Computer Engineering at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's computer engineering graduates start behind but catch up fast—really fast. That first-year median of $53,180 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, well below both California's $75,692 median and the national $78,952 benchmark. But four years out, earnings jump to $93,970, outpacing the state median and putting graduates ahead of UC Santa Barbara. That 77% earnings growth suggests many students take entry-level positions that don't immediately reflect their engineering credentials, then transition into proper engineering roles.

The modest $20,148 in debt helps offset that slow start. While you're looking at potentially two to three years of below-market earnings compared to grads from Cal Poly SLO or Santa Clara, the financial risk is contained. For families prioritizing affordability—particularly relevant given that 41% of students receive Pell grants—this represents a viable path into a lucrative field. The 96% admission rate also means access isn't a barrier for students who might not get into more selective UC campuses.

The bottom line: this works if your student can weather a couple years of entry-level pay and hustle their way into better positions. The career trajectory exists, but it requires more initial patience than programs where graduates immediately land $90K+ roles. For California families seeking an affordable engineering degree with strong mid-career outcomes, SF State delivers—just not on the typical timeline.