Ranking
Best Mathematics and Computer Science Colleges in California 2026
California Institute of Technology leads this ROI ranking with a A+ value grade and a 19.99 ROI score. EduGradify ranks 9 colleges here by earnings against net price.
9 California colleges offering Mathematics and Computer Science, ranked by EduGradify value grade.
- Schools ranked
- 9
- Cheapest net price
- $12,470
- Top earnings 10y
- $138,687
- Public / Private
- 3 / 6
California Institute of Technology
A+- ROI score
- 19.99
- Net price
- $16,075
- Earnings 10y
- $128,566
- Acceptance
- 2.6%
University of California-San Diego
A+- ROI score
- 17.03
- Net price
- $12,470
- Earnings 10y
- $84,943
- Acceptance
- 26.7%
San Jose State University
A- ROI score
- 14.35
- Net price
- $13,760
- Earnings 10y
- $78,988
- Acceptance
- 84.6%
University of California-Irvine
A- ROI score
- 14.16
- Net price
- $14,251
- Earnings 10y
- $80,735
- Acceptance
- 28.6%
Harvey Mudd College
B- ROI score
- 9.65
- Net price
- $35,924
- Earnings 10y
- $138,687
- Acceptance
- 12.7%
University of Southern California
C- ROI score
- 7.06
- Net price
- $32,740
- Earnings 10y
- $92,498
- Acceptance
- 9.8%
Santa Clara University
C- ROI score
- 5.45
- Net price
- $50,062
- Earnings 10y
- $109,183
- Acceptance
- 48%
Scripps College
D- ROI score
- 5.34
- Net price
- $36,294
- Earnings 10y
- $77,539
- Acceptance
- 38.3%
Pepperdine University
D- ROI score
- 3.57
- Net price
- $58,098
- Earnings 10y
- $82,939
- Acceptance
- 62.9%
How we picked this list
This list starts with California schools with positive Mathematics and Computer Science program-share evidence, then sorts by EduGradify's school-wide ROI proxy: ten-year median earnings weighed against average net price. The set's average EduGradify ROI score is 10.74 (3 public, 6 private).
Source transparency: every figure comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard public data set. See our full methodology for the ROI formula, value grade rules and missing-data handling.
FAQ
Who leads this ranking?
California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA tops this ranking. EduGradify value grade is A+.
How does EduGradify pick this list?
We rank this set by roi score using the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — see our methodology for the full formula. No paid placements, no surveys.
How many California colleges are in this list?
9 California colleges qualified for this ranking based on available federal data.
What does net price mean here?
Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — not the sticker price. It is reported by each college to the U.S. Department of Education.
Can I use this ranking as a final college decision?
Use it as a shortlist, not a final decision. The ranking compares school-wide federal data; you should still confirm program fit, aid letters, graduation path, transfer policies and current costs with each college.