Computer Science at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal Poly SLO's Computer Science program punches well above its weight class. With graduates earning $111,141 their first year out—60% more than California's median for CS programs—this public university delivers earnings that rival private powerhouses like USC and Stanford, but at a fraction of the cost. The program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, placing Cal Poly in the same tier as Berkeley and the elite privates, yet the typical graduate leaves with just $19,298 in debt.
That debt figure translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, meaning graduates earn enough to pay off their loans in roughly two months of gross salary. Compare this to the average Cal Poly CS grad who owes $40,000 less than what their Stanford counterpart might owe, yet still lands a six-figure salary right out of the gate. The combination of selectivity (30% admission rate), hands-on "learn by doing" curriculum, and strong Silicon Valley recruiting pipelines creates exceptional outcomes without the private school price tag.
For parents weighing ROI, this is straightforward: Cal Poly SLO offers elite-level Computer Science outcomes at public school prices. The value proposition here is exceptional, particularly for California residents paying in-state tuition.
Where California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $111k, placing them in the 95th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $111,141 | — | $19,298 | 0.17 |
| 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 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.
Sample Size: Based on 146 graduates with reported earnings and 135 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.