Median Earnings (1yr)
$79,763
93rd percentile
80th percentile in California
Median Debt
$26,000
4% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Loyola Marymount University graduates compare to all 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles$58,974$79,763$26,0000.33
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles$13,747$136,099$164,612$15,2480.11
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$88,030$13,5500.15
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$84,343$129,448$14,2820.17
Westmont CollegeSanta Barbara$51,790$83,026
Point Loma Nazarene UniversitySan Diego$43,550$71,111$25,0000.35
National Median$61,322$25,0000.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.