Guide to Getting a Computer Science Degree in California
Updated May 23, 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
Credit: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Looking to earn a computer science degree in California, the home of tech companies such as Facebook, Google, and Adobe? With high tech wages, diverse climates, and virtually unlimited career opportunities, California is an ideal location to work, play, and study.
As a higher education student in California, you would join more than 3 million other learners, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Some of these enrollees study at world-class centers of research and education in computer science, where graduates can network with global tech leaders and pursue careers in research, management, or engineering.
Use the following guide to discover if attending school for computer science in California is right for you.
California at a Glance
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 410
- % of Workforce in Tech: 7.8%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $542.5 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $142,270
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in California?
As the nation's most populous state and a leading hub in technology and higher education, California may offer an ideal home for computer science students. Research from CompTIA found that California features the nation's highest tech wages and the fourth-most tech job postings, making computer education a valuable degree in this state.
State educational policymakers have recently focused on improving accessibility, affordability, and graduation rates at the postsecondary level. Their efforts could make earning a computer science degree in California easier and more affordable for many students.
An online degree in computer science, particularly, could help many Californians break barriers to higher education. For instance, the state's top universities tend to concentrate in major metro areas, leaving large rural populations underserved. Online education could eliminate distance as a barrier to learning.
Education Statistics for California
| Higher Education Statistics | California Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 255 | 2,522 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 155 | 1,257 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 55.9% | 53% |
California's students are likelier than American learners in other states to take advantage of distance education options.
Accreditation for California Schools
In the U.S., accreditation is a voluntary process in which schools submit to extensive and comprehensive review by external accrediting agencies. Institutional accreditors review entire schools, and programmatic accreditors review individual programs within institutions.
Institutional accreditation is critical for accessing financial aid, transferring coursework, pursuing a graduate degree, and receiving recognition in the marketplace. The primary institutional accreditor for California is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
ABET accredits bachelor's-level computer science programs, and its stamp of approval can signify a university's commitment to technology education. This organization does not accredit graduate degrees or associate programs in computer science, however.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Considerations for Studying Computer Science in California
Many factors should influence your selection among computer science colleges in California. Your ideal degree level, learning method, and tuition cost, along with your academic background, are just a few considerations.
More than a quarter of California's college students are learning entirely online. Following the pandemic, distance learning has rapidly shed any stigma it may have had, now allowing online learners to earn their degrees from accredited schools — often on their own time.
Computer Science Concentration Options
At some colleges, computer science students can add a concentration to their curriculum. While enrollees can choose from various emphases, the following concentrations may offer particular benefits in California, home to many entertainment, financial, and technology development firms.
Computing for Interactive Arts
With at least 13,000 entertainment establishments in Los Angeles and as a home to many tech companies, California offers extensive opportunities for experts looking to work in arts and entertainment.
Data Science
California has many high-tech and biomedical enterprises that organize, store, secure, and interpret complex data. The best data science master's programs can prepare you to work as a data architect or administrator at a top company.
Software Engineering
The BLS reports that California has the highest concentration of software developers and the highest mean wage for this profession. The San Jose area, in particular, is a hub for software engineering. The best online software engineering degrees can prepare you to pursue high-paying jobs in this field.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
In addition to Pell grants and other federal financial aid, students can access private scholarships and state-funded aid to study computer science in California.
For example, Google offers the Generation Google Scholarship, a $10,000 competitive grant for computer science majors committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The state also provides the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award for applicants based on need and academic achievement.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
The chart above shows just how much California residents can save by studying at public, in-state universities. For instance, the California State University network offers some of the most affordable education in the state.
Many Californians also save money when attending college in a nearby state through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Non-residents from one of 15 nearby states who hope to study in California may also benefit from WICHE's program, which caps tuition at 150% of in-state rates at participating universities.
California's Cost of Living
California ranks fourth in World Population Review's cost-of-living ranking among U.S. states. Using a score of 100 as the national average, California received a 134.5, just below Massachusetts and above New York. This figure indicates that living expenses, such as food and shelter, are among the most expensive in the country.
Schools and Colleges With Computer Science Programs in California
- California Institute of Technology
- California Lutheran University
- California Polytechnic State University
- California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- California State University System
- Chapman University
- Harvey Mudd College
- National University
- Occidental College
- Pepperdine University
- Pomona College
- Saint Mary's College of California
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco Bay University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- Scripps College
- Sonoma State University
- Stanford University
- University of California System
- University of Saint Katherine
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California
- University of the Pacific
Computer Science Degree Options
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in California
California is socially, politically, and technologically influential. Its GDP is $3.598 billion, but its median income is $41,891, despite the state's high concentration of individuals with high net worth.
More than 1.5 million Californians work in tech, and the industry contributes 16.7% to the state's economy. Most of California's technology professionals work as software developers, IT support specialists, or technology project managers. While California's millennials are overrepresented in this sector, the state's women, Latinos/as, and Black Americans are underrepresented.
About 526,110 computer and mathematics professionals work in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose metro areas combined. The following section explores some common roles in the field.
Select Computer Science Careers in California
Computer and Information Research Scientists: Requiring a master's degree or doctorate, this career discovers novel solutions to pressing problems in computer science. Researchers may work in technology companies, laboratories, and academic institutions. California's CS researchers can lead the field at top-performing corporations or tech startups in Silicon Valley.
- Annual Mean Wage in CA: $187,420 (May 2023)
Computer and Information Systems Managers: Sometimes called IT managers, chief information officers, or chief technology officers, these professionals oversee organizations' technology-related people and processes. They typically hold bachelor's degrees in computer science and have extensive experience. In California, IT managers can work for public agencies, top tech firms, and leading research centers.
Information Security Analysts: Information security analysts are cybersecurity specialists who help keep data, software, and technology safe and functional. They often work in technology-oriented companies but may serve in nearly any industry. Jobs in California could include positions in national security,
- Annual Mean Wage in CA: $140,730(May 2023)
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Employers in California
Hewlett-Packard: Headquartered in Palo Alto, Hewlett-Packard builds print technology, personal computers, and workforce technology solutions. The company has thrived for 80 years by maintaining core offerings with strong market demand. HP hires tech experts such as software engineers, infrastructure engineers, and product managers.
Meta Platforms: Meta owns top social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The company has facilitated technology-facilitated relationships since the mid-2000s. Meta employs AI researchers, machine learning engineers, and software engineering managers, among others.
Alphabet Inc.: Alphabet Inc. replaced Google as the name of the same publicly traded entity. This company still owns Google, the world's most-used search engine. Alphabet hires experts in cloud engineering, artificial intelligence, and consumer hardware.
California Employment Trends
| Year | California | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | ||
| 2020 Employment | 21,500 | 180,200 (2023) |
| Projected Employment, 2030 | 24,900 | 186,600 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +16% | +4% (2022-2032) |
| Penetration Testers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 107,900 | 449,400 (2023) |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 128,100 | 493,100 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +19% | +10% (2022-2032) |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 19,900 | 78,100 (2023) |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 22,900 | 81,600 (2023) |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +15% | +5% (2022-2032) |
| Career | California Employment | California Annual Mean Wage | National Annual Average Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 29,130 | $114,770 | $100,580 |
| Database Administrators | 8,070 | $116,380 | $104,810 |
| Web Developers | 10,590 | $121,490 | $95,570 |
| Computer Programmers | 20,680 | $124,660 | $107,750 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 49,930 | $129,420 | $110,800 |
| Information Security Analysts | 16,510 | $140,730 | $124,740 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 29,930 | $173,270 | $147,770 |
| Software Developers | 304,390 | $173,780 | $138,110 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 7,560 | $187,420 | $157,160 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 98,430 | $217,030 | $180,720 |
California-based employers pay far higher-than-average median wages, especially for management and development roles. They also employ large numbers of technology experts. The presence of leading tech firms in Silicon Valley could help explain these figures, along with the state's large population and high overall cost of living.
Computer Science Organizations in California
Association for Computing Machinery
With 100,000 members around the globe, ACM brings together computer professionals to solve problems in the field. The organization is known for presenting the Turing Award.
Computing Research Association
Composed of 250 participating organizations across North America, the CRA offers extensive scholarly resources, including papers, workforce reports, and conferences.
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
CPSR is a global organization dedicated to helping computer professionals make socially responsible choices for the future. The association has a chapter in the San Francisco Bay area.
Computer Science Teachers Association
With chapters throughout California, CSTA offers computer teachers extensive resources and benefits, such as videos, webinars, and professional development experiences. The organization also advocates for CS teachers in front of legislative bodies.
Computer Science for California
Formed in 2012, this cross-disciplinary coalition of computer science professionals focuses on improving access to CS education, particularly among girls, low-income students, and students of color.
FAQ About Going to College for Computer Science in California
Is computer science a good major in California?
Computer science can be a good major in any state, but in California, it may be a particularly strong choice due to the presence of Silicon Valley technology companies. Software engineering schooling can prepare you to pursue some of the industry's highest-paying careers in California.
What computer science jobs are there in California?
As a major technology hub, California offers in-demand jobs in virtually all branches of computer science. These include software and web developers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that California will add 22,500 new computer and information systems manager jobs from 2020-2030.
Does California have online computer science programs?
Many California-based universities, including USC, Stanford, and several Cal State locations, offer online computer science degrees. California residents may also pursue degrees from the best online colleges for computer science in other states.
Which California college is best for studying computer science?
California has many top-ranked colleges and universities that offer computer science degrees. The best college for you offers a concentration that fits your interests and a degree level appropriate for your background.
Page last reviewed April 22, 2024.
Recommended Reading
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.