Computer Software and Media Applications at University of Silicon Valley

A software program in San Jose—tech capital of the world—should position graduates for strong starting salaries, but University of Silicon Valley's outcomes lag significantly behind California competitors. At $37,693 first-year earnings, graduates here earn $7,700 less than the state median for this program and rank in just the 25th percentile among California schools. For context, Academy of Art University graduates start at $45,387, while USC and University of Phoenix grads earn dramatically more.

The debt load of $31,000 isn't unreasonable by itself, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. However, that relative affordability matters less when starting salaries are this low in one of the nation's most expensive metros. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many families are counting on this degree to deliver economic mobility—a tall order when earnings trail both state and even national averages (this program performs below median nationally too).

The small sample size here is genuinely concerning. With fewer than 30 graduates reporting, these numbers could swing significantly year to year, making it hard to know if this represents the typical outcome. For a family considering a software degree in the Bay Area, the combination of below-average earnings and uncertain data makes this a risky choice compared to established California alternatives with clearer track records.