Computer Science at California State University-Dominguez Hills

The first-year earnings of $34,482 might alarm you, but look at what happens by year four: $88,735. That 157% jump suggests Cal State Dominguez Hills CS graduates start in entry-level or contractor roles, then rapidly transition into full-fledged software engineering positions. By year four, they're earning 30% above the California median for computer science grads and well above the national benchmark—an impressive outcome for a program that admits 91% of applicants.

The $18,750 in debt is actually lower than both state and national medians, which matters given that initial earnings dip. Within a year or two of graduation, most borrowers should comfortably handle their loan payments given the trajectory. The 10th percentile state ranking reflects that slow start, but the year-four earnings tell a different story about long-term value. Keep in mind this serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (61%), so the modest debt burden relative to eventual earnings represents genuine economic mobility.

The gap between this program and elite California tech schools is real—Berkeley and Stanford grads start near six figures—but Dominguez Hills delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the debt. If your child can handle a lean first year or two while building experience, the math works out favorably. The key is understanding they'll need patience as their earnings catch up to their skills.