Computer and Information Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene's computer science graduates start at $71,111—substantially higher than California's median of $53,880 for the program and landing in the 80th percentile statewide. While it can't match the UC system's elite outcomes, this private Christian university punches well above its regional competitors, outperforming most CSU campuses and many comparable private schools. The $25,000 median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross earnings.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates reported data, so individual outliers could skew these figures significantly. That said, the combination of strong earnings and manageable debt suggests the program prepares students effectively for California's tech market without the crushing debt loads that sometimes accompany private universities. The school's 82% admission rate means your child likely has a realistic shot at entry, though the 1278 average SAT suggests they maintain reasonable academic standards.

For families weighing in-state tuition at a UC versus private school costs here, the gap is real—Berkeley and UCLA graduates earn $17,000-$65,000 more initially. But if your child values smaller classes and a faith-based environment, Point Loma delivers competitive career outcomes without debt that would haunt them for decades. Just understand you're relying on limited data points to make a significant financial decision.