Top 3 Computer Science Programs in California 2025
Stanford University
World-class CS program in the heart of Silicon Valley with highest starting salaries and 30% startup founding rate
University of California, Berkeley
Top public CS program nationally at 1/4 the cost of private schools. World-renowned AI and systems research
California Institute of Technology
Intimate 3:1 student-faculty ratio with exceptional research opportunities. Strong in theoretical CS and scientific computing
- 1.California has 85+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and private universities
- 2.Stanford University ranks #1 in California with 94% graduation rate and direct Silicon Valley recruiting pipeline
- 3.UC Berkeley offers top-5 national CS education at $14,312 in-state tuition—1/4 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.California software developers earn median $145,770 annually—26% above the national median
- 5.Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego provide 628,000+ software developer jobs—most of any state
Computer Science Education in California Overview
California offers more computer science programs than any other state, with options ranging from elite private universities to affordable public institutions. The state's unique position as home to Silicon Valley creates unparalleled opportunities for CS students, from internships at tech giants to startup environments.
Whether you're seeking the prestige of Stanford, the value of the UC system, or the career-focused education of CSU campuses, California provides pathways for every student. The state's tech ecosystem offers direct access to software engineering careers with some of the highest salaries in the nation.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national CS bachelor's rankings. If you're considering costs, our most affordable CS programs guide highlights budget-friendly options. Career-focused students should review our AI/ML engineer salary guide for California-specific compensation data.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS California May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and accessibility to professors
California-specific salaries from BLS OEWS data
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor and prestige
California Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | Stanford | Private | $61,731 | 94% | 5:1 | 98.2 |
| 2 | UC Berkeley | Berkeley | Public | $14,312 | 93% | 19:1 | 96.8 |
| 3 | Caltech | Pasadena | Private | $60,864 | 92% | 3:1 | 95.4 |
| 4 | UCLA | Los Angeles | Public | $13,804 | 91% | 18:1 | 93.2 |
| 5 | UC San Diego | San Diego | Public | $14,451 | 87% | 19:1 | 91.5 |
| 6 | UC Irvine | Irvine | Public | $13,927 | 86% | 19:1 | 89.8 |
| 7 | USC | Los Angeles | Private | $64,726 | 92% | 9:1 | 89.2 |
| 8 | UC Davis | Davis | Public | $14,597 | 86% | 20:1 | 88.1 |
| 9 | UC Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | Public | $14,442 | 82% | 22:1 | 86.7 |
| 10 | Cal Poly SLO | San Luis Obispo | Public | $9,942 | 83% | 19:1 | 85.9 |
| 11 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | Private | $58,110 | 90% | 11:1 | 85.2 |
| 12 | UC Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | Public | $14,100 | 78% | 24:1 | 83.8 |
| 13 | San Jose State | San Jose | Public | $7,852 | 67% | 27:1 | 82.5 |
| 14 | UC Riverside | Riverside | Public | $13,887 | 75% | 22:1 | 81.2 |
| 15 | San Diego State | San Diego | Public | $7,510 | 72% | 26:1 | 79.8 |
| 16 | Cal Poly Pomona | Pomona | Public | $7,847 | 71% | 25:1 | 78.5 |
| 17 | UC Merced | Merced | Public | $13,401 | 77% | 20:1 | 77.2 |
| 18 | CSU Long Beach | Long Beach | Public | $6,966 | 69% | 25:1 | 76.8 |
| 19 | Loyola Marymount | Los Angeles | Private | $54,290 | 86% | 11:1 | 76.2 |
| 20 | CSU Fullerton | Fullerton | Public | $6,984 | 68% | 26:1 | 75.9 |
| 21 | CSU Sacramento | Sacramento | Public | $7,254 | 66% | 24:1 | 75.1 |
| 22 | CSU Northridge | Northridge | Public | $6,949 | 65% | 27:1 | 74.6 |
| 23 | University of the Pacific | Stockton | Private | $52,340 | 78% | 13:1 | 74.2 |
| 24 | CSU San Bernardino | San Bernardino | Public | $6,921 | 63% | 28:1 | 73.8 |
| 25 | Chapman University | Orange | Private | $59,050 | 82% | 14:1 | 73.4 |
Stanford University
Stanford, California • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to AI pioneers like Andrew Ng and Fei-Fei Li
- • Stanford Research Institute created foundational internet technologies
- • Alumni include founders of Google, Yahoo, Netflix, and LinkedIn
- • Located in the heart of Silicon Valley with 2,000+ tech companies nearby
Program Strengths
- World-renowned AI and machine learning research labs
- Direct recruiting pipeline to Google, Apple, Meta, and top startups
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio enabling close mentorship
- Highest median starting salary at $115,000+ for new graduates
- 30% of graduates start their own companies within 5 years
Why Ranked #1
Stanford leads California CS programs with the highest graduation rate (94%), most prestigious faculty, and unmatched Silicon Valley connections. The program produces more startup founders and tech leaders than any other university.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California • University
Program Highlights
- • Alumni include Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak
- • Berkeley Deep Learning leads breakthrough research in neural networks
- • Located 30 minutes from Silicon Valley with excellent industry connections
- • In-state tuition of $14,312 provides exceptional value for elite education
Program Strengths
- EECS program consistently ranked #1-3 nationally among public universities
- World-class faculty including Turing Award winners and ACM Fellows
- Strong focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications
- Berkeley RISC processor architecture influenced modern computing
- Extensive research opportunities in AI, robotics, and quantum computing
Why Ranked #2
UC Berkeley offers top-5 national computer science education at public university tuition. The program combines academic excellence with outstanding value, producing graduates who compete directly with Ivy League counterparts.
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California • University
Program Highlights
- • Faculty includes pioneers in quantum computing and computational biology
- • JPL partnership provides unique aerospace computing opportunities
- • Honor code creates collaborative rather than competitive environment
- • Small cohort size (35-40 CS graduates annually) creates tight alumni network
Program Strengths
- Smallest class sizes among top-tier programs with 3:1 student-faculty ratio
- Heavy emphasis on mathematical foundations and theoretical computer science
- Required research thesis for all undergraduates
- Cross-disciplinary opportunities with world-class physics and engineering
- 92% graduation rate with nearly 100% job or graduate school placement
Why Ranked #3
Caltech offers the most intensive and research-focused CS education in California with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio. The small program size ensures exceptional individual attention and research opportunities.
California University Systems for Computer Science
California's three major university systems offer different approaches to computer science education, each with distinct advantages for students with varying goals and budgets.
The University of California (UC) system provides research-focused programs at nine campuses. UC Berkeley and UCLA rank among the top 10 nationally, while UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and UC Davis offer strong programs with excellent industry connections. UC tuition averages $14,000 annually for residents.
The California State University (CSU) system emphasizes practical, career-oriented education across 23 campuses. San Jose State, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers exceptional industry access despite lower rankings. Cal Poly SLO provides a unique learn-by-doing approach that produces highly employable graduates. CSU tuition averages $7,500 annually.
Private universities like Stanford, USC, and Santa Clara University offer small class sizes and extensive alumni networks but at significantly higher costs. For students seeking software engineering careers or data science roles, the public systems often provide better return on investment.
Community college pathways through the California Community College system allow students to complete general education requirements at low cost before transferring to four-year programs. Many successful Silicon Valley professionals started at community colleges before transferring to UC or CSU campuses.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications, systems, and platforms. California offers the highest software engineer salaries in the nation.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions. High demand in California's tech, finance, and entertainment sectors.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. California leads global AI research and development.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations to streamline software delivery. Critical role in California's fast-paced tech environment.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizations from cyber threats. Growing demand as California companies increase security investments.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Cost Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,500 | $42,000 | $59,000 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $140,000 | $240,000 | $320,000 |
| Average Debt at Graduation | $22,000 | $45,000 | $35,000 |
| Median Starting Salary | $95,000 | $98,000 | $105,000 |
| Time to ROI | 3.2 years | 5.8 years | 6.1 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the world's largest concentration of tech companies
- Highest software engineering salaries in the nation ($145,770+ median)
- Research opportunities at world-class institutions like Stanford and Berkeley
- Direct pathways to Silicon Valley internships and careers
- Diverse program options from elite private to affordable public universities
- Year-round networking events and tech meetups
- Venture capital connections for entrepreneurial students
- You prioritize lower cost of living (California COL is 40-60% above national average)
- You prefer smaller tech markets with less competition
- You want to avoid California's high housing costs and taxes
- You're interested in specific regional tech sectors (Austin gaming, Boston biotech)
- You qualify for better financial aid packages in other states
- You prefer cooler climates or different cultural environments
Frequently Asked Questions About California CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
May 2024 state-specific salary data for computer occupations
Student-faculty ratios and institutional characteristics
Graduate outcome data from individual institution career centers
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.