Top 3 MIS Programs in California 2025
Santa Clara University
42 Information Systems graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
University of California-Riverside
64 Information Systems graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
Ashford University
76 Information Systems graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.California has 20+ accredited Management Information Systems bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and private institutions
- 2.UC Berkeley ranks #1 in California with 93% graduation rate and direct Silicon Valley recruiting partnerships
- 3.California computer and information systems managers earn median $164,070 annually—highest in the nation (BLS California 2024)
- 4.Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego provide 45,000+ MIS-related jobs with 11% projected growth through 2032
- 5.UC system offers top MIS education at $14,000 in-state tuition—significantly below private alternatives
Management Information Systems Education in California
California offers exceptional opportunities for Management Information Systems students, combining world-class universities with the largest technology job market in the United States. From UC Berkeley's research-intensive program to Cal State's career-focused curriculum, California provides MIS pathways that align with Silicon Valley's business technology needs.
California's MIS programs uniquely position students at the intersection of business strategy and technology implementation. With over 45,000 computer and information systems management positions statewide and median salaries exceeding $164,000, California offers the highest earning potential for MIS graduates nationwide. Compare with national MIS program rankings or explore related technology degrees for alternative pathways.
Whether you're interested in tech consulting, business analysis, or IT management, California's diverse economy provides opportunities across industries from entertainment in Los Angeles to biotechnology in San Diego. Our MIS career guide outlines specific pathways and compensation expectations for California graduates.
California MIS Bachelor's Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 76.5 |
| 2 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 76.3 |
| 3 | Ashford University | San Diego, CA | For-Profit | $12,240 | — | — | 73 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 68.5 |
| 5 | National University | San Diego, CA | Private | $13,320 | — | — | 62 |
| 6 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 58.1 |
| 7 | DeVry University-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $14,392 | 25% | — | 54.4 |
| 8 | Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | Private | $42,600 | 94% | — | 52.1 |
| 9 | Los Angeles Pacific University | San Dimas, CA | Private | $11,975 | — | — | 51.8 |
| 10 | California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | Private | $49,880 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 11 | Simpson University | Redding, CA | Private | $37,022 | 67% | — | 42 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | USC | UC Berkeley | UCLA | Stanford | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $66,640 | $11,834 | $11,834 | $61,731 | $11,834 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 96% | 92% | N/A% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 1221 | 1236 | 909 | 493 | 355 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% | 12% | 9% | 4% | 42% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 | 95.7/100 | 77.5/100 | 76.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in California
California offers 28 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Southern California, University of California-San Diego, California Institute of Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 1221 | 100.0 |
| #2 UC San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 281 | 75.7 |
| #3 Caltech | $60,816 | 88% | 4 | 63.5 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 35 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, 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 Information Systems Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UC Berkeley | $11,834 | 96% | 1236 | 100.0 |
| #2 UCLA | $11,834 | 92% | 909 | 95.7 |
| #3 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 866 | 94.9 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in California are at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($5,742/year), San Jose State University ($5,742/year), San Diego State University ($5,742/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 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 Information Systems Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California Polytechnic... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 San Jose State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 San Diego State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 1,221 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 1,221 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (1,221 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program focuses on practical application of computer science and engineering with strategic thinking about technology, featuring ABET and SACS accreditation and a two-semester Capstone computing project where students design software applications sometimes working with outside clients.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Algebra I
- •Geometry
- •Algebra II
- •equivalent of USC's lower-division Writing requirement, Writing 130
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128 units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 1,236 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 1,236 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (1,236 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 909 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 95.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 909 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 95.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (909 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,731 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 493 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 77.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 493 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (493 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (4% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stanford's Computer Science program offers a comprehensive 96-unit curriculum with specializations in cutting-edge fields like AI, machine learning, and robotics. The program is housed in the prestigious Gates Building within Stanford Engineering, providing access to world-class facilities and research opportunities.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 96 units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 355 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 42%
- • Ranking Score: 76.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 355 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (355 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (42% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Business Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Bridge business needs and technology solutions, analyzing processes and recommending system improvements
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead technology implementation projects, coordinating teams and ensuring on-time delivery
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizational data management
Computer and Information Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021Plan and direct IT activities, overseeing technology strategy and implementation
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111Advise organizations on business processes and technology adoption strategies
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions and strategy
California University Systems for MIS
California's public university systems offer exceptional value for MIS education. The University of California (UC) system provides research-intensive programs at schools like Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine, combining business education with cutting-edge technology research. UC programs typically emphasize analytical thinking and prepare students for graduate study or high-level corporate positions.
The California State University (CSU) system focuses on practical, career-oriented MIS education. Schools like San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, and San Diego State offer hands-on programs designed to meet immediate industry needs. CSU programs excel at preparing students for immediate employment in business analysis, systems administration, and IT project management roles.
Private institutions like USC, Santa Clara University, and Pepperdine offer premium MIS education with smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks. While significantly more expensive, these programs often provide superior career services and industry connections. Compare program costs and outcomes in our online vs campus MIS degree guide.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
MIS Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to the largest technology job market in the US
- Silicon Valley tech companies are your target employers
- You qualify for in-state tuition at UC or CSU schools
- You're interested in entertainment, media, or gaming technology
- You want to be at the center of business technology innovation
- High salary potential justifies higher living costs
- You're concerned about California's high cost of living
- You prefer smaller college towns over major metropolitan areas
- You don't qualify for in-state tuition and private schools are too expensive
- You want to work in traditional industries rather than tech
- You prefer a more balanced work-life culture
California MIS Programs FAQ
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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 information systems salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related MIS Resources
Data Sources
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition information for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for computer and information systems occupations
State job market projections and industry employment data
Graduate outcomes and starting salary data
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.