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Best Colleges for Computer Science in California

The best colleges for a Computer Science degree in California, led by Stanford University, California Institute of Technology and University of California-Berkeley. Each school is shown with its acceptance rate, tuition, and average SAT so you can weigh Computer Science programs side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college for Computer Science in California?

Based on our rankings, Stanford University is the top-ranked college for Computer Science in California. Other top choices include California Institute of Technology, University of California-Berkeley, University of Southern California.

What are the best Computer Science schools?

The best Computer Science schools, based on program-specific federal data including median earnings and graduate counts, are Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, University of California-Berkeley. Our rankings use College Scorecard field-of-study data rather than editorial opinion.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science?

The average out-of-state tuition among top Computer Science programs is approximately $49,706 per year. However, costs vary significantly — many schools offer generous financial aid packages that can reduce the effective cost.

How long does it take to get a Computer Science degree?

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science typically takes four years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or combined bachelor's-to-master's options that can extend or shorten the timeline.

How are these Computer Science rankings determined?

Our major rankings are independently calculated from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study (CIP) data — primarily median earnings 4 years after graduation and program scale (graduate count), with a 10+ annual graduates minimum per program. They are not derived from US News or any other publication.

Career outcomes for Computer Science graduates

Among the top 10 ranked Computer Science programs, the average early-career salary is approximately $102,146 per year. Below are the highest-paying Computer Science programs based on federal College Scorecard earnings data reported by graduates four years after completion.

  1. 1. Stanford University — Stanford, CA · 3.6% acceptance · SAT 1,553 · $65,910 tuition · 92% grad rate
  2. 2. California Institute of Technology — Pasadena, CA · 2.6% acceptance · $65,898 tuition · 94% grad rate
  3. 3. University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, CA · 11% acceptance · $50,547 tuition · 93% grad rate
  4. 4. University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA · 9.8% acceptance · SAT 1,495 · $72,097 tuition · 92% grad rate
  5. 5. University of California-Los Angeles — Los Angeles, CA · 9% acceptance · $49,403 tuition · 93% grad rate
  6. 6. Harvey Mudd College — Claremont, CA · 12.7% acceptance · SAT 1,545 · $68,613 tuition · 92% grad rate
  7. 7. University of California-San Diego — La Jolla, CA · 26.7% acceptance · $50,958 tuition · 86% grad rate
  8. 8. Pomona College — Claremont, CA · 7.1% acceptance · SAT 1,534 · $65,420 tuition · 93% grad rate
  9. 9. Santa Clara University — Santa Clara, CA · 48% acceptance · SAT 1,426 · $61,293 tuition · 88% grad rate
  10. 10. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — San Luis Obispo, CA · 31.3% acceptance · $34,665 tuition · 86% grad rate
  11. 11. University of California-Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, CA · 65.8% acceptance · $50,205 tuition · 75% grad rate
  12. 12. University of California-Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, CA · 33% acceptance · $50,614 tuition · 83% grad rate
  13. 13. University of California-Davis — Davis, CA · 41.8% acceptance · $50,974 tuition · 86% grad rate
  14. 14. University of California-Riverside — Riverside, CA · 76.4% acceptance · $49,806 tuition · 76% grad rate
  15. 15. Loyola Marymount University — Los Angeles, CA · 45.1% acceptance · SAT 1,359 · $62,357 tuition · 79% grad rate
  16. 16. University of San Diego — San Diego, CA · 52.4% acceptance · $59,486 tuition · 84% grad rate
  17. 17. University of San Francisco — San Francisco, CA · 61.7% acceptance · SAT 1,295 · $60,492 tuition · 70% grad rate
  18. 18. Chapman University — Orange, CA · 65.4% acceptance · SAT 1,357 · $64,984 tuition · 82% grad rate
  19. 19. University of the Pacific — Stockton, CA · 71.3% acceptance · SAT 1,346 · $57,080 tuition · 69% grad rate
  20. 20. University of California-Merced — Merced, CA · 90.5% acceptance · $49,823 tuition · 69% grad rate
  21. 21. San Diego State University — San Diego, CA · 36.2% acceptance · $21,328 tuition · 76% grad rate
  22. 22. California State University-Fullerton — Fullerton, CA · 90.5% acceptance · $20,070 tuition · 70% grad rate
  23. 23. California State University-Sacramento — Sacramento, CA · 94% acceptance · $20,618 tuition · 56% grad rate
  24. 24. California State University-Northridge — Northridge, CA · 93.5% acceptance · $20,058 tuition · 57% grad rate
  25. 25. California State University-Fresno — Fresno, CA · 95.3% acceptance · $19,950 tuition · 57% grad rate

Best Colleges for Computer Science in California on PickACampus