Human Computer Interaction at California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $101,801/yr (58% vs median)
AI Risk High (58% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (102,700 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #2 of 5 Human Computer Interaction programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Computer Interaction graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,035K $1,003K $792K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.3x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 76% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$168,672
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,125
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

California College of the Arts Human Computer Interaction graduates command $101,801/yr out of the gate, well above the $64,442 national median. That 58% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 4.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 58% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,125 in median debt clears quickly against $101,801 in annual earnings.

With only 5 programs offering Human Computer Interaction nationally, this is a niche field. California College of the Arts ranks #2 among them.

About California College of the Arts

A 73% acceptance rate means California College of the Arts is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,004 students in San Francisco, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California College of the Arts →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Computer occupations, all other $108,970/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Computer Interaction at Other Schools

Other Majors at California College of the Arts

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California College of the Arts's Human Computer Interaction program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Human Computer Interaction graduates.
How vulnerable is Human Computer Interaction to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Human Computer Interaction careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 58% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →