Computer and Information Sciences at University of California-Berkeley
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UC Berkeley's computer science program ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings nationwide, but it's not even the top performer in California—UCLA grads earn $50,000 more their first year out. Still, with $88,000 in starting earnings against just $13,550 in debt, Berkeley delivers exceptional value. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of work, assuming they lived on air. More realistically, this is among the most financially secure paths in higher education.
The numbers become even more striking in state context. Berkeley grads earn 63% more than the typical California CS graduate ($53,880) while carrying 29% less debt. This combination of high earnings and low debt explains why Berkeley ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and within California—a rare achievement that reflects both program quality and California's relatively generous financial aid.
At this debt level and earning potential, the main question isn't whether Berkeley CS pays off—it's whether your student can get in. With a 12% admission rate, access is the constraint, not return on investment. For families who can secure admission, this represents one of the safest financial bets in American higher education.
Where University of California-Berkeley Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences 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 University of California-Berkeley graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn $88k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | $88,030 | — | $13,550 | 0.15 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $136,099 | $164,612 | $15,248 | 0.11 |
| University of California-Davis | $84,343 | $129,448 | $14,282 | 0.17 |
| Westmont College | $83,026 | — | — | — |
| Loyola Marymount University | $79,763 | — | $26,000 | 0.33 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $71,111 | — | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $136,099 | $15,248 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $84,343 | $14,282 |
| Westmont College Santa Barbara | $51,790 | $83,026 | — |
| Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles | $58,974 | $79,763 | $26,000 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego | $43,550 | $71,111 | $25,000 |
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 University of California-Berkeley, approximately 27% 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 123 graduates with reported earnings and 101 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.