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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #241 | La Sierra UniversityPrivate | Riverside, CA | $57,898 Median Earnings (4yr) | $44,988 | 91.5% | 59.7% |
| #242 | American Jewish UniversityPrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $46,625 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | 44.4% |
| #243 | Escondido, CA | $40,588 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,029 | 79.6% | 63.9% | |
| #244 | San Francisco, CA | $50,407 Median Earnings (4yr) | $55,704 | 54.9% | 73.7% | |
| #245 | Los Angeles, CA | $50,900 Median Earnings (4yr) | $44,731 | 81.8% | 66.3% | |
| #246 | California College Of AsuPrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $38,025 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,386 | — | 37.2% |
| #247 | San Francisco, CA | $53,517 Median Earnings (4yr) | $61,407 | 91.1% | 61.2% | |
| #248 | Tarzana, CA | $28,159 Median Earnings (4yr) | $47,332 | — | — | |
| #249 | Laguna Beach, CA | $48,922 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,203 | 94.3% | 51.7% | |
| #250 | Los Angeles, CA | $73,456 Median Earnings (4yr) | $36,824 | 76.6% | 71.4% | |
| #251 | Santa Clarita, CA | $55,487 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,624 | 84.0% | 67.7% | |
| #252 | Clovis Adult EducationPublic | Clovis, CA | $43,882 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #253 | Los Angeles, CA | $29,927 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,743 | 82.8% | — | |
| #254 | Valencia, CA | $35,256 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,686 | 32.3% | 66.7% | |
| #255 | Carlsbad, CA | $41,390 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,997 | — | — |
