Location: San Francisco, CA•In-State Tuition: $57,946•Admission Rate: 73%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$101,801
95th percentile
Median Debt
$27,125
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.27 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

California College of the Arts graduates with HCI bachelor's degrees earn $101,801 their first year out—an impressive figure that nearly doubles the national median of $59,722 for this program. This places them in the 95th percentile nationally, suggesting strong outcomes despite the school's 73% admission rate. The $27,125 in typical debt means graduates earn nearly four times what they owe, a comfortable ratio that allows for aggressive loan paydown.

The challenge here is context: only two California schools report data for this program, and this one happens to be at the state median. With a sample size under 30 graduates, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What looks like exceptional performance nationally might simply reflect the tech-heavy California market rather than something unique about this particular program. The lack of comparable programs makes it hard to know whether similar outcomes are available elsewhere in the state for less money.

For parents, the core question is whether you're paying for specialized HCI training or simply benefiting from San Francisco's proximity to tech employers. If your child is self-directed enough to build a portfolio and network, they might achieve similar placement without this specific degree. But if they need structure and career support to break into tech, these early earnings suggest the investment pays off quickly—assuming the small sample holds true.

Where California College of the Arts Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human computer interaction bachelors's programs nationally

California College of the ArtsOther human computer interaction programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California College of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally

California College of the Arts earns $102k — 95th percentile among human computer interaction bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Human Computer Interaction bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California College of the ArtsSan Francisco$57,946$101,801—$27,1250.27
Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah$40,595$83,500—$24,5000.29
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$59,722$81,573$20,5960.34
DigiPen Institute of TechnologyRedmond$37,400$50,265—$28,2090.56
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$26,924$38,757$33,4711.24
National Median—$59,722—$27,1250.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human computer interaction graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

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 California College of the Arts, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.