Top 3 Network Administration Programs in California 2025
UC San Diego
Top-ranked program with cutting-edge networking labs and direct industry partnerships with Cisco and VMware
San Jose State University
Silicon Valley location provides unmatched internship opportunities and networking with major tech companies
Cal Poly Pomona
Hands-on polytechnic approach with extensive lab facilities and strong job placement in Los Angeles metro
- 1.California has 25+ accredited network administration bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and community college systems (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.UC San Diego leads California rankings with 87% graduation rate and state-of-the-art networking infrastructure labs
- 3.CSU system offers the most affordable options with in-state tuition starting at $7,400 annually for network admin programs
- 4.California network administrators earn median $95,420 annually—12% above the national median (BLS California 2024)
- 5.Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego provide 45,000+ network administration jobs—most concentrated in the nation
Network Administration Education Landscape in California
California leads the nation in network administration education opportunities, with programs spanning from world-class UC campuses to practical CSU polytechnic schools. The state's unique position as home to Silicon Valley, major data centers, and cloud computing headquarters creates unparalleled opportunities for network administration students.
For national program comparisons, see our best network administration programs ranking. Students considering online options should review our best online network admin degrees guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive network administration career guide and cybersecurity analyst salary data for related opportunities.
California's tech industry concentration means network administration graduates have access to positions at major corporations like Cisco, VMware, Oracle, and countless startups requiring robust network infrastructure. The state's commitment to technology education through IT certifications and cloud computing programs creates multiple pathways for specialization.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS California May 2024, Industry Reports
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and individual attention quality
California-specific salaries and job placement rates
Hands-on networking equipment and infrastructure
California Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UC San Diego | San Diego | Public | $14,451 | 87% | 19:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | San Jose State University | San Jose | Public | $7,852 | 67% | 27:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Cal Poly Pomona | Pomona | Public | $7,847 | 72% | 23:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | UC Irvine | Irvine | Public | $13,927 | 86% | 19:1 | 87.9 |
| 5 | CSU Long Beach | Long Beach | Public | $6,798 | 68% | 25:1 | 86.3 |
| 6 | UC Davis | Davis | Public | $14,597 | 86% | 20:1 | 85.7 |
| 7 | San Diego State University | San Diego | Public | $7,510 | 72% | 26:1 | 84.1 |
| 8 | CSU Sacramento | Sacramento | Public | $7,254 | 61% | 24:1 | 82.6 |
| 9 | CSU Fullerton | Fullerton | Public | $6,830 | 69% | 25:1 | 81.8 |
| 10 | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | Public | $9,942 | 83% | 19:1 | 81.2 |
| 11 | CSU Northridge | Northridge | Public | $6,834 | 58% | 27:1 | 79.4 |
| 12 | Fresno State | Fresno | Public | $6,587 | 63% | 23:1 | 78.9 |
| 13 | CSU East Bay | Hayward | Public | $6,550 | 52% | 22:1 | 76.7 |
| 14 | CSU San Bernardino | San Bernardino | Public | $6,587 | 61% | 24:1 | 75.3 |
| 15 | CSU Bakersfield | Bakersfield | Public | $6,493 | 59% | 26:1 | 73.8 |
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • Students work on real-world networking projects with industry sponsors
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for graduates in San Diego market
- • Strong alumni network in Southern California tech companies
Program Strengths
- State-of-the-art networking labs with Cisco, Juniper, and VMware equipment
- 87% graduation rate—highest among California public universities
- Direct partnerships with Qualcomm, Illumina, and local defense contractors
- Comprehensive curriculum covering cloud networking and cybersecurity
Why Ranked #1
UC San Diego leads California in network administration education with exceptional graduation rates, cutting-edge lab facilities, and strong industry partnerships. The program's location in San Diego's tech corridor provides students with access to major defense contractors and telecommunications companies.
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • Many graduates receive job offers before graduation
- • Program partnerships with local tech companies for internships
- • Access to cutting-edge cloud and software-defined networking technologies
Program Strengths
- Silicon Valley location provides access to Cisco, VMware, and Netflix
- Strong focus on industry certifications (CCNA, CompTIA Network+)
- Affordable tuition at $7,852 annually for in-state students
- High job placement rate in Bay Area technology companies
Why Ranked #2
San Jose State's network administration program benefits immensely from its Silicon Valley location, offering students unparalleled access to internships and full-time opportunities at major tech companies. The program emphasizes practical skills and industry certifications.
Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA • University
Program Highlights
- • Students design and implement real network infrastructures
- • Strong connections to Los Angeles entertainment and aerospace industries
- • Affordable education with excellent return on investment
Program Strengths
- Learn by doing polytechnic philosophy with extensive lab work
- 72% graduation rate with strong job placement in LA metro
- Comprehensive networking labs with enterprise-grade equipment
- Integration with cybersecurity and cloud computing curricula
Why Ranked #3
Cal Poly Pomona's polytechnic approach to network administration education emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application. The program's location in the Los Angeles metro area provides access to diverse industries requiring network infrastructure expertise.
California University Systems for Network Administration
California's three main university systems offer distinct approaches to network administration education, each serving different student needs and career goals.
The University of California (UC) system provides research-focused programs with strong theoretical foundations. UC San Diego and UC Irvine lead in network administration education, offering comprehensive programs that prepare students for both technical roles and advanced graduate study. These programs typically feature lower student-faculty ratios and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
The California State University (CSU) system emphasizes practical, career-focused education at affordable prices. Programs at San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, and CSU Long Beach excel in hands-on training and industry partnerships. CSU schools typically have strong connections to local employers and high job placement rates for graduates seeking immediate entry into the workforce.
California Community Colleges provide an affordable pathway to network administration through associate degree programs and transfer options. Many students begin at community colleges before transferring to four-year programs, significantly reducing overall education costs. This pathway is particularly popular for students seeking network administration certifications alongside their degrees.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks, servers, and related equipment for organizations across California's diverse economy.
Network Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Design and implement secure network architectures for California's tech companies and defense contractors.
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and manage cloud-based networks for California's leading technology companies and startups.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Manage comprehensive IT infrastructure including networks, servers, and security systems for California organizations.
Network Administration Programs in Other States
California Network Admin Education Cost Comparison
| Factor | UC System | CSU System | Community College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual In-State Tuition | $13,927 - $14,597 | $6,493 - $9,942 | $1,230 - $1,420 |
| Program Length | 4 years | 4 years | 2 years + transfer |
| Total Program Cost | $55,000 - $58,000 | $26,000 - $40,000 | $15,000 - $20,000 |
| Average Class Size | 19-20 students | 23-27 students | 15-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | None |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong | Very Strong | Moderate |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the nation's largest concentration of tech companies
- Diverse networking specialization opportunities (cloud, security, enterprise)
- High starting salaries despite higher cost of living
- Strong job market with 45,000+ network administration positions
- Pathways to major tech companies like Cisco, VMware, and Oracle
- Multiple university system options from community college to UC research universities
- Lower cost of living and housing expenses
- More affordable in-state tuition options
- Less competitive job market for entry-level positions
- Preference for smaller, more intimate program settings
- Interest in specific regional industries (energy, aerospace, finance)
Frequently Asked Questions About California Network Administration Programs
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for all accredited colleges and universities
California-specific salary data for network administrators and related occupations, updated May 2024
National job growth projections and career outlook for network administration occupations
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.