Computer Science at University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific's Computer Science program launches graduates into six-figure starting salaries that outperform 80% of California CS programs—a remarkable achievement for a school with a 95% admission rate. At $90,476 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the California median of $68,398, though they're still far below the elite tier where Berkeley and Stanford grads start above $138,000. The $23,000 median debt is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows graduates to handle loans comfortably.

The slight earnings dip to $88,562 by year four deserves mention but shouldn't overshadow the strong starting position. Some graduates may be staying in lower-cost-of-living Stockton or surrounding areas rather than migrating to higher-paying Bay Area tech hubs, which could explain the modest decline. Still, nearly $90,000 four years out represents solid earning power, especially considering many peers at other California schools never reach this level.

For families seeking accessible entry into tech careers without elite-school competition, Pacific delivers strong value. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and earnings that immediately place them in the top fifth of California CS graduates—without navigating the brutal admissions odds at Stanford or Berkeley. That's a practical path to a tech career worth serious consideration.