Computer and Information Sciences at California State University-San Bernardino

Cal State San Bernardino's Computer Science program shows a significant disconnect between starting salary and eventual earning power. While graduates earn just $42,180 in year one—landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—they see remarkable 62% growth by year four to reach $68,354. This trajectory suggests the program may not provide the immediate technical skills or career placement support that California employers expect, even as graduates eventually catch up.

The state comparison reveals Cal State San Bernardino sits in the 25th percentile among California's 49 CS programs, well below the state median of $53,880. You're looking at roughly $15,000 less than the typical California CS graduate earns right out of school. Yet the low debt burden of $16,119—less than half the national median—means graduates aren't underwater during those leaner early years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is manageable even with the slow start.

For families seeking an affordable path into tech, this program offers eventual solid earnings without crushing debt. But understand what you're accepting: your child will likely spend their first few years in lower-tier tech positions or contract work while peers from UC campuses or even mid-tier Cal States earn 50-100% more immediately. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates do develop marketable skills, just not the polished portfolio and recruiting access that commands top starting salaries. If minimizing debt matters more than maximizing year-one income, this works—but have realistic expectations about those first few career years.