Median Earnings (1yr)
$89,915
85th percentile (80th in CA)
Median Debt
$22,792
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.25
Manageable
Sample Size
61
Adequate data

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 statewide—substantially above the state median of $68,398—and 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 0.25—meaning 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

University of San FranciscoOther computer science programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of San Francisco graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of San Francisco graduates earn $90k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of San Francisco$89,915$121,602$22,7920.25
California Institute of Technology$173,344———
University of California-Berkeley$149,866$178,867$13,9000.09
Pomona College$143,084———
Stanford University$138,613$200,950$10,3990.08
University of Southern California$137,284$143,152$20,1780.15
National Median$70,950—$23,3740.33

Other Computer Science Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena
$63,255$173,344—
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley
$14,850$149,866$13,900
Pomona College
Claremont
$62,326$143,084—
Stanford University
Stanford
$62,484$138,613$10,399
University of Southern California
Los Angeles
$68,237$137,284$20,178

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.