Computer and Information Sciences at Ashford University

Based on comparable computer science programs in California, this appears to be a significantly overpriced option. The estimated $48,989 in debt is nearly 2.6 times what typical California students carry for this degree—a concerning gap that suggests either higher tuition or longer time-to-completion than peer institutions. When weighed against estimated first-year earnings around $53,900, that debt load creates a nearly 1:1 ratio that will constrain your child's financial flexibility for years.

The earnings estimate itself—derived from the California median for bachelor's programs in this field—sits at the state average but lags the national median by about $7,400. More troubling is the comparison to California's top performers: UCLA and Berkeley graduates earn 60-150% more in their first year. Even mid-tier California programs typically produce stronger outcomes while carrying far less debt. The combination of above-average debt and average earnings creates a math problem that's hard to solve with a computer science salary alone.

For a family considering this program, the core question is whether Ashford offers something unique that justifies doubling the typical California debt load. If your child can access a California State University campus or community college transfer pathway, those routes typically deliver similar starting salaries with debt closer to $19,000—money that could instead fund graduate school, a home down payment, or career flexibility.