Computer Science at University of California-Santa Cruz

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.