Location: Santa Cruz, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,560•Out-of-State Tuition: $45,337•Admission Rate: 63%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$75,150
60th percentile
Median Debt
$16,666
29% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.22 ManageableSample: 550 graduates

Analysis

UC Santa Cruz's computer science program delivers solid career outcomes with remarkably low debt burden, making it an excellent value proposition for students seeking strong tech industry preparation. With median first-year earnings of $75,150 that jump to nearly $102,000 by year four—a robust 36% growth trajectory—graduates enter well-paying careers and see substantial income acceleration early in their careers.

The financial picture is particularly compelling when you consider the debt load. At just $16,666 in median student debt, UC Santa Cruz students graduate with significantly less debt than the national average ($23,374) and even beat the California median ($17,750). This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of only 0.22, meaning most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within the first year of work. While the starting salaries rank at the 60th percentile both nationally and within California—decent but not exceptional—the low debt burden more than compensates for not being at the very top of the earnings ladder.

For parents concerned about ROI, this program offers a compelling middle path: your child gains access to UC's respected brand and Silicon Valley proximity without the crushing debt often associated with top-tier programs. The combination of reasonable admission standards (63% acceptance rate), strong earnings growth, and minimal debt makes this an excellent choice for students who want to enter tech with financial flexibility from day one.

Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

University of California-Santa CruzOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of California-Santa Cruz graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of California-Santa Cruz earns $75k — 60th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of California-Santa Cruz$75,150$101,953+36%
Stanford University$138,613$200,950+45%
Harvey Mudd College$132,265$183,524+39%
University of California-Berkeley$149,866$178,867+19%
University of Southern California$137,284$143,152+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (54 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz$14,560$75,150$101,953$16,6660.22
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena$63,255$173,344———
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$149,866$178,867$13,9000.09
Pomona CollegeClaremont$62,326$143,084———
Stanford UniversityStanford$62,484$138,613$200,950$10,3990.08
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles$68,237$137,284$143,152$20,1780.15
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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-Santa Cruz, approximately 32% 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 550 graduates with reported earnings and 532 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.