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 Science masters's programs at peer institutions in California (35 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State University-Fullerton$100,778
Stanford University$199,761$236,118
University of California-Irvine$148,476
University of California-San Diego$148,262$245,333
University of Southern California$134,544$184,756
California State University-Long Beach$95,299
National Median$107,251

Other Computer Science Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Stanford University
Stanford
$62,484$199,761
University of California-Irvine
Irvine
$14,237$148,476
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla
$15,265$148,262
University of Southern California
Los Angeles
$68,237$134,544
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach
$7,008$95,299

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 State University-Fullerton, approximately 47% 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.