Analysis
University of San Francisco graduates launch into six-figure territory faster than most computer science programs in California. First-year median earnings of $89,915 place this program in the 80th percentile statewideβsubstantially above the state median of $68,398βand graduates see earnings jump to $121,602 within four years. That 35% growth trajectory suggests employers value what USF students learn, even if the program doesn't carry the prestige of Berkeley or Stanford nearby.
The value proposition looks particularly strong given the relatively modest debt load. At $22,792, graduates carry slightly less than the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25βmeaning graduates typically owe about three months' salary. Given San Francisco's tech ecosystem and the program's solid track record of placing students, this combination of strong earnings and manageable debt stands out among California's 54 computer science programs.
For families weighing a $22,000 debt investment against nearly $90,000 in first-year earnings, the math works clearly in your favor. While USF won't land your student at a FAANG company with the same frequency as Berkeley or Stanford, the outcomes data shows graduates consistently access well-paying tech positions without the stratospheric debt some private schools require.
Where University of San Francisco Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of San Francisco graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | $89,915 | $121,602 | +35% |
| 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)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,222 | $89,915 | $121,602 | $22,792 | 0.25 | |
| $63,255 | $173,344 | β | β | β | |
| $14,850 | $149,866 | $178,867 | $13,900 | 0.09 | |
| $62,326 | $143,084 | β | β | β | |
| $62,484 | $138,613 | $200,950 | $10,399 | 0.08 | |
| $68,237 | $137,284 | $143,152 | $20,178 | 0.15 | |
| National Median | β | $70,950 | β | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 San Francisco, approximately 27% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.