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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #121 | San Diego, CA | $90,930 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #122 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | Azusa, CA | $71,925 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,781 | 88.4% | 61.8% |
| #123 | Los Angeles, CA | $46,673 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,716 | — | — | |
| #124 | Pacific Oaks CollegePrivate | Pasadena, CA | $56,852 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 34.4% | — |
| #125 | Santiago Canyon CollegePublic | Orange, CA | $55,988 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$219 | — | — |
| #126 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | Fresno, CA | $63,285 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,133 | 64.1% | 50.0% |
| #127 | Foothill CollegePublic | Los Altos Hills, CA | $68,070 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,571 | — | 56.4% |
| #128 | Anaheim, CA | $82,068 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #129 | Folsom Lake CollegePublic | Folsom, CA | $58,876 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,458 | — | — |
| #130 | University Of La VernePrivate | La Verne, CA | $64,109 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,151 | 71.2% | 63.1% |
| #131 | Los Angeles, CA | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #132 | Los Angeles, CA | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #133 | San Bernardino, CA | $55,935 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,446 | — | — | |
| #134 | Solano Community CollegePublic | Fairfield, CA | $59,829 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,624 | — | 36.2% |
| #135 | Crafton Hills CollegePublic | Yucaipa, CA | $69,922 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,838 | — | 31.3% |
| #136 | Lemoore CollegePublic | Lemoore, CA | $43,402 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,598 | — | — |
| #137 | Keck Graduate InstitutePrivate | Claremont, CA | $82,886 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #138 | Santa Barbara, CA | $63,514 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,333 | — | — | |
| #139 | Gavilan CollegePublic | Gilroy, CA | $56,285 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,507 | — | — |
| #140 | Cabrillo CollegePublic | Aptos, CA | $54,586 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,656 | — | — |
