Compare 7 Education, General. programs in California. Average earnings: $43,856.
The highest-earning Education, General program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 7 programs in California, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Chapman University's Education, General program leads with graduates earning $60,147. The average across California programs is $43,856, yet Chapman—with its 56% admission rate—demonstrates that accessible programs can deliver top outcomes. Vanguard University follows at $55,018, further proving regional schools compete effectively.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $60,147 | 46 | $20,500 | Excellent | $44,954 | High |
| #2 | $55,018 | 12 | $22,000 | Good | $25,750 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $52,320 | 367 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $39,111 | 59 | $15,000 | Manageable | $22,033 | High | |
| #5 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $35,866 | 115 | $16,705 | Manageable | $27,986 | High |
| #6 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | $33,281 | 14 | $18,000 | Challenging | $0 | Challenging |
| #7 | $31,250 | 59 | $16,000 | High | $15,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
