27 Area Studies colleges in California with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $74,148.
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #26 | $59,115 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Manageable | 100th percentile mobility | |
| #27 | $47,626 | $18,000 | Manageable | $18,257 | High | 86th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
