Computer and Information Sciences at Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
LMU's Computer Science graduates earn nearly 50% more than the California median for this program, placing them in the top 20% statewide—a meaningful achievement given how competitive the tech landscape is in California. At $79,763 in first-year earnings versus $26,000 in debt, graduates face a manageable debt burden of just four months' salary, well below the concerning thresholds that can strain young professionals entering the workforce.
The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could swing significantly year to year. Still, the $80K starting point positions graduates competitively for entry-level tech roles in Los Angeles, though it trails the elite UC programs (Berkeley and UCLA grads start above $88K). The real question is whether the private school premium—LMU likely costs more than UC tuition—justifies this earnings position, especially when neighboring Point Loma Nazarene delivers similar outcomes.
For families deciding between LMU and state schools, the math depends heavily on net cost after aid. If you're paying full freight at a private university, this program performs well but not spectacularly enough to overcome a significant price gap. However, if financial aid brings LMU's cost closer to in-state UC rates, the strong earnings and reasonable debt load make it a solid tech program choice in a city with growing startup and entertainment tech opportunities.
Where Loyola Marymount University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Loyola Marymount University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Loyola Marymount University graduates earn $80k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | $79,763 | — | $26,000 | 0.33 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $136,099 | $164,612 | $15,248 | 0.11 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $88,030 | — | $13,550 | 0.15 |
| University of California-Davis | $84,343 | $129,448 | $14,282 | 0.17 |
| Westmont College | $83,026 | — | — | — |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $71,111 | — | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $136,099 | $15,248 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $88,030 | $13,550 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $84,343 | $14,282 |
| Westmont College Santa Barbara | $51,790 | $83,026 | — |
| Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego | $43,550 | $71,111 | $25,000 |
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 Loyola Marymount University, approximately 13% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.