Computer Science at National University

National University's computer science graduates earn $87,383 in their first year—roughly $17,000 above the national median and nearly $19,000 above California's typical CS grad. Among California's 54 computer science programs, this lands in the 80th percentile, placing it closer to USC territory than to the state median. The debt picture is even more impressive: at $29,500, graduates carry just a third of their first-year salary in loans, and this ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden.

The flatline in earnings between year one and year four deserves attention. While $87,000+ remains solid compensation, most CS graduates see meaningful salary progression in those early career years. This could reflect National University's nontraditional student body—many attend part-time or already work in tech—meaning they may already be mid-career when they graduate, leaving less room for rapid advancement. It could also be an artifact of the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which makes these figures less reliable than data from larger programs.

For a working adult looking to formalize their tech credentials or switch into software development, this program delivers strong immediate earnings with manageable debt. For a traditional student banking on rapid salary growth, the stagnant trajectory raises questions worth exploring through conversations with current students and career services.