Overview
A comprehensive research report identifying 31 California institutions offering Management Information Systems programs.
Program Categories
- 2 UC campuses: UC Irvine, UC Riverside
- 11 CSU campuses: San Diego State, San Jose State, Cal Poly SLO, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, CSU Northridge, Sacramento State, CSU San Marcos, CSU Chico, CSU Bakersfield
- 5 private universities: Santa Clara, Point Loma Nazarene, Loyola Marymount, Cal Lutheran, University of San Diego
- 13 community colleges with transfer pathways
Key Statistics
| Metric | Range |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $66,000 - $90,000+ |
| Four-Year Cost | $80,000 - $350,000+ |
| Community College | $1,380/year |
Key Takeaway
All CSU programs maintain AACSB accreditation, representing the top 5% of business schools globally.
Top Recommended Programs
1. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Ranked #1 regionally with highest ROI
- Cost: $26,000-$30,000 annually
2. UC Irvine
- Business Information Management program
- Highly selective (26% acceptance rate)
3. San Jose State
- Silicon Valley access
- Cost: $20,000-$28,000 annually
4. Santa Clara University
- Private option, STEM-designated
- Silicon Valley location
5. San Diego State
- Strong regional reputation
- Cost: $27,000-$30,000 annually
Most Affordable Options
| Institution | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| CSU Bakersfield | $80,000-$92,000 |
| CSU Chico | $88,000-$100,000 |
| CC → CSU Transfer | Under $100,000 |
Tip
CSU Chico offers a fully online option for additional flexibility, making it ideal for working students.
Making Your Decision
When choosing an MIS program, consider:
- Location: Proximity to tech hubs like Silicon Valley
- Cost: Total investment including living expenses
- Accreditation: AACSB accreditation for quality assurance
- Internship opportunities: Industry connections matter
- Specializations: Some programs offer concentrations in cybersecurity, data analytics, or business intelligence
Note
The MIS field offers strong career prospects with starting salaries well above the national average for college graduates.