Computer Science at California State University-Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands computer science graduates start modestly at $59,374—below the national median—but their earnings trajectory tells a more compelling story. Within four years, median salaries jump to $100,661, a 70% increase that puts graduates solidly into six-figure territory. This growth pattern suggests the program successfully prepares students for career advancement, even if initial placements lag behind California's tech powerhouses. With debt of just $18,750 (below both state and national medians), the financial foundation is manageable from day one.

The state context here matters: among California's 54 computer science programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—middle-of-the-pack in a state dominated by elite tech feeders like Berkeley and Stanford. You're not getting Silicon Valley's front door, but you're also not paying elite prices or taking on crushing debt. For families focused on value and upward mobility (47% of students receive Pell grants), the math works: graduates owe roughly three months' salary after four years of career growth.

The bottom line for parents: this program delivers solid computer science fundamentals with exceptional debt discipline. If your child can handle the slower initial earnings ramp—perhaps living at home that first year—the four-year outcome justifies the investment. It's a sensible choice for students seeking tech careers without the pressure cooker or price tag of California's marquee programs.