Computer Science at California State University-San Marcos

Cal State San Marcos computer science graduates start modestly at $61,000 but see their salaries surge 55% to nearly $94,000 by year four—a trajectory that matters more than the initial numbers suggest. While first-year earnings land below both national and California medians for CS programs, the robust growth pattern indicates graduates are gaining valuable experience and moving into better-paying roles relatively quickly. Among California's 54 CS programs, this ranks solidly mid-pack at the 40th percentile, which is reasonable given you're competing against powerhouses like Berkeley and Caltech.

The financial value becomes clearer when you consider the debt: at just $12,850, graduates carry less than half the typical California CS debt load. This exceptionally low debt burden—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally—means a year-one salary that seems underwhelming translates to rapid financial freedom. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 is outstanding for any program, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross salary.

For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing career prospects, this program delivers. Your student may not land at Google immediately, but they'll graduate with minimal debt and strong earning potential as they build experience. The 96% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment also suggest this is a realistic option for students who might struggle to access elite CS programs.