Computer Science at University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine's Computer Science program delivers exceptional value that punches well above its weight class. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.19, graduates earn more than five times their debt load in their first year alone—a remarkably strong financial foundation. The $15,500 median debt is significantly lower than both the national average ($23,374) and even the California average ($17,750), ranking in the 90th percentile nationally for low debt burden.

While the program ranks in the 76th percentile nationally for earnings, it sits at the 60th percentile within California's competitive landscape. This makes sense given that California hosts powerhouses like Caltech ($173k) and UC Berkeley ($150k), but UC Irvine's $82,161 starting salary still outperforms the state median by $14,000 and shows robust 35% growth to $111k by year four. The 26% admission rate indicates selectivity without being impossibly competitive.

For parents concerned about college ROI, this program represents outstanding value engineering. Your child gets access to California's tech ecosystem and UC's prestigious brand while avoiding crushing debt loads that plague many computer science programs. The combination of strong earnings, minimal debt, and solid career trajectory makes this a financially sound choice that won't mortgage your family's future.