Computer and Information Sciences at University of California-Davis

UC Davis's computer science program delivers exceptional value that often gets overshadowed by Berkeley and UCLA. First-year graduates earn $84,343—already 56% above the California median for this degree—while carrying just $14,282 in debt. That's less than two months of starting salary, making this one of the most accessible tech pipelines in the state. Among California's 49 computer science programs, Davis ranks in the 95th percentile for both earnings and low debt, a combination that's remarkably rare even within the UC system.

The trajectory gets even better: earnings jump 54% to $129,448 by year four, positioning Davis graduates competitively with UCLA's program (which starts higher at $136,099 but shows where Davis grads are heading). With a 42% admission rate compared to Berkeley and UCLA's single-digit rates, Davis offers a realistic path into high-earning tech careers without the debt burden that often comes with more selective programs. The fact that 31% of students receive Pell grants while maintaining these outcomes demonstrates the program's effectiveness across income levels.

For parents weighing California tech programs, Davis represents the sweet spot: strong enough placement to compete nationally (95th percentile), affordable enough to avoid crushing debt, and accessible enough that admission is genuinely attainable. The return on investment here is immediate and sustained.