Computer Science at Sonoma State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Sonoma State's computer science program shows exactly why looking beyond first-year earnings matters. While graduates start at $66,481—slightly below both the national and California medians—they reach $129,473 by year four, nearly doubling their income in just three years. That's exceptional growth for a program at one of California's most accessible state universities.
The debt picture strengthens the case. At $20,305, it's lower than both state and national averages, creating a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio. For perspective, this program sits right at California's median for first-year earnings but delivers substantially stronger career trajectories than typical in-state competitors. While it doesn't match the elite outcomes of Berkeley ($150K) or Stanford ($139K), it offers a dramatically different price point and accessibility—Sonoma State admits 95% of applicants.
The moderate sample size means individual cohort variations could affect these numbers, but the overall pattern is clear: this is a solid launch pad into California's tech industry without the debt burden or admissions hurdles of top-tier programs. For families prioritizing manageable costs and strong employment prospects over prestige, Sonoma State delivers.
Where Sonoma State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sonoma State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sonoma State University graduates earn $66k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma State University | $66,481 | $129,473 | $20,305 | 0.31 |
| California Institute of Technology | $173,344 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $149,866 | $178,867 | $13,900 | 0.09 |
| Pomona College | $143,084 | — | — | — |
| Stanford University | $138,613 | $200,950 | $10,399 | 0.08 |
| University of Southern California | $137,284 | $143,152 | $20,178 | 0.15 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Pasadena | $63,255 | $173,344 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $149,866 | $13,900 |
| Pomona College Claremont | $62,326 | $143,084 | — |
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $138,613 | $10,399 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $137,284 | $20,178 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sonoma State University, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 57 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.