Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in California 2025
University of California-San Diego
207 Cloud Computing graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
California State University-Los Angeles
88 Cloud Computing graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
University of California-Riverside
64 Cloud Computing graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
- 1.California hosts 20+ specialized cloud computing bachelor's programs, the most of any state (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Stanford University leads with 94% graduation rate and direct Silicon Valley cloud partnerships including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure
- 3.UC Berkeley offers top-tier cloud education at $14,312 in-state tuition—4x less expensive than private alternatives
- 4.California cloud architects earn median $156,890 annually—28% above national median (BLS California 2024)
- 5.Silicon Valley and Los Angeles provide 45,000+ cloud computing jobs with companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft
Cloud Computing Education in California: Leading the Digital Transformation
California stands as the global epicenter of cloud computing innovation, making it the ideal state for pursuing cloud computing education. With Silicon Valley headquarters of AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure all within driving distance, California universities offer unparalleled access to industry partnerships, internships, and career opportunities.
The state's cloud computing programs range from Stanford's elite computer science track to affordable CSU options, all designed to meet the exploding demand for cloud professionals. For broader program comparison, see our national cloud computing rankings. Students interested in related fields should explore our data science programs in California and cybersecurity programs in California.
California's unique advantage lies in its proximity to major cloud providers. Students regularly participate in AWS re:Invent, Google Cloud Next, and Microsoft Build conferences, while internship opportunities at tech giants provide real-world cloud architecture experience. Our cloud computing degree hub provides comprehensive program information nationwide.
California Cloud Computing Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 94.9 |
| 2 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | — | 69.1 |
| 3 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 67.7 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 66.4 |
| 5 | Ashford University | San Diego, CA | For-Profit | $12,240 | — | — | 65.3 |
| 6 | California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | Public | $5,742 | — | — | 63.6 |
| 7 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | Public | $5,742 | 95% | — | 61 |
| 8 | Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | Private | $42,600 | 94% | — | 60.7 |
| 9 | Alliant International University-San Diego | San Diego, CA | For-Profit | $17,544 | — | — | 57.4 |
| 10 | University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | Private | $48,300 | 82% | — | 57.3 |
| 11 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 55.3 |
| 12 | California State University-Chico | Chico, CA | Public | $5,742 | — | — | 55.2 |
| 13 | DeVry University-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $14,392 | 25% | — | 48 |
| 14 | California State University-Channel Islands | Camarillo, CA | Public | $5,742 | — | — | 47.4 |
| 15 | University of Phoenix-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | — | 47.4 |
Showing 1–15 of 22
Top 5 Cloud Computing Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | UC Berkeley | UC San Diego | Santa Clara | USC | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,834 | $11,834 | $58,587 | $66,640 | $11,834 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 81% | 91% | 92% | 96% |
| Annual Graduates | 599 | 207 | 50 | 10 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 25% | 44% | 10% | 26% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 79.7/100 | 67.2/100 | 65.6/100 | 64.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cloud Computing in California
California offers 22 bachelor's-level cloud computing programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of California-San Diego, California State University-Los Angeles, University of California-Riverside. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California market.
A bachelor's in cloud computing typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UC San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 207 | 79.7 |
| #2 California State... | $5,742 | 99% | 88 | 62.6 |
| #3 U of California-Riverside | $11,834 | 83% | 64 | 62.7 |
Top Cloud Computing Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 18 master's-level cloud computing programs. Leading institutions include University of California-Berkeley, Santa Clara University, University of Southern California. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in California reaching $189,501 or more.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UC Berkeley | $11,834 | 96% | 599 | 100.0 |
| #2 Santa Clara | $58,587 | 91% | 50 | 67.2 |
| #3 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 10 | 65.6 |
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cloud computing programs in California are at California State University-Los Angeles ($5,742/year), California State University-Northridge ($5,742/year), California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($5,742/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At California State University-Los Angeles, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,968 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $102,039, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 599 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 599 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (599 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 207 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 25%
- • Ranking Score: 79.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 207 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (207 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (25% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,587 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 44%
- • Ranking Score: 67.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 50 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 67.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (44% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Santa Clara University's MS AI program uniquely combines cutting-edge technical training with ethical AI considerations, offering hands-on experience through the AI Innovation Hub and industry partnerships in Silicon Valley. The program provides both software-focused and hardware-focused tracks while maintaining a strong commitment to developing socially responsible AI solutions.
Program Details
- Credits: 46 Academic Units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 65.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 10 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 65.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
USC offers both MS Computer Engineering and MS Computer Science programs with flexible online delivery through DEN@Viterbi, emphasizing three key areas of Computer Architecture, VLSI, and Networks. The programs provide access to top-tier employers like Amazon, Apple, and Google, with strong industry partnerships including Boeing and Raytheon Technologies.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Computer Science coursework
- •Math coursework
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 28-32 units
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Amazon, Apple Inc., Google/Alphabet Inc., Microsoft, Adobe, Netflix, Bloomberg L.P., Activision Blizzard, BlackRock, Uber
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 26%
- • Ranking Score: 64.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 16 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (26% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement large-scale cloud infrastructure solutions for enterprise clients. Lead cloud migration projects and optimize cloud spending.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment pipelines and manage cloud infrastructure using tools like Kubernetes, Docker, and Terraform.
Cloud Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Implement security best practices for cloud environments and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1252Ensure high availability and performance of cloud-based applications and services through monitoring and automation.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain cloud-based data pipelines and analytics infrastructure using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms.
California University Systems for Cloud Computing
California's diverse higher education landscape provides cloud computing options for every student profile and budget. The University of California system leads in research and academic prestige, while the California State University system offers practical, career-focused cloud computing education.
The UC system includes world-renowned programs at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, all offering comprehensive cloud computing curricula with strong research components. These programs typically require higher GPA and test scores but provide exceptional career outcomes and graduate school preparation. For more UC options, explore our computer science programs in California.
The CSU system, including San Jose State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, focuses on hands-on cloud computing skills and industry partnerships. These programs often feature smaller class sizes, dedicated cloud labs, and direct pathways to Silicon Valley employers. Students interested in related technical fields should consider information technology programs in California.
Private universities like Stanford, USC, and Santa Clara University offer premium cloud computing education with extensive industry partnerships and personalized attention. While more expensive, these programs often provide superior networking opportunities and higher starting salaries that can justify the investment over time.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
Texas
New York
Washington
Virginia
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Silicon Valley's cloud computing ecosystem
- Internship opportunities at Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure
- Highest cloud computing salaries nationally ($156,890 median)
- World-class research opportunities at UC Berkeley and Stanford
- Networking with cloud computing pioneers and industry leaders
- Lower cost of living (California COL is 38% above national average)
- More affordable housing options near campus
- Smaller, more intimate learning environments
- Regional cloud computing opportunities outside Silicon Valley
- In-state tuition benefits from your home state
Frequently Asked Questions About California Cloud Computing Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cloud Computing degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cloud computing salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Cloud Computing Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
California-specific salary data for cloud computing and related occupations
Industry demand data for cloud computing skills and certifications
University partnerships and cloud computing program certifications
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.