Liberal Arts programs in California produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $19,592 to $55,485. Across 35 programs, the variation in outcomes demonstrates why program selection matters significantly for career trajectories, with California graduates earning $8,181 higher than the national average.
Leading the list is Loyola Marymount University with the highest program earnings of $55,485. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo follows closely at $55,078, while Saint Mary's College Of California rounds out the top three at $53,489. These top-performing programs demonstrate strong graduate outcomes that justify their positioning in the rankings, with public universities representing 66% of all ranked institutions.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Fresno, CA | $46,235 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $4,447 | 96.4% | 54.8% | |
| #22 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | Malibu, CA | $45,696 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $36,463 | 49.9% | 84.7% |
| #23 | Chico, CA | $45,654 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $10,045 | 93.7% | 63.6% | |
| #24 | Riverside, CA | $45,432 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $23,788 | 73.6% | 59.5% | |
| #25 | San Jose, CA | $44,387 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $9,743 | 80.2% | 64.6% | |
| #26 | San Marcos, CA | $43,664 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $6,812 | 95.7% | 54.2% | |
| #27 | Santa Clarita, CA | $43,455 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $31,026 | 75.9% | 63.7% | |
| #28 | Pomona, CA | $43,398 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $7,599 | 73.7% | 66.7% | |
| #29 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | Santa Paula, CA | $40,912 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $16,761 | 78.7% | 82.0% |
| #30 | Concordia University-IrvinePrivate | Irvine, CA | $39,600 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $23,532 | 59.9% | 62.5% |
| #31 | Los Angeles, CA | $39,472 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $2,855 | 91.9% | 52.6% | |
| #32 | Soka University Of AmericaPrivate | Aliso Viejo, CA | $38,570 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $14,587 | 69.5% | 86.9% |
| #33 | Simpson UniversityPrivate | Redding, CA | $38,357 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $22,880 | 99.0% | 41.7% |
| #34 | Carson, CA | $34,529 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $2,624 | 91.3% | 46.9% | |
| #35 | Arcata, CA | $34,209 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $8,090 | 98.8% | 46.6% | |
| #36 | University Of RedlandsPrivate | Redlands, CA | $29,814 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $21,520 | 80.9% | 70.7% |
| #37 | Providence Christian CollegePrivate | Pasadena, CA | $19,592 Median Liberal Arts Earnings | $22,949 | 92.5% | 52.6% |
