sciences students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $1,887 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Los Angeles.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% 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 & Information Sciences at California State University - Los Angeles

8

University of California - Santa Barbara ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of California - Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 215 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

UCSB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. It costs about $10,568 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UCSB.

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 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at University of California - Santa Barbara

9
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s computer and information sciences degrees to 1,708 students in 2020-2021.

USC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for USC is $17,287 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. 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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read more about Computer & Information Sciences at University of Southern California

10

California State University - Fullerton landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cal State Fullerton is a large school located in Fullerton, California that handed out 459 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal State Fullerton, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fullerton is $4,590 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Fullerton Computer & Information Sciences Report

11

University of California - Santa Cruz ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Santa Cruz, California, this fairly large public school awarded 913 degrees to qualified ’s computer and information sciences students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC Santa Cruz has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Santa Cruz is $11,038 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full UC Santa Cruz Computer & Information Sciences Report

11
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. SDSU is located in San Diego, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 385 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

SDSU also made our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $7,169 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend SDSU.

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 low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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%.

Full San Diego State University Computer & Information Sciences Report

13

California State University - San Bernardino came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - San Bernardino is located in San Bernardino, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 244 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - San Bernardino is $5,985 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - San Bernardino Computer & Information Sciences Report

14

California State University - Sacramento ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Sacramento is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 310 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Sacramento is $8,163 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at California State University - Sacramento

15

California State University - Long Beach ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Long Beach is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 304 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSULB, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Long Beach is $6,663 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% 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%.

Full CSULB Computer & Information Sciences Report

16

University of California - Riverside ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. UCR is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 340 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

UCR did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Riverside is $6,810 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. 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%.

Read more about Computer & Information Sciences at University of California - Riverside

17

California State University - Northridge came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Northridge, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s computer and information sciences degrees to 378 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUN is $6,266 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full CSUN Computer & Information Sciences Report

18

California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #18. Located in Carson, California, this fairly large public school awarded 164 degrees to qualified ’s computer and information sciences students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $2,657 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% 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 full report on Computer & Information Sciences at CSUDH

19

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 206 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is $12,173 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 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 more about Computer & Information Sciences at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

20

California State University - Fresno did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #20. California State University - Fresno is a public institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 69 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Fresno State is $3,859 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Computer & Information Sciences at Fresno State

21
Harvey Mudd College crest
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, California

Harvey Mudd College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Claremont, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s computer and information sciences degrees to 48 students in 2020-2021.

Harvey Mudd College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Harvey Mudd College is $15,492 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at Harvey Mudd College

22

With a ranking of #22, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Pomona, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s computer and information sciences degrees to 313 students in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly Pomona did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is $10,349 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 2.6% 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 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Computer & Information Sciences Report

23

With a ranking of #23, California State University - Stanislaus did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Turlock, California, this fairly large public school awarded 79 degrees to qualified ’s computer and information sciences students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Stan State is $4,122 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Computer & Information Sciences at California State University - Stanislaus

24
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. San Jose State University is located in San Jose, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 303 ’s computer and information sciences degrees to qualified students.

San Jose State also made our “Best Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California” list, coming in at #17. The estimated yearly cost for San Jose State is $12,158 for california computer & information sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full San Jose State University Computer & Information Sciences Report

25

California State University - East Bay ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Cal State East Bay is a fairly large public school situated in Hayward, California. It awarded 280 ’s computer and information sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Cal State East Bay is $9,975 for California Computer & Information Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%.

Read more about Computer & Information Sciences at California State University - East Bay

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