Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer and Information Sciences masters's programs at peer institutions in California (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$148,050
University of California-San Diego$146,806
University of California-Los Angeles$136,659$218,814
University of San Francisco$132,126
Northcentral University$78,410
California State University-San Bernardino$69,878
National Median$87,845

Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla
$15,265$146,806
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles
$13,747$136,659
University of San Francisco
San Francisco
$58,222$132,126
Northcentral University
San Diego
$78,410
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino
$7,675$69,878

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 Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% 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.