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# Top Art & Design Colleges in California by Earnings (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Programs in this field[Dance](/rankings/best-dance-programs-in-california/)[Design and Applied Arts](/rankings/best-design-and-applied-arts-programs-in-california/)[Drama and Theatre Arts](/rankings/best-drama-and-theatre-arts-programs-in-california/)[Film, Video and Photographic Arts](/rankings/best-film-video-and-photographic-arts-programs-in-california/)[Fine and Studio Arts](/rankings/best-fine-and-studio-arts-programs-in-california/)[Music](/rankings/best-music-programs-in-california/)[Visual and Performing Arts](/rankings/best-visual-and-performing-arts-programs-in-california/)

This page ranks the 57 schools in California that offer Art & Design by the median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing. Across the 38 schools with a published figure, median earnings range from $69,755 to $23,649, with a median of $45,774.

Art Center College of Design ranks 1st on this list, reporting $69,755 for its graduates four years after completing. The gap between the top two schools is $3,562.

Public institutions account for 53% of the list, with 30 public and 27 private nonprofit schools represented. California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price at $3,967, while University of California-Berkeley reports the highest six-year completion rate at 93%.

University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions.

## The ranked list

57 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Median Art & Design Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Art Center College of Design · Pasadena, CA | $69,755 | $48,661 | $39,645 | 74.5% |
|  | Art Center College of Design reports $69,755 in median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 75%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (228 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (47 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($76,093), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($49,933) |
| 2 | Laguna College of Art and Design · Laguna Beach, CA | $66,193 | $42,505 | $37,203 | 94.3% |
|  | Laguna College of Art and Design ranks 2nd on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 52% and median earnings of $66,193 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (84 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($68,934) |
| 3 | Chapman University · Orange, CA | $60,236 | $46,555 | $33,559 | 65.4% |
|  | [Chapman University](/school/chapman-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $46,555](/school/chapman-university/cost/) and median earnings of $60,236 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (211 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (94 graduates), Dance (45 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($78,121), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($66,494), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($51,611) |
| 4 | Point Loma Nazarene University · San Diego, CA | $57,740 | $38,729 | $30,999 | 83.7% |
|  | [Point Loma Nazarene University](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/majors/) [admits 84% of applicants](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $57,740 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (15 graduates), Music (12 graduates) |
| 5 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | No published median | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
|  | [University of California-Davis](/school/university-of-california-davis/majors/) [ranks 18th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-california-davis/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and has a six-year completion rate of 86%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (244 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (69 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($62,209), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($57,999), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($56,823) |
| 6 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA | $56,124 | $16,665 | $7,529 | 31.3% |
|  | [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/majors/) reports an [average net price of $16,665](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/cost/) and median earnings of $56,124 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (54 graduates), Music (12 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($59,721) |
| 7 | Woodbury University · Burbank, CA | $55,489 | $33,692 | $28,815 | 81.7% |
|  | [Woodbury University](/school/woodbury-university/majors/) ranks 7th on this list, with [median earnings of $55,489](/school/woodbury-university/outcomes/) four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 60%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (44 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($50,387) |
| 8 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | No published median | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
|  | [University of California-Berkeley](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/majors/) has an [admission rate of 11%](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/admissions/) and an average net price of $13,481. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (94 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (82 graduates), Music (33 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($51,699) |
| 9 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | No published median | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% |
|  | A [six-year completion rate of 67%](/school/university-of-redlands/outcomes/) and an average net price of $30,031 are reported by [University of Redlands](/school/university-of-redlands/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (26 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (22 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (22 graduates) |
| 10 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | No published median | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
|  | [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) [ranks 92nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-southern-california/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 10% of applicants. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (178 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (135 graduates), Music (78 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($89,022), Fine and Studio Arts ($72,428), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($63,353) |
| 11 | Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA | $53,493 | $48,381 | $32,268 | 45.1% |
|  | [Loyola Marymount University](/school/loyola-marymount-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $53,493](/school/loyola-marymount-university/outcomes/) four years after completing and an average net price of $48,381. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (134 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (71 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (47 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($61,500), Fine and Studio Arts ($58,468), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($49,135) |
| 12 | California College of the Arts · San Francisco, CA | $53,433 | $53,909 | $61,407 | 91.1% |
|  | California College of the Arts ranks 12th on this list, with an admission rate of 91% and median earnings of $53,433 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (99 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (61 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (41 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($59,238), Fine and Studio Arts ($44,012) |
| 13 | Otis College of Art and Design · Los Angeles, CA | $50,739 | $51,248 | $44,731 | 81.8% |
|  | Otis College of Art and Design reports median earnings of $50,739 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 66%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (123 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (90 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($55,891), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($47,220), Fine and Studio Arts ($38,997) |
| 14 | Pepperdine University · Malibu, CA | $50,594 | $58,098 | $50,560 | 62.9% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Malibu, [Pepperdine University](/school/pepperdine-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $58,098](/school/pepperdine-university/cost/) and an admission rate of 63%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (17 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (11 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (8 graduates) |
| 15 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | No published median | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
|  | [Sonoma State University](/school/sonoma-state-university/majors/) ranks 15th on this list and posts an [average net price of $12,885,](/school/sonoma-state-university/cost/) with a six-year completion rate of 58%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (46 graduates), Music (33 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($46,022) |
| 16 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $49,998 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
|  | [San Francisco State University](/school/san-francisco-state-university/majors/) [graduates 50% of its students within six years](/school/san-francisco-state-university/outcomes/) and reports median earnings of $49,998 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (226 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (194 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (104 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($59,678), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($47,149), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($44,848) |
| 17 | Biola University · La Mirada, CA | $49,189 | $31,495 | $27,144 | 74.4% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 74%](/school/biola-university/admissions/), [Biola University](/school/biola-university/majors/) lists median earnings of $49,189 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (75 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (20 graduates), Music (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($47,596) |
| 18 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | No published median | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% |
|  | [University of California-Riverside](/school/university-of-california-riverside/majors/) holds an [Azimuth composite rank of 31st](/school/university-of-california-riverside/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and a six-year completion rate of 76%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (206 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (50 graduates), Music (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($52,699), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,774) |
| 19 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | No published median | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% |
|  | An [average net price of $8,717](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with an admission rate of 66% at [University of California-Santa Cruz](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (172 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (114 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (101 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($45,815), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,156), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($30,524) |
| 20 | California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA | $48,043 | $10,229 | $6,230 | 95.1% |
|  | [California State University-San Marcos](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/majors/) reports [median earnings of $48,043](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $10,229. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (76 graduates), Music (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Visual and Performing Arts, General ($48,043) |
| 21 | Mount Saint Mary's University · Los Angeles, CA | $47,091 | $21,413 | $23,849 | 73.1% |
|  | [Mount Saint Mary's University](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/majors/) ranks 21st on this list and carries an [average net price of $23,849](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (13 graduates) |
| 22 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | $47,043 | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
|  | [University of California-San Diego](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/majors/) holds the strongest Azimuth composite rank on the page at 1st among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside a [six-year completion rate of 86%](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/outcomes/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (73 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (47 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($58,071), Fine and Studio Arts ($48,506), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($41,389) |
| 23 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $47,037 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
|  | [California State University-Long Beach](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/majors/) [admits 46% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $47,037 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (415 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (197 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (114 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($66,435), Dance ($46,387), Fine and Studio Arts ($43,349) |
| 24 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $46,704 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
|  | [University of California-Los Angeles](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/majors/) is the most selective school on the list with an [admission rate of 9%](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/admissions/), and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $46,704 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (129 graduates), Music (75 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (71 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($66,259), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($50,904), Music ($47,779) |
| 25 | University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA | $46,701 | $16,109 | $9,231 | 33.0% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 33%](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/admissions/), [University of California-Santa Barbara](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/majors/) reports median earnings of $46,701 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (164 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (133 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($49,893) |
| 26 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $46,136 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
|  | [California State University-East Bay](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/majors/) ranks 26th on this list and posts an [average net price of $6,360](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, alongside a six-year completion rate of 48%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (116 graduates), Music (19 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($46,136) |
| 27 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA | No published median | $11,531 | $7,851 | 75.2% |
|  | Admitting 75% of applicants, [California State Polytechnic University-Pomona](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/majors/) [ranks 15th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (105 graduates), Music (36 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($55,744), Music ($44,910) |
| 28 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $45,413 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
|  | Graduating 56% of its students within six years, [California State University-Sacramento](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/majors/) reports [median earnings of $45,413](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (72 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (57 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (57 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($53,871), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($47,676), Music ($42,774) |
| 29 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $44,874 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
|  | [University of California-Irvine](/school/university-of-california-irvine/majors/) [admits 29% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-irvine/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $44,874 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (175 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (91 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (86 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($51,423), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($40,773), Dance ($40,466) |
| 30 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $44,198 | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% |
|  | [California State University-Chico](/school/california-state-university-chico/majors/) ranks 30th on this list, with an [average net price of $9,902](/school/california-state-university-chico/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 63%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (102 graduates), Music (61 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (58 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($45,468), Design and Applied Arts ($44,629), Music ($42,269) |
| 31 | California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA | $43,656 | $13,663 | $9,970 | 97.4% |
|  | An [average net price of $9,970](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $43,656 for Art & Design graduates four years after completing at [California State University-Monterey Bay](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (50 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (21 graduates), Music (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($48,639) |
| 32 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $43,534 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
|  | [California State University-Bakersfield](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/majors/) reports [median earnings of $43,534](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $5,652. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (34 graduates), Music (7 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (5 graduates) |
| 33 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $43,093 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
|  | A private nonprofit institution, [University of the Pacific](/school/university-of-the-pacific/majors/) reports [median earnings of $43,093](/school/university-of-the-pacific/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 69%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (13 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (11 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (6 graduates) |
| 34 | California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA | No published median | $9,849 | $6,857 | 94.8% |
|  | [California State University-Channel Islands](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/majors/) ranks 34th on this list, [admits 95% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/admissions/), and posts an average net price of $6,857 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (55 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($45,548) |
| 35 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | No published median | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
|  | Graduating 70% of its students within six years, [California State University-Fullerton](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/majors/) [ranks 6th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (422 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (93 graduates), Music (68 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,365), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($42,455), Music ($39,590) |
| 36 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $42,339 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
|  | [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) reports [median earnings of $42,339](/school/california-state-university-northridge/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $7,021. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (306 graduates), Music (132 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (53 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($43,240), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,904), Music ($40,669) |
| 37 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | No published median | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% |
|  | Admitting 93% of applicants, [California State University-Dominguez Hills](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/majors/) reports an [average net price of $8,615](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (68 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (50 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (18 graduates) |
| 38 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $42,263 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
|  | Median earnings of $42,263 for Art & Design graduates two years after completing are reported by [San Jose State University](/school/san-jose-state-university/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (229 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (197 graduates), Music (37 graduates) |
| 39 | California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA | $41,072 | $6,067 | $3,938 | 98.1% |
|  | Graduating 53% of its students within six years, [California State University-Stanislaus](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/majors/) ranks 39th on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (29 graduates), Music (13 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($41,072) |
| 40 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | No published median | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
|  | An [average net price of $22,298](/school/california-baptist-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 is listed by [California Baptist University](/school/california-baptist-university/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (60 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (27 graduates), Music (18 graduates) |
| 41 | California College of ASU · Los Angeles, CA | $40,359 | $17,683 | $15,386 | Not reported |
|  | Reporting median earnings of $40,359 for Art & Design graduates four years after completing, California College of ASU ranks 41st on this page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (125 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($40,359) |
| 42 | University of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA | No published median | $41,431 | $31,537 | 61.7% |
|  | On Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [University of San Francisco](/school/university-of-san-francisco/majors/) ranks 328th and reports an [average net price of $41,431](/school/university-of-san-francisco/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (29 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($49,788) |
| 43 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $39,785 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
|  | At 43rd on this list, [California State University-Los Angeles](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/majors/) reports [median earnings of $39,785](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/outcomes/) for Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (183 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (35 graduates), Music (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($40,783) |
| 44 | Saint Mary's College of California · Moraga, CA | No published median | $30,378 | $19,462 | 86.5% |
|  | Admitting 87% of applicants, Saint Mary's College of California graduates 70% of its students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (23 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) |
| 45 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $38,117 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
|  | For Art & Design graduates four years after completing, [California State University-Fresno](/school/california-state-university-fresno/majors/) reports [median earnings of $38,117](/school/california-state-university-fresno/outcomes/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (65 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (52 graduates), Music (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($39,878), Design and Applied Arts ($38,397) |
| 46 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $37,264 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 36%](/school/san-diego-state-university/admissions/), [San Diego State University](/school/san-diego-state-university/majors/) ranks 46th on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (247 graduates), Music (55 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($35,416) |
| 47 | California Institute of the Arts · Valencia, CA | No published median | $46,080 | $26,686 | 32.3% |
|  | An average net price of $46,080 is reported by California Institute of the Arts, which graduates 67% of its students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (39 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($41,192) |
| 48 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | No published median | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% |
|  | Admitting 98% of applicants, [California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/majors/) reports an [average net price of $13,171](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (67 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (18 graduates), Music (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($34,812) |
| 49 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | No published median | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
|  | [California State University-San Bernardino](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/majors/) ranks 49th on this list and reports an [average net price of $4,564](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (90 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (18 graduates), Music (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($42,468), Fine and Studio Arts ($30,319) |
| 50 | California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks, CA | $32,316 | $30,109 | $22,161 | 75.7% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Thousand Oaks, [California Lutheran University](/school/california-lutheran-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $32,316](/school/california-lutheran-university/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (24 graduates), Music (16 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (12 graduates) |
| 51 | The Master's University and Seminary · Santa Clarita, CA | No published median | $32,647 | $24,624 | 84.0% |
|  | The Master's University and Seminary admits 84% of applicants and has a six-year completion rate of 68%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (9 graduates) |
| 52 | Occidental College · Los Angeles, CA | No published median | $38,263 | $20,705 | 44.2% |
|  | Occidental College graduates 81% of its students within six years and admits 44% of applicants. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (22 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates), Music (12 graduates) |
| 53 | Vanguard University of Southern California · Costa Mesa, CA | $28,019 | $21,241 | $17,225 | 62.4% |
|  | [Vanguard University of Southern California](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/majors/) reports [median earnings of $28,019](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (20 graduates) |
| 54 | Westmont College · Santa Barbara, CA | $26,933 | $29,053 | $20,899 | 77.1% |
|  | Westmont College has an average net price of $29,053 and a six-year completion rate of 70%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates) |
| 55 | Azusa Pacific University · Azusa, CA | $24,226 | $22,212 | $15,781 | 88.4% |
|  | [Azusa Pacific University](/school/azusa-pacific-university/majors/) [admits 88% of applicants](/school/azusa-pacific-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $24,226 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (38 graduates), Music (27 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (12 graduates) |
| 56 | University of La Verne · La Verne, CA | $24,035 | $20,161 | $20,151 | 71.2% |
|  | [University of La Verne](/school/university-of-la-verne/majors/) [ranks 473rd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-la-verne/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (6 graduates), Music (5 graduates) |
| 57 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $23,649 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
|  | [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) has a [six-year completion rate of 88%](/school/santa-clara-university/outcomes/) and an average net price of $50,062. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (17 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates) |

## How this list is ordered

Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Art & Design graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only schools with a reported Art & Design earnings cohort in California appear. The figure is the median for federally aided Art & Design graduates who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 6 of the 57 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The range and median below cover the 38 schools with a published figure. Art Center College of Design is $3,562 above second-ranked Laguna College of Art and Design.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges/)
-   [Best Colleges in California](/rankings/best-colleges-in-california/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Florida](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-florida/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Kentucky](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-kentucky/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Georgia](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-georgia/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in South Carolina](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-south-carolina/)
-   Art & Design Colleges in California for Social Mobility