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# Best Health Professions Colleges in California (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Programs in this field[Communication Sciences and Disorders](/rankings/best-communication-sciences-and-disorders-programs-in-california/)[Nursing](/rankings/best-nursing-colleges-in-california/)[Public Health](/rankings/best-public-health-programs-in-california/)

This page ranks 44 Health Professions schools in California by the median earnings of Health Professions graduates four years after completing. Across the 42 schools with a published figure, earnings range from $148,193 at Samuel Merritt University to $25,194, with a median of $89,902.

For 4 of the listed schools the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.

The list includes 25 public and 19 private nonprofit institutions. California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price at $3,967, while University of California-Berkeley reports the highest six-year completion rate at 93%.

On Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, University of California-San Diego ranks 1st.

## The ranked list

44 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Median Health Professions Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Samuel Merritt University · Oakland, CA | $148,193 | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
|  | Samuel Merritt University reports $148,193 in median earnings for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, the highest on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (508 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($148,193) |
| 2 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | $143,886 | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
|  | [Sonoma State University](/school/sonoma-state-university/majors/), a public university in Rohnert Park, [admits 93% of applicants](/school/sonoma-state-university/admissions/) and posts a six-year completion rate of 58%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (63 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($143,886) |
| 3 | University of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA | $143,356 | $41,431 | $31,537 | 61.7% |
|  | [University of San Francisco](/school/university-of-san-francisco/majors/) [ranks 328th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-san-francisco/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $41,431. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (247 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($143,356) |
| 4 | Dominican University of California · San Rafael, CA | $140,163 | $35,333 | $24,572 | 83.5% |
|  | Graduates of Dominican University of California earn a median of $140,163 four years after completing, and the school reports an average net price of $24,572 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (115 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (19 graduates), Public Health (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($149,622) |
| 5 | California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA | $134,489 | $13,663 | $9,970 | 97.4% |
|  | [California State University-Monterey Bay](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/majors/) ranks 5th on this list with [median earnings of $134,489,](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/outcomes/) and its six-year completion rate stands at 59%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (52 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($134,489) |
| 6 | Mount Saint Mary's University · Los Angeles, CA | $119,050 | $21,413 | $23,849 | 73.1% |
|  | [Mount Saint Mary's University](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/majors/) [admits 73% of applicants](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $23,849 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (195 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($119,050) |
| 7 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $118,566 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
|  | [University of California-Los Angeles](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 93%](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/outcomes/) alongside an admission rate of 9%, the most selective on the page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (54 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($118,566) |
| 8 | Azusa Pacific University · Azusa, CA | $118,549 | $22,212 | $15,781 | 88.4% |
|  | [Azusa Pacific University](/school/azusa-pacific-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $118,549](/school/azusa-pacific-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing and ranks 481st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (615 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($118,549) |
| 9 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | $116,305 | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% |
|  | [California State University-Dominguez Hills](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/majors/) carries an [average net price of $8,615](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/cost/) and reports a six-year completion rate of 43%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (181 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (151 graduates), Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($118,588), Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($109,642) |
| 10 | Simpson University · Redding, CA | $113,623 | $27,817 | $25,511 | 86.0% |
|  | Simpson University, a private nonprofit university in Redding, reports median earnings of $113,623 for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (48 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($113,623) |
| 11 | California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA | $113,534 | $6,067 | $3,938 | 98.1% |
|  | [California State University-Stanislaus](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/majors/) [admits 98% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $3,938 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (125 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (51 graduates), Public Health (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($126,959) |
| 12 | California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA | $111,229 | $10,229 | $6,230 | 95.1% |
|  | A public institution in San Marcos, [California State University-San Marcos](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/majors/) reports [median earnings of $111,229](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/outcomes/) for Health Professions graduates four years after completing and ranks 59th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (318 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (71 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($120,196) |
| 13 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $111,203 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
|  | [San Francisco State University](/school/san-francisco-state-university/majors/) reports [$111,203 in median earnings](/school/san-francisco-state-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $12,278. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (162 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (92 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($150,102), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($70,532), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($65,252) |
| 14 | Concordia University-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $105,657 | $28,115 | $25,431 | 66.0% |
|  | With a six-year completion rate of 58%, Concordia University-Irvine ranks 14th on this list and posts median earnings of $105,657 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (108 graduates), Health and Medical Administrative Services (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($105,657) |
| 15 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $102,298 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
|  | [California State University-Bakersfield](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/majors/) [admits 94% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/admissions/) and its Health Professions graduates earn a median of $102,298 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (101 graduates) |
| 16 | Vanguard University of Southern California · Costa Mesa, CA | $102,239 | $21,241 | $17,225 | 62.4% |
|  | [Vanguard University of Southern California](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/majors/), a private nonprofit university in Costa Mesa, reports [median earnings of $102,239](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($102,239) |
| 17 | Point Loma Nazarene University · San Diego, CA | $101,952 | $38,729 | $30,999 | 83.7% |
|  | [Point Loma Nazarene University](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/majors/) shows an [average net price of $38,729](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/cost/) and its Health Professions graduates earn a median of $101,952 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (137 graduates), Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (42 graduates), Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($114,919), Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($59,654) |
| 18 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $94,959 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
|  | [California State University-East Bay](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/majors/) [ranks 67th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $94,959 for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (311 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (171 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($150,921), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($68,231), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($62,720) |
| 19 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $91,251 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
|  | Graduates of [California State University-Sacramento](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/majors/) earn a [median of $91,251](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/outcomes/) four years after completing, and the university posts a six-year completion rate of 56%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (196 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (158 graduates), Public Health (156 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($129,960), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($67,182), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($63,013) |
| 20 | Biola University · La Mirada, CA | $91,146 | $31,495 | $27,144 | 74.4% |
|  | [Biola University](/school/biola-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $27,144](/school/biola-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $91,146 for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (55 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (50 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($111,200) |
| 21 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $90,282 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
|  | [California State University-Long Beach](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/majors/) [admits 46% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/admissions/) and ranks 5th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (370 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (221 graduates), Health and Medical Administrative Services (146 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($111,681), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($75,137), Health and Medical Administrative Services ($64,633) |
| 22 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $89,522 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
|  | [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) reports [median earnings of $89,522](/school/university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, with a six-year completion rate of 92%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (128 graduates), Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Health ($89,522) |
| 23 | Fresno Pacific University · Fresno, CA | $88,283 | $13,630 | $11,133 | 64.1% |
|  | [Fresno Pacific University](/school/fresno-pacific-university/majors/) shows an [average net price of $13,630](/school/fresno-pacific-university/cost/) and its Health Professions graduates earn a median of $88,283 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health and Medical Administrative Services (10 graduates), Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (9 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (9 graduates) |
| 24 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $85,997 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
|  | [California Baptist University](/school/california-baptist-university/majors/) ranks 24th on this list and reports [median earnings of $85,997](/school/california-baptist-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (168 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (63 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($108,157), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($67,621), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($59,801) |
| 25 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $83,597 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
|  | [San Diego State University](/school/san-diego-state-university/majors/) reports [$83,597 in median earnings](/school/san-diego-state-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 76%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (212 graduates), Public Health (162 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (154 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($120,799), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($61,510) |
| 26 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $82,669 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Stockton, [University of the Pacific](/school/university-of-the-pacific/majors/) posts an [average net price of $25,447](/school/university-of-the-pacific/cost/) alongside a 71% admission rate. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (25 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (17 graduates), Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (13 graduates) |
| 27 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $82,225 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
|  | [California State University-Fresno](/school/california-state-university-fresno/majors/) ranks 27th on this list and carries an [average net price of $7,000](/school/california-state-university-fresno/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (177 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (149 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (140 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($111,278), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($76,268), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($51,835) |
| 28 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $78,037 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 55%](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/outcomes/), [California State University-San Bernardino](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/majors/) reports $78,037 in median earnings for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (117 graduates), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (99 graduates), Public Health (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($109,499), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($45,977) |
| 29 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | No published median | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% |
|  | [California State University-Chico](/school/california-state-university-chico/majors/) [admits 93% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-chico/admissions/) and shows an average net price of $9,902 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (127 graduates), Public Health (120 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (58 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($117,543), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($69,303), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($62,855) |
| 30 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $76,949 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
|  | [San Jose State University](/school/san-jose-state-university/majors/) reports [$76,949 in median earnings](/school/san-jose-state-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates two years after completing, and its Azimuth composite rank among nonprofit four-year institutions is 23rd. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (249 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (167 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (55 graduates) |
| 31 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $76,572 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
|  | [University of California-Berkeley](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/majors/) posts an 11% admission rate and a [six-year completion rate of 93%](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/outcomes/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (210 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Health ($76,572) |
| 32 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | No published median | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
|  | [California State University-Fullerton](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/majors/) [ranks 6th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $3,315 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (432 graduates), Public Health (364 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (160 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($119,353), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($62,436), Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($54,244) |
| 33 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $74,646 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
|  | Reporting [$74,646 in median earnings](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, [California State University-Los Angeles](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/majors/) has an average net price of $3,967. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (174 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (158 graduates), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (126 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($116,182), Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($57,695), Public Health ($56,466) |
| 34 | California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA | $74,555 | $9,849 | $6,857 | 94.8% |
|  | [California State University-Channel Islands](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/majors/) [admits 95% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/admissions/) and shows a six-year completion rate of 51% alongside median earnings of $74,555 for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (236 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (100 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($112,691) |
| 35 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $73,595 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
|  | [University of California-Davis](/school/university-of-california-davis/majors/) reports [$73,595 in median earnings](/school/university-of-california-davis/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, and its Azimuth composite rank among nonprofit four-year institutions is 18th. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration ($73,595) |
| 36 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $73,511 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
|  | [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) carries an [average net price of $4,905](/school/california-state-university-northridge/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and reports $73,511 in median earnings for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (312 graduates), Health and Medical Administrative Services (156 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (155 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($116,613), Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($105,747), Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($65,188) |
| 37 | Chapman University · Orange, CA | $72,529 | $46,555 | $33,559 | 65.4% |
|  | [Chapman University](/school/chapman-university/majors/) reports [$72,529 in median earnings](/school/chapman-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 82%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (116 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Health ($72,529) |
| 38 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | $71,767 | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% |
|  | [University of Redlands](/school/university-of-redlands/majors/) [admits 83% of applicants](/school/university-of-redlands/admissions/) and posts an average net price of $30,031. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($71,767) |
| 39 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | $66,110 | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
|  | With [median earnings of $66,110](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/outcomes/) four years after completing, [University of California-San Diego](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/majors/) ranks 39th on this list and holds the 1st spot on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (345 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Health ($66,110) |
| 40 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $65,167 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
|  | [University of California-Irvine](/school/university-of-california-irvine/majors/) [graduates 87% of its students within six years](/school/university-of-california-irvine/outcomes/) and reports an average net price of $8,123 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (473 graduates), Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (102 graduates), Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (49 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($119,502), Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration ($61,034), Public Health ($60,430) |
| 41 | University of California-Merced · Merced, CA | $56,393 | $11,983 | $7,945 | 90.5% |
|  | An [admission rate of 91%](/school/university-of-california-merced/admissions/) and median earnings of $56,393 four years after completing accompany [University of California-Merced](/school/university-of-california-merced/majors/)'s 41st position on this page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (141 graduates) |
| 42 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $35,594 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
|  | [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $35,594](/school/santa-clara-university/outcomes/) for its Health Professions graduates two years after completing, with an average net price of $50,062. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Health (40 graduates) |
| 43 | Saint Mary's College of California · Moraga, CA | $33,993 | $30,378 | $19,462 | 86.5% |
|  | Saint Mary's College of California admits 87% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 70%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (30 graduates) |
| 44 | La Sierra University · Riverside, CA | $25,194 | $45,566 | $44,988 | 91.5% |
|  | La Sierra University ranks 44th on this list with median earnings of $25,194 two years after completing, and its Azimuth composite rank is 1420th among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (75 graduates), Public Health (7 graduates) |

## How this list is ordered

Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Health Professions graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only schools with a reported Health Professions earnings cohort in California appear. The figure captures federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after finishing. For 4 of the 44 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The range and median below cover the 42 schools with a published figure. Samuel Merritt University leads at $148,193, a margin of $4,307 over second-place Sonoma State University, while the spread from top to bottom reaches $122,999.

## Job market context in California

Health Professions graduates in California enter occupations such as Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, and Nursing Assistants. The median annual wage across those occupations is $82,673, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $68,269. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 13.1% higher, with about 1,247 openings a year for every hundred graduates, more projected openings than graduates. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses graduate earnings four years after completing, not the broader occupational wages described here.

## Related rankings

-   Health Professions Colleges
-   [Best Colleges in California](/rankings/best-colleges-in-california/)
-   [Best Nursing Colleges in New York](/rankings/best-nursing-colleges-in-new-york/)
-   [Top Physical Therapy Colleges in Texas by Earnings](/rankings/best-physical-therapy-colleges-in-texas/)
-   [Best Health Professions Colleges in Minnesota](/rankings/best-health-professions-colleges-in-minnesota/)
-   [Best Health Professions Colleges in Ohio](/rankings/best-health-professions-colleges-in-ohio/)
-   Health Professions Colleges in California for Social Mobility
-   Nursing Colleges in California for Social Mobility
-   Speech-Language Pathology Colleges in California for Social Mobility