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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #161 | Barstow, CA | $38,095 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,239 | — | — | |
| #162 | Los Angeles, CA | $108,804 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #163 | Menlo CollegePrivate | Atherton, CA | $79,903 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,546 | 68.5% | 53.5% |
| #164 | San Diego, CA | $82,068 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #165 | Las Positas CollegePublic | Livermore, CA | $52,625 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,020 | — | — |
| #166 | Cuesta CollegePublic | San Luis Obispo, CA | $57,231 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,414 | — | — |
| #167 | Graduate Theological UnionPrivate | Berkeley, CA | $59,444 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #168 | Santa Fe Springs, CA | $53,590 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,761 | — | — | |
| #169 | Concordia University-IrvinePrivate | Irvine, CA | $83,064 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,431 | 66.0% | 58.3% |
| #170 | Costa Mesa, CA | $65,874 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,225 | 62.4% | 56.8% | |
| #171 | College Of The RedwoodsPublic | Eureka, CA | $37,636 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,940 | — | — |
| #172 | Palo Alto UniversityPrivate | Palo Alto, CA | $88,171 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #173 | Ventura CollegePublic | Ventura, CA | $51,753 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,913 | — | — |
| #174 | Riverside, CA | $34,238 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,142 | — | — | |
| #175 | Idea At AtepPublic | Tustin, CA | $55,055 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #176 | West Valley CollegePublic | Saratoga, CA | $51,402 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,658 | — | — |
| #177 | Cet-ColtonPrivate | Colton, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,011 | — | — |
| #178 | Hayward, CA | $53,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #179 | Norco CollegePublic | Norco, CA | $42,707 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,600 | — | — |
| #180 | Los Angeles, CA | $36,185 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,300 | 58.2% | 11.9% |
