Mathematics and Computer Science at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's Mathematics and Computer Science program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a solid public university: comfortable entry-level earnings of nearly $90K with remarkably low debt. At under $19K, graduates leave with about 30% less debt than the California median and far below the national average—that's exceptional for any program, let alone one at a selective research university.

Here's the nuance: while the debt picture is stellar, the earnings sit at the 40th percentile among California programs in this field. That matters because several other UC and CSU campuses—along with private schools like Santa Clara—produce similar or higher starting salaries, sometimes by $20K or more. Harvey Mudd graduates earn nearly double, though that's an outlier. With a 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio, this program still offers strong financial fundamentals, but California's competitive tech landscape means UCSD isn't necessarily the highest-earning path for this particular major.

The smart takeaway: this is a financially safe choice that won't saddle your child with problematic debt, and the UCSD name carries weight. But if maximizing immediate earning potential is the priority, and your child can gain admission to programs like Harvey Mudd or even Santa Clara, the earnings gap is worth considering. The low debt means your child has flexibility after graduation—they can take lower-paying opportunities in research or graduate school without financial stress.