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Best Computer Engineering Schools in California

California has 25 colleges offering Computer Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,399 recent graduates. Graduates earn $72,447 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $70,025.

School choice matters significantly: Santa Clara University graduates earn $103,449 while DeVry University-California graduates earn $38,937 — a $64,512 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

25
Schools in CA
$72,447
CA Avg. Earnings
$70,025
National Avg.
174
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Engineering in California

Public Schools (20)
$71,867
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (4)
$83,722
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $11,855 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Engineering Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
S

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

$103,449
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $83,523
Graduates: 55
Acceptance: 43.8%
#2
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$97,071
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $110,139
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 8.7%
#3
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$93,964
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $91,493
Graduates: 131
Acceptance: 29.8%
#4
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$90,602
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $106,621
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 10.0%
#5
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$82,440
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $81,487
Graduates: 102
Acceptance: 41.6%
#6
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$79,688
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $79,476
Graduates: 132
Acceptance: 24.5%
#7
U

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$79,150
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $75,207
Graduates: 64
Acceptance: 62.5%
#8
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$78,343
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,715
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 93.7%
#9
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$78,343
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $69,951
Graduates: 63
Acceptance: 93.6%
#10
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$78,074
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $81,060
Graduates: 72
Acceptance: 80.2%
#11
U

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public

$76,773
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $83,726
Graduates: 42
Acceptance: 27.8%
#12
U

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA · Private

$74,017
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.9%
#13
C

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public

$71,015
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $64,319
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 93.2%
#14
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$70,456
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $73,334
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 34.4%
#15
U

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$69,617
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,571
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 63.3%
#16
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $68,056
Graduates: 156
Acceptance: 25.6%
#17
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $59,604
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 96.2%
#18
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$68,499
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $68,683
Graduates: 76
Acceptance: 47.1%
#19
C

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$66,821
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $69,109
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 73.6%
#20
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$63,501
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,611
Graduates: 105
Acceptance: 73.7%
#21
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$63,005
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,885
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 96.4%
#22
U

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

$55,286
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $54,675
Graduates: 90
Acceptance: 39.2%
#23
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$47,846
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,504
Graduates: 18
Acceptance: 98.3%
#24
C

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

$45,600
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.2%
#25
D

DeVry University-California

Ontario, CA · For-Profit

$38,937
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,748
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 43.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Engineering in California?
Santa Clara University ranks #1 for Computer Engineering in California with median graduate earnings of $103,449 within two years of graduation. There are 25 schools offering Computer Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Computer Engineering graduates earn in California?
Computer Engineering graduates in California earn an average of $72,447 within two years of graduation. This is 3% above the national average of $70,025 for this major.
What is the hardest Computer Engineering school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Computer Engineering program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Engineering programs in the state is 59.3%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Engineering in California?
In California, private Computer Engineering programs produce average earnings of $83,722 vs $71,867 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 20 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Computer Engineering in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.