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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #141 | San Jose, CA | $77,686 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #142 | Saddleback CollegePublic | Mission Viejo, CA | $46,604 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,596 | — | — |
| #143 | Homestead Schools-Costa MesaPrivate | Costa Mesa, CA | $66,788 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #144 | Touro University WorldwidePrivate | Los Alamitos, CA | $67,614 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,342 | — | 28.6% |
| #145 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | Angwin, CA | $88,027 Median Earnings (4yr) | $41,008 | 47.3% | 58.3% |
| #146 | Cet-Santa MariaPrivate | Santa Maria, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,846 | — | — |
| #147 | Western Seminary-SacramentoPrivate | Roseville, CA | $73,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #148 | Western Seminary-San JosePrivate | San Jose, CA | $73,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #149 | Oxnard CollegePublic | Oxnard, CA | $49,137 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,855 | — | — |
| #150 | Skyline CollegePublic | San Bruno, CA | $59,341 Median Earnings (4yr) | $842 | — | 44.3% |
| #151 | Cuyamaca CollegePublic | El Cajon, CA | $42,745 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,183 | — | — |
| #152 | University Of RedlandsPrivate | Redlands, CA | $75,863 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,287 | 82.7% | 67.3% |
| #153 | St. Helena, CA | $51,285 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #154 | College Of MarinPublic | Kentfield, CA | $62,664 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,665 | — | — |
| #155 | Joshua Tree, CA | $53,634 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,655 | — | — | |
| #156 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | Malibu, CA | $84,459 Median Earnings (4yr) | $50,560 | 62.9% | 83.4% |
| #157 | Reedley CollegePublic | Reedley, CA | $42,644 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,327 | — | — |
| #158 | Fuller Theological SeminaryPrivate | Pasadena, CA | $67,410 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #159 | Mission CollegePublic | Santa Clara, CA | $55,281 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,463 | — | — |
| #160 | Saybrook UniversityPrivate | Pasadena, CA | $65,914 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
