Computer and Information Sciences at University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine's computer science program is a classic slow-start investment that pays off handsomely by year four. While initial earnings of $53,517 lag behind both national and state medians, graduates see 77% income growth over their first four years, reaching $94,445—well above what most California CS programs deliver at the same career stage.

The 40th percentile ranking within California is somewhat misleading because it reflects only that first-year snapshot. By year four, these graduates are outearning all but the top UC campuses. The modest $20,000 debt load (below California's median) means the debt-to-earnings ratio starts reasonable and becomes excellent as salaries climb. This pattern suggests many graduates enter graduate school, competitive fellowship programs, or research positions before transitioning to higher-paying industry roles.

For families weighing UCI against higher-ranked UCs, the tradeoff is clear: you're accepting a slower initial trajectory in exchange for a more selective admission rate (26%) and strong ultimate outcomes. If your child is debt-averse and willing to be patient through those early career years—perhaps living at home initially or pursuing advanced training—this program delivers solid value. The investment makes less sense if immediate high earnings are necessary to service debt from other sources or support family.