Computer and Information Sciences at Northeastern University Oakland

What's notable about Northeastern Oakland's computer science program is the dramatic earnings trajectory—from an estimated $53,881 in year one to a reported $132,227 by year four. That four-year figure isn't an estimate; it reflects actual graduate outcomes and ranks among California's highest for this degree, surpassing even UC Berkeley and sitting just behind UCLA. The $23,001 in median debt is reasonable for a selective private program and roughly on par with the state median.

The first-year estimate of $53,881, derived from 20 similar California programs, suggests typical entry-level positioning. However, the verified four-year earnings—nearly 2.5 times higher—indicate these graduates move quickly into high-paying tech roles, likely in the Bay Area where Northeastern has strong industry connections. This aligns with what you'd expect from a program with a 17% admission rate and 1472 average SAT: highly selective students landing competitive positions at major tech companies.

The investment math works here. Even if starting salaries vary for individual graduates, the proven mid-career outcomes show this program delivers on the promise of a computer science degree. With debt below both national and state medians, graduates have financial flexibility early in their careers. For families who can manage the upfront cost, the verified year-four earnings data provides concrete evidence that this program produces strong returns—just don't expect those immediately after graduation.