Computer and Information Sciences at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's Computer Science program starts below the national median but shows impressive momentum, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 46% to reach $76,423 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the initial $52,288 figure suggests—the program sits at the 40th percentile among California CS programs, but its graduates are clearly building valuable skills that employers reward over time.

The debt picture is notably favorable at $19,716, below both the state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year of reaching their year-four earnings level. This is particularly meaningful given that 41% of students receive Pell grants—the program provides a genuinely accessible path into tech for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Yes, top UC programs produce graduates earning $85,000-$136,000 immediately, but those schools are also far more selective. For a family seeking an affordable entry point into California's tech economy, SFSU delivers solid fundamentals with manageable debt. The key is understanding that year one earnings reflect typical junior developer pay—the real payoff comes as graduates gain experience and move into more specialized roles. If your child can handle the initial earning period and is willing to be strategic about career development, this program offers legitimate upside without the debt burden that often accompanies CS degrees.