Computer Science master's degree programs in California
Compare 9 reporting programs using the same federal field and master's degree credential definition. Earnings are observed four years after completion.
Highest reported earnings in California
Each bar uses the same field, credential, state and earnings year.
1Stanford UniversityStanford · Debt not reported$255,6672California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo · Debt not reported$235,2413University of California, San DiegoLa Jolla · Debt not reported$231,3974University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · Debt not reported$188,8715California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge · Debt not reported$178,1366University of California, IrvineIrvine · Debt not reported$175,9227California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona · Debt not reported$141,7448National UniversitySan Diego · Debt not reported$132,7989California State University, FullertonFullerton · Debt not reported$126,439
CAREER CONTEXT IN CA
What related occupations pay in California
These are common occupational matches for this field, ranked by the strength of the federal education-to-occupation match.
11-3021Computer and Information Systems Managers
- State median wage
- $218,290
- Middle 50% wage range
- $170,240–$293,470
- State employment
- 94,720
- Projected growth
- +15.8%
- Annual openings
- 53,500
15-1252Software Developers
- State median wage
- $174,410
- Middle 50% wage range
- $136,990–$216,670
- State employment
- 284,390
- Projected growth
- +10.2%
- Annual openings
- 95,300
15-1243Database Architects
- State median wage
- $170,160
- Middle 50% wage range
- $132,880–$203,130
- State employment
- 6,210
- Projected growth
- +9.4%
- Annual openings
- 3,900
15-1221Computer and Information Research Scientists
- State median wage
- $159,100
- Middle 50% wage range
- $112,170–$213,630
- State employment
- 8,440
- Projected growth
- +21.8%
- Annual openings
- 2,900
15-2051Data Scientists
- State median wage
- $141,590
- Middle 50% wage range
- $103,360–$186,820
- State employment
- 39,310
- Projected growth
- +34.6%
- Annual openings
- 24,800
15-1212Information Security Analysts
- State median wage
- $138,570
- Middle 50% wage range
- $101,840–$177,890
- State employment
- 15,570
- Projected growth
- +21.0%
- Annual openings
- 14,100
15-1255Web and Digital Interface Designers
- State median wage
- $136,110
- Middle 50% wage range
- $91,600–$191,960
- State employment
- 27,090
- Projected growth
- +6.0%
- Annual openings
- 8,300
15-1299Computer Occupations, All Other
- State median wage
- $134,440
- Middle 50% wage range
- $87,350–$179,730
- State employment
- 80,150
- Projected growth
- +5.1%
- Annual openings
- 27,000
Career wages and employment are BLS estimates for everyone working in each occupation in California; they are not earnings or placement rates for graduates of these programs. Wage ranges show the distribution across workers, not an entry-to-experienced career path. Growth and annual openings are national 2025–35 projections. BLS reports openings in thousands; DegreeVerdict displays the corresponding job count. These figures provide labor-market context and are not used in DegreeVerdict payoff or ROI calculations.
ALL REPORTING PROGRAMS
Compare every available outcome
Sorted by observed year-4 earnings. Open a row for its exact college-and-degree profile.
| # | College | City | Median year-4 earnings | Median federal debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | Stanford | $255,667 | Not available |
| 2 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | $235,241 | Not available |
| 3 | University of California, San Diego | La Jolla | $231,397 | Not available |
| 4 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles | $188,871 | Not available |
| 5 | California State University, Northridge | Northridge | $178,136 | Not available |
| 6 | University of California, Irvine | Irvine | $175,922 | Not available |
| 7 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona | $141,744 | Not available |
| 8 | National University | San Diego | $132,798 | Not available |
| 9 | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton | $126,439 | Not available |
This is an observed-outcomes comparison, not a universal quality ranking. Missing and privacy-suppressed programs are excluded.
A quick read on Computer Science in California
What do Computer Science master's degree graduates earn in California?
Across 9 reporting programs, the median observed earnings figure is $178,136 four years after completion.
How much federal debt is reported for these programs?
The current federal release does not contain enough reportable debt figures for this comparison.
Which California colleges report the highest earnings for this degree?
The table compares the same federal field, credential and earnings year. Stanford University has the highest reported figure among the programs shown.