Best Colleges in California (2026)
Updated
Best Colleges in California ranks 94 four-year nonprofit institutions in California. Schools are ordered by Azimuth's overall score for California, highest first.
The score combines four pillars, weighted 30% return, 30% mobility, 20% access and 20% affordability, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on this list and reports median earnings of $83,130 for its graduates four years after completing.
The list includes 32 public and 62 private institutions. University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally.
San Diego Christian College posts the lowest average net price at $992, while California Institute of Technology shows the highest six-year completion rate at 94%.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years after completion | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | $83,130 | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
| University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on this list and 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with median earnings of $83,130 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 2 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $59,756 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
| An average net price of $3,967 and a six-year completion rate of 53% place California State University-Los Angeles 2nd on this page. | |||||
| 3 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $96,018 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
| University of California-Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and reports median earnings of $96,018 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 4 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $63,140 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
| Graduates of California State University-Long Beach earn a median of $63,140 four years after completing, and the school ranks 5th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 5 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | $63,753 | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
| California State University-Fullerton ranks 5th on this list and carries an average net price of $3,315 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 6 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $59,664 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 57%, California State University-Northridge reports median earnings of $59,664 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 7 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $64,511 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
| California State University-Sacramento admits 94% of applicants and ranks 10th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 8 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $74,438 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
| An average net price of $14,251 and a six-year completion rate of 87% accompany median earnings of $74,438 for graduates of University of California-Irvine four years after completing. | |||||
| 9 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA | $71,138 | $11,531 | $7,851 | 75.2% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks 9th on this list, with an admission rate of 75% and median earnings of $71,138 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 10 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $73,086 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
| Graduates of University of California-Davis earn a median of $73,086 four years after completing, and the school carries an average net price of $9,211 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 11 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $77,677 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
| University of California-Los Angeles admits 9% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 93%. | |||||
| 12 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $89,614 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
| With median earnings of $89,614 for its graduates four years after completing, San Jose State University ranks 23rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 13 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $59,992 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
| California State University-Fresno reports median earnings of $59,992 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $7,000. | |||||
| 14 | Stanford University · Stanford, CA | $136,959 | $13,807 | -$2,536* | 3.6% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 92%, Stanford University ranks 14th on this list and holds an admission rate of 4%. | |||||
| 15 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | $64,926 | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% |
| University of California-Riverside admits 76% of applicants and shows an average net price of $8,852 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 16 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $68,268 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
| Graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $68,268 four years after completing, and the school ranks 36th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 17 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $55,441 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
| California State University-San Bernardino posts an average net price of $4,564 and a six-year completion rate of 55%. | |||||
| 18 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | $58,922 | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% |
| Ranking 18th on this list, California State University-Dominguez Hills reports median earnings of $58,922 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 19 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $67,804 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
| San Francisco State University admits 96% of applicants and its graduates earn a median of $67,804 four years after completing. | |||||
| 20 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA | $90,662 | $16,665 | $7,529 | 31.3% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 86%, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reports median earnings of $90,662 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 21 | California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA | $67,891 | $10,229 | $6,230 | 95.1% |
| California State University-San Marcos ranks 59th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows an average net price of $6,230 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 22 | University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA | $70,323 | $16,109 | $9,231 | 33.0% |
| Graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara earn a median of $70,323 four years after completing, and the school admits 33% of applicants. | |||||
| 23 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $72,596 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
| California State University-East Bay posts an average net price of $9,320 and a six-year completion rate of 48%. | |||||
| 24 | California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA | $58,952 | $6,067 | $3,938 | 98.1% |
| Ranking 24th on this list, California State University-Stanislaus reports median earnings of $58,952 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 25 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $59,109 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
| California State University-Bakersfield reports median earnings of $59,109 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $5,652. | |||||
| 26 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $65,228 | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 63%, California State University-Chico ranks 26th on this list and posts an admission rate of 93%. | |||||
| 27 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $95,739 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
| University of Southern California, a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, admits 10% of applicants and shows median earnings of $95,739 four years after completing. | |||||
| 28 | California Institute of Technology · Pasadena, CA | $152,843 | $16,075 | -$2,133* | 2.6% |
| California Institute of Technology reports median earnings of $152,843 for its graduates four years after completing, with a six-year completion rate of 94%. | |||||
| 29 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | $67,085 | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz ranks 109th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $17,890. | |||||
| 30 | University of California-Merced · Merced, CA | $65,410 | $11,983 | $7,945 | 90.5% |
| Graduates of University of California-Merced earn a median of $65,410 four years after completing, and the school admits 91% of applicants. | |||||
| 31 | California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA | $62,324 | $13,663 | $9,970 | 97.4% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay ranks 31st on this list and reports an average net price of $9,970 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 32 | California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA | $59,304 | $9,849 | $6,857 | 94.8% |
| An average net price of $9,849 and a six-year completion rate of 51% accompany median earnings of $59,304 at California State University-Channel Islands. | |||||
| 33 | Pomona College · Claremont, CA | $77,544 | $19,285 | $4,841 | 7.1% |
| Pomona College admits 7% of applicants and reports an average net price of $4,841 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 34 | Claremont McKenna College · Claremont, CA | $110,798 | $28,849 | $15,308 | 9.6% |
| Claremont McKenna College shows median earnings of $110,798 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 91%. | |||||
| 35 | Mount Saint Mary's University · Los Angeles, CA | $79,546 | $21,413 | $23,849 | 73.1% |
| Mount Saint Mary's University ranks 187th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an admission rate of 73%. | |||||
| 36 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | $65,997 | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
| Sonoma State University reports median earnings of $65,997 for its graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $12,885. | |||||
| 37 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $81,820 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
| University of the Pacific reports median earnings of $81,820 for its graduates four years after completing, and ranks 201st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 38 | Harvey Mudd College · Claremont, CA | $137,100 | $35,924 | $27,979 | 12.7% |
| A private nonprofit institution in Claremont, Harvey Mudd College admits 13% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 92%. | |||||
| 39 | Cal Poly Maritime Academy · Vallejo, CA | $108,757 | $20,555 | $13,552 | 95.0% |
| Cal Poly Maritime Academy reports an average net price of $13,552 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 40 | The Chicago School at Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $82,068 | Not reported | Not reported | 46.3% |
| Graduates of The Chicago School at Los Angeles earn a median of $82,068 four years after completing, and the school ranks 40th on this list. | |||||
| 41 | Samuel Merritt University · Oakland, CA | $148,182 | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Samuel Merritt University reports median earnings of $148,182 for its graduates four years after completing, and ranks 311th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 42 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $108,517 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
| Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants, graduates 88% within six years, and shows an average net price of $50,062. | |||||
| 43 | University of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA | $91,483 | $41,431 | $31,537 | 61.7% |
| Ranking 43rd on this page, University of San Francisco reports median earnings of $91,483 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 44 | Dominican University of California · San Rafael, CA | $95,437 | $35,333 | $24,572 | 83.5% |
| Dominican University of California posts a six-year completion rate of 78% and an average net price of $24,572 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 45 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | $51,571 | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% |
| A public university in Arcata, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt admits 98% of applicants and reports median earnings of $51,571 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 46 | Fresno Pacific University · Fresno, CA | $63,285 | $13,630 | $11,133 | 64.1% |
| Fresno Pacific University ranks 419th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $13,630. | |||||
| 47 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $68,600 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
| California Baptist University graduates earn a median of $68,600 four years after completing, and the school admits 85% of applicants. | |||||
| 48 | University of San Diego · San Diego, CA | $85,309 | $30,365 | $15,586 | 52.4% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 84%, University of San Diego reports an average net price of $15,586 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 49 | Pacific Oaks College · Pasadena, CA | $56,852 | Not reported | Not reported | 34.4% |
| Pacific Oaks College reports median earnings of $56,852 for its graduates four years after completing, and admits 34% of applicants. | |||||
| 50 | University of La Verne · La Verne, CA | $64,109 | $20,161 | $20,151 | 71.2% |
| University of La Verne admits 71% of applicants and shows an average net price of $20,161. | |||||
| 51 | Golden Gate University · San Francisco, CA | $115,758 | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Golden Gate University ranks 476th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates across all fields earning a median of $115,758 four years after completing. | |||||
| 52 | Azusa Pacific University · Azusa, CA | $71,925 | $22,212 | $15,781 | 88.4% |
| Azusa Pacific University admits 88% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 62%. | |||||
| 53 | Touro University Worldwide · Los Alamitos, CA | $67,614 | $19,058 | $18,342 | Not reported |
| Touro University Worldwide reports a six-year completion rate of 29% and an average net price of $18,342 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 54 | Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary · Los Angeles, CA | $36,185 | $14,959 | $14,300 | 58.2% |
| Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary ranks 54th on this list, with median earnings of $36,185 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 55 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | $75,863 | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% |
| University of Redlands posts a six-year completion rate of 67% and an average net price of $30,031. | |||||
| 56 | Vanguard University of Southern California · Costa Mesa, CA | $65,874 | $21,241 | $17,225 | 62.4% |
| Vanguard University of Southern California admits 62% of applicants, and its graduates earn a median of $65,874 four years after completing. | |||||
| 57 | Palo Alto University · Palo Alto, CA | $88,171 | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Palo Alto University reports median earnings of $88,171 for its graduates four years after completing and ranks 730th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 58 | Menlo College · Atherton, CA | $79,903 | $31,100 | $25,546 | 68.5% |
| Menlo College ranks 58th on this list and shows an average net price of $25,546 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 59 | Pepperdine University · Malibu, CA | $84,459 | $58,098 | $50,560 | 62.9% |
| Pepperdine University posts a six-year completion rate of 83% and admits 63% of applicants. | |||||
| 60 | Concordia University-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $83,064 | $28,115 | $25,431 | 66.0% |
| Concordia University-Irvine reports median earnings of $83,064 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 58%. | |||||
| 61 | Soka University of America · Aliso Viejo, CA | $53,646 | $18,260 | $12,020 | 43.4% |
| Soka University of America reports median earnings of $53,646 for its graduates four years after completing, and a six-year completion rate of 92%. | |||||
| 62 | California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks, CA | $69,695 | $30,109 | $22,161 | 75.7% |
| California Lutheran University admits 76% of applicants and posts an average net price of $30,109. | |||||
| 63 | Simpson University · Redding, CA | $59,198 | $27,817 | $25,511 | 86.0% |
| Simpson University ranks 63rd on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 49% and median earnings of $59,198 four years after completing. | |||||
| 64 | Pitzer College · Claremont, CA | $69,786 | $34,191 | $14,535 | 25.2% |
| Pitzer College has an admission rate of 25% and an average net price of $14,535 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 65 | Chapman University · Orange, CA | $73,336 | $46,555 | $33,559 | 65.4% |
| Chapman University posts an average net price of $46,555 and a six-year completion rate of 82%. | |||||
| 66 | Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA | $78,039 | $48,381 | $32,268 | 45.1% |
| Loyola Marymount University reports median earnings of $78,039 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 45%. | |||||
| 67 | Bethesda University · Anaheim, CA | $38,703 | $11,097 | $9,747 | Not reported |
| Bethesda University ranks 934th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and graduates 11% of its students within six years. | |||||
| 68 | Saint Mary's College of California · Moraga, CA | $74,325 | $30,378 | $19,462 | 86.5% |
| Saint Mary's College of California has an average net price of $19,462 for families earning under $30,000, and its graduates earn a median of $74,325 four years after completing. | |||||
| 69 | Woodbury University · Burbank, CA | $66,794 | $33,692 | $28,815 | 81.7% |
| Woodbury University admits 82% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 60%. | |||||
| 70 | Occidental College · Los Angeles, CA | $68,467 | $38,263 | $20,705 | 44.2% |
| Occidental College posts an average net price of $20,705 for families earning under $30,000, and its graduates earn a median of $68,467 four years after completing. | |||||
| 71 | Scripps College · Claremont, CA | $75,301 | $36,294 | $6,948 | 38.3% |
| Scripps College ranks 1043rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an admission rate of 38%. | |||||
| 72 | Point Loma Nazarene University · San Diego, CA | $72,880 | $38,729 | $30,999 | 83.7% |
| Point Loma Nazarene University reports median earnings of $72,880 for its graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $38,729. | |||||
| 73 | California Institute of Integral Studies · San Francisco, CA | $52,742 | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| California Institute of Integral Studies reports median earnings of $52,742 for its graduates four years after completing, and ranks 1066th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 74 | Westmont College · Santa Barbara, CA | $64,044 | $29,053 | $20,899 | 77.1% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 70%, Westmont College admits 77% of applicants and posts an average net price of $29,053. | |||||
| 75 | San Diego Christian College · Santee, CA | $50,741 | $992 | $992 | 30.8% |
| San Diego Christian College carries an average net price of $992, the lowest on this list, and graduates 20% of its students within six years. | |||||
| 76 | Life Pacific University · San Dimas, CA | $47,070 | $20,898 | $16,786 | 95.8% |
| Life Pacific University admits 96% of applicants and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $47,070 four years after completing. | |||||
| 77 | Whittier College · Whittier, CA | $57,988 | $25,757 | $21,718 | 80.8% |
| Graduates of Whittier College earn a median of $57,988 four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 60%. | |||||
| 78 | Thomas Aquinas College · Santa Paula, CA | $49,755 | $26,196 | $19,761 | 83.1% |
| Thomas Aquinas College posts a six-year completion rate of 84% and an average net price of $19,761 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 79 | Biola University · La Mirada, CA | $61,363 | $31,495 | $27,144 | 74.4% |
| Biola University reports median earnings of $61,363 for its graduates four years after completing, and ranks 1161st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 80 | Hope International University · Fullerton, CA | $53,687 | $29,310 | $27,991 | 33.0% |
| With an admission rate of 33%, Hope International University graduates 49% of its students within six years and reports an average net price of $29,310. | |||||
| 81 | Art Center College of Design · Pasadena, CA | $74,009 | $48,661 | $39,645 | 74.5% |
| Art Center College of Design reports median earnings of $74,009 for its graduates four years after completing, and posts an average net price of $48,661. | |||||
| 82 | William Jessup University · Rocklin, CA | $55,374 | $28,062 | $23,123 | 93.3% |
| William Jessup University admits 93% of applicants and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $55,374 four years after completing. | |||||
| 83 | SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary · El Dorado Hills, CA | $38,089 | $21,680 | $21,249 | 40.7% |
| SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates 85% of its students within six years, and reports an average net price of $21,249 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 84 | Providence Christian College · Pasadena, CA | $46,288 | $25,163 | $23,481 | 100.0% |
| Providence Christian College admits 100% of applicants, the most open admission rate on this list, and graduates 20% of its students within six years. | |||||
| 85 | California College of ASU · Los Angeles, CA | $38,025 | $17,683 | $15,386 | Not reported |
| California College of ASU reports median earnings of $38,025 for its graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 37%. | |||||
| 86 | The Master's University and Seminary · Santa Clarita, CA | $55,487 | $32,647 | $24,624 | 84.0% |
| The Master's University and Seminary admits 84% of applicants and shows an average net price of $32,647. | |||||
| 87 | La Sierra University · Riverside, CA | $57,898 | $45,566 | $44,988 | 91.5% |
| La Sierra University ranks 87th on this list, with graduates across all fields earning a median of $57,898 four years after completing. | |||||
| 88 | John Paul the Great Catholic University · Escondido, CA | $40,588 | $34,666 | $27,029 | 79.6% |
| John Paul the Great Catholic University posts a six-year completion rate of 64% and an average net price of $27,029 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 89 | San Francisco Conservatory of Music · San Francisco, CA | $50,407 | $42,607 | $55,704 | 54.9% |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music reports median earnings of $50,407 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 55%. | |||||
| 90 | Laguna College of Art and Design · Laguna Beach, CA | $48,922 | $42,505 | $37,203 | 94.3% |
| Laguna College of Art and Design ranks 90th on this list and shows an average net price of $42,505. | |||||
| 91 | Southern California Institute of Architecture · Los Angeles, CA | $73,456 | $43,923 | $36,824 | 76.6% |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture reports median earnings of $73,456 for its graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 71%. | |||||
| 92 | Otis College of Art and Design · Los Angeles, CA | $50,900 | $51,248 | $44,731 | 81.8% |
| Otis College of Art and Design admits 82% of applicants and shows an average net price of $44,731 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 93 | California College of the Arts · San Francisco, CA | $53,517 | $53,909 | $61,407 | 91.1% |
| California College of the Arts ranks 93rd on this list, with graduates across all fields earning a median of $53,517 four years after completing. | |||||
| 94 | California Institute of the Arts · Valencia, CA | $35,256 | $46,080 | $26,686 | 32.3% |
| At California Institute of the Arts, a six-year completion rate of 67% coincides with an average net price of $46,080. | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by Azimuth's overall score for California, highest first. The score combines four pillars, weighted 30% return, 30% mobility, 20% access and 20% affordability, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. The score draws on institution-level earnings for federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after completing. It does not measure fit or teaching quality. The list includes 32 public and 62 private nonprofit institutions. University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on this page and 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, while California State University-Los Angeles holds the 2nd spot.