Computer Science at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's computer science program starts graduates at just $44,530—well below the national median of $70,950 and ranking in just the 10th percentile among California programs. That's less than a third of what Berkeley CS graduates earn initially, and even below the state's overall median. But here's what matters: by year four, earnings jump 75% to nearly $78,000, reaching competitive levels while graduates carry only $15,321 in debt (among the lowest 5% nationally).

This delayed earnings pattern likely reflects the realities of serving a student body where two-thirds receive Pell grants. Many graduates may need to take whatever jobs they can find immediately after graduation, perhaps staying local or accepting positions that don't fully utilize their degree. The real payoff comes as they gain experience and transition into better roles. The minimal debt load—$8,000 less than California's median for CS programs—creates breathing room during those lean early years that higher-debt graduates wouldn't have.

For families where cost is the primary concern and your student can weather a slower initial launch, this program delivers solid long-term value. The debt is manageable enough that struggling through a $45,000 first job won't derail their finances, and the trajectory points upward. Just don't expect the immediate six-figure outcomes that California's elite programs produce.