Analysis
Based on similar computer science programs in California, first-year earnings around $54,000 paired with nearly $49,000 in estimated debt creates an immediate financial burden. That debt figure is more than double both the state median ($19,000) and national median ($25,000) for bachelor's programs in this field, while the earnings estimate sits right at California's median but well below the national benchmark of $61,000.
This gap matters because computer science typically offers strong returns relative to educational debt. Peer programs nationally show a much healthier debt-to-earnings balance. The estimated 0.91 ratio here means carrying debt nearly equal to a full year's salaryβmanageable if earnings grow quickly, but tighter than the typical computer science graduate faces. With 54% of students receiving Pell grants, many families are already stretching financially, making that debt load particularly consequential.
For context, California's top computer science programs report dramatically higher outcomes, with UCLA graduates earning $136,000 and UC Berkeley graduates at $88,000 in their first year. While DeVry serves a different student population with open access (43% admission rate), the estimated debt burden doesn't align with the projected earnings trajectory. If your child is set on this program, understand that loan payments will likely consume a significant portion of early paychecksβmake sure the school's actual job placement support and industry connections justify the investment over more affordable in-state options.
Where DeVry University-California Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,488 | $53,881* | β | $48,989* | β | |
| $13,747 | $136,099* | $164,612 | $15,248* | 0.11 | |
| $14,850 | $88,030* | β | $13,550* | 0.15 | |
| $15,247 | $84,343* | $129,448 | $14,282* | 0.17 | |
| $51,790 | $83,026* | β | β* | β | |
| $58,974 | $79,763* | β | $26,000* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | β | $61,322* | β | $25,000* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 DeVry University-California, approximately 54% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 20 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.