Compare 37 General Studies. programs in California. Average earnings: $45,248.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $9K earnings gap across 37 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Loyola Marymount University's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $55,485, followed closely by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at $55,078. The average across all programs is $45,248, demonstrating how specific programs can significantly outperform the field average through focused curriculum and career preparation.
For families, the math changes dramatically. While Loyola Marymount tops earnings, Cal State Stanislaus offers the best student value with just a 6.6% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' affordability rating. Cal State Bakersfield leads family value at 12.2% total burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $55,485
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
6.6% payment burden | Excellent
12.2% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $55,485 | 20 | $19,500 | Good | $58,361 | High |
| #2 | $55,078 | 108 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $53,489 | 58 | $23,691 | Good | $58,000 | High | |
| #4 | $53,198 | 142 | $17,500 | Excellent | $18,275 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $52,770 | 265 | $16,600 | Excellent | $9,000 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $51,305 | 148 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Challenging |
| #7 | $50,537 | 235 | $13,540 | Excellent | $12,700 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $50,433 | 95 | $16,544 | Good | $15,738 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $50,096 | 39 | $21,669 | Good | $32,125 | High | |
| #10 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | $50,055 | 97 | $23,219 | Good | $26,000 | High |
| #11 | $49,653 | 125 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $49,182 | 125 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $48,865 | 320 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $48,538 | 214 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $47,796 | 315 | $14,715 | Excellent | $12,000 | Manageable | |
| #16 | University Of La VernePrivate | $47,665 | 132 | $23,500 | Manageable | $27,977 | High |
| #17 | $46,959 | 189 | $15,000 | Good | $16,507 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $46,794 | 282 | $12,750 | Excellent | $16,836 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $46,751 | 240 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $46,560 | 126 | $15,000 | Good | $22,033 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $46,235 | 485 | $14,505 | Good | $12,050 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | $45,696 | 17 | $23,510 | Manageable | $41,309 | High |
| #23 | $45,654 | 210 | $16,552 | Good | $17,585 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $45,432 | 78 | $26,063 | Manageable | $31,387 | High | |
| #25 | $44,387 | 56 | $15,000 | Good | $20,820 | Challenging |
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 →
