Computer Science at Biola University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $42,882 one year out, Biola's Computer Science graduates earn 40% less than the California median for CS majors and land in just the 10th percentile statewide. To put this in perspective: the typical California CS graduate earns $68,398, while Biola's graduates start at roughly $43,000—closer to what liberal arts majors earn than what other California CS programs deliver. Even accounting for the program's Christian university context and smaller tech network, this gap is substantial in a field known for strong entry-level salaries.
The debt load of $24,906 sits near national averages but above California's median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that's manageable but unremarkable. The real issue isn't the debt—it's the opportunity cost. Students attending comparable California CS programs are typically earning 60-70% more within their first year, which compounds dramatically over a career in tech.
The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these numbers could shift with more data. That said, if your child is serious about maximizing their earning potential in computer science and plans to stay in California's competitive tech market, this program appears significantly underperform relative to cost. Unless the faith-based community and mission alignment are essential priorities, California offers dozens of CS programs with stronger employment outcomes at similar or lower debt levels.
Where Biola University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Biola University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Biola University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University | $42,882 | — | $24,906 | 0.58 |
| California Institute of Technology | $173,344 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $149,866 | $178,867 | $13,900 | 0.09 |
| Pomona College | $143,084 | — | — | — |
| Stanford University | $138,613 | $200,950 | $10,399 | 0.08 |
| University of Southern California | $137,284 | $143,152 | $20,178 | 0.15 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Pasadena | $63,255 | $173,344 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $149,866 | $13,900 |
| Pomona College Claremont | $62,326 | $143,084 | — |
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $138,613 | $10,399 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $137,284 | $20,178 |
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 Biola University, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.