Home to 91 ranked institutions, California offers a diverse higher education landscape ranging from research powerhouses like University Of California-San Diego to specialized regional colleges. With 35% public universities and 65% private colleges, graduates earn a median of $68,460 ten years after enrollment—significantly above national benchmarks.
Graduates from California institutions earn between $28,891 and $138,687 ten years after enrollment—$12,643 higher than the national average. University Of California-San Diego leads the rankings with the highest Azimuth Score of 2.8, while the top three schools demonstrate exceptional median earnings: UC Berkeley at $92,446, UC San Diego at $84,943, and UC Irvine at $80,735.
While University Of California-San Diego dominates the rankings, students looking for more accessible admissions should consider California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. With an acceptance rate of 73%, it offers a strategic alternative for students prioritizing strong outcomes without the competitive admissions typical of UC schools, proving that graduation rate excellence doesn't require exclusivity.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #221 | Chico, CA | $37,404 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,261 | — | — | |
| #222 | Bethesda UniversityPrivate | Anaheim, CA | $38,703 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,747 | — | 11.1% |
| #223 | Whittier CollegePrivate | Whittier, CA | $57,988 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,718 | 80.8% | 60.0% |
| #224 | Biola UniversityPrivate | La Mirada, CA | $61,363 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,144 | 74.4% | 67.6% |
| #225 | Culver City, CA | $63,882 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #226 | Belmont, CA | $71,954 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | 6.7% | |
| #227 | San Diego Christian CollegePrivate | Santee, CA | $50,741 Median Earnings (4yr) | $992 | 30.8% | 19.7% |
| #228 | Life Pacific UniversityPrivate | San Dimas, CA | $47,070 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,786 | 95.8% | 40.4% |
| #229 | Cet-El CentroPrivate | El Centro, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,063 | — | — |
| #230 | Fullerton, CA | $53,687 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,991 | 33.0% | 49.4% | |
| #231 | Pomona, CA | $28,773 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,467 | — | — | |
| #232 | Cet-OxnardPrivate | Oxnard, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,347 | — | — |
| #233 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | Santa Paula, CA | $49,755 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,761 | 83.1% | 84.3% |
| #234 | Cet-San DiegoPrivate | San Diego, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,198 | — | — |
| #235 | La Puente, CA | $31,434 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,568 | 100.0% | — | |
| #236 | William Jessup UniversityPrivate | Rocklin, CA | $55,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,123 | 93.3% | 56.0% |
| #237 | Ces CollegePrivate | Burbank, CA | $35,255 Median Earnings (4yr) | $30,051 | 68.0% | — |
| #238 | Quincy, CA | $39,865 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,995 | — | 34.6% | |
| #239 | Providence Christian CollegePrivate | Pasadena, CA | $46,288 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,481 | 100.0% | 20.0% |
| #240 | El Dorado Hills, CA | $38,089 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,249 | 40.7% | 84.8% |
