Computer Science · California

Computer Science colleges in California

CampusPin lists 330 U.S. colleges in California that offer Computer Science programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Computer Science combines the mathematical foundations of computation with practical software engineering, preparing graduates for careers in software, AI/ML, security, data, and research.

Schools in California that offer Computer Science

Computer Science programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 330 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

330

Public / private

17 / 33

Universities / 2-year

36 / 14

Cities represented

37

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$15,977

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

30% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Ashford University

31,389 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Computer Science program

  • Programming foundations in languages like Python, Java, C/C++, and JavaScript
  • Algorithm design and analysis (Big-O, dynamic programming, graph algorithms)
  • Data structures (arrays, trees, hash tables, heaps, graphs)
  • Operating systems, networks, and computer architecture
  • Databases and distributed systems
  • Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, probability, and statistics
  • Software engineering practices: version control, testing, code review, agile workflows
  • A specialization track such as AI/ML, security, theory, systems, or HCI

Where a Computer Science degree can lead

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Site Reliability Engineer
  • Security Engineer
  • Research Scientist (CS PhD)

Typical pay: $78,000–$135,000 early-career (BLS, 2024 software developer median $132,270)

A Computer Science (CS) major covers algorithms, data structures, operating systems, computer architecture, programming languages, databases, and the mathematics behind them, discrete math, linear algebra, and probability. Most CS programs require 3–4 semesters of math and physics in addition to the major.

By the time graduates leave, they can write production code in multiple languages, reason about algorithmic complexity, design and reason about distributed systems, and have at least one specialization (AI/ML, security, systems, theory, or applications). Many CS programs offer concentrations or BS-vs-BA tracks; the BS typically requires more math and engineering coursework.

Computer Science in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Computer Science schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 330+ Computer Science programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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