Analysis
Computer science programs in California produce vastly different outcomes depending on the institution. Based on comparable programs statewide, Bethesda University's bachelor's degree appears positioned toward the lower end of this spectrum, with estimated first-year earnings around $53,900βroughly $7,000 below the national median for tech graduates and dramatically trailing California's top performers, where graduates from UCLA and UC Berkeley start above $88,000.
The estimated $25,000 debt load matches the national median but exceeds what typical California computer science programs report. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests manageable repayment in absolute termsβgraduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year's salary. However, this picture looks less favorable when you consider that peer programs in the state often produce both higher earnings and lower debt simultaneously. The gap between Bethesda's estimated outcomes and California's tech industry standards raises questions about employment placement and the strength of industry connections.
Given the limited graduate data that necessitated these estimates, parents should verify actual placement rates and employer relationships before committing. In a field where starting salaries can vary by $30,000 or more depending on where you study, choosing a program without clear outcome transparency adds risk. If your child can access programs with documented track records of strong tech employment, those represent safer investments in California's competitive market.
Where Bethesda University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,220 | $53,881* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $13,747 | $136,099* | $164,612 | $15,248* | 0.11 | |
| $14,850 | $88,030* | β | $13,550* | 0.15 | |
| $15,247 | $84,343* | $129,448 | $14,282* | 0.17 | |
| $51,790 | $83,026* | β | β* | β | |
| $58,974 | $79,763* | β | $26,000* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bethesda University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 20 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.