Computer and Information Sciences at California State University-Channel Islands

First-year earnings of $45,552 place this computer science program in the bottom quartile nationally and below the California median of $53,880—a significant gap considering the tech industry's strong presence in the state. While debt levels appear modest at an estimated $16,119 (based on comparable CSU programs), the initial earnings are troublingly low for a field where even average programs typically start graduates around $61,000 nationally. The 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but it masks the reality that graduates are earning $8,000 less than the state median and $16,000 below the national benchmark in their first year.

The 62% earnings growth to $73,565 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates eventually reach competitive salaries, suggesting they may be entering the field through lower-tier positions or taking longer to launch their careers. However, starting $16,000 behind peers at other California programs means forgoing significant early-career income that compounds over time. For context, top California programs like UCLA and UC Berkeley place graduates at double or triple these initial earnings, though Channel Islands' open-access mission (93% admission rate, 47% Pell recipients) serves a different student population.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the delayed earnings trajectory fits your financial situation. If your child needs immediate income to service debt or support themselves, the slow start could create pressure. If they can weather lower initial earnings while building skills and connections, the eventual earnings recovery makes this workable—but acknowledge you're betting on that four-year growth actually materializing.