Human Computer Interaction at California College of the Arts

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.