[College research](/) / [Rankings](/rankings/)

# Best Psychology Colleges in California (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Programs in this field[Psychology, General](/rankings/best-psychology-general-programs-in-california/)

This page ranks the 62 colleges in California that report a Psychology earnings cohort, ordered by the median earnings of Psychology graduates four years after completing. [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) leads the list at $75,742, followed by [University of San Diego](/school/university-of-san-diego/majors/) at $74,178 and [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) at $70,461.

Across the 57 schools with a published figure, median earnings range from $75,742 to $33,604, and the median stands at $53,237.

The list splits evenly between public and private institutions, with 31 public and 31 private nonprofit schools. California State University-Los Angeles reports the lowest average net price on the page at $3,967, while University of California-Berkeley posts the highest six-year completion rate at 93%.

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

## The ranked list

62 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Median Psychology Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $75,742 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
|  | [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) reports [$75,742 in median earnings](/school/santa-clara-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and ranks 1st on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (122 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($75,742) |
| 2 | University of San Diego · San Diego, CA | $74,178 | $30,365 | $15,586 | 52.4% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 84%](/school/university-of-san-diego/outcomes/), [University of San Diego](/school/university-of-san-diego/majors/) posts $74,178 in median earnings for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (123 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($74,178) |
| 3 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $70,461 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
|  | [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) [admits 10% of applicants](/school/university-of-southern-california/admissions/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $70,461 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (183 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($70,461) |
| 4 | University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA | $66,171 | $16,109 | $9,231 | 33.0% |
|  | A public university in Santa Barbara, [University of California-Santa Barbara](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/majors/) reports [$66,171 in median earnings](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $16,109. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (616 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Research and Experimental Psychology ($66,171) |
| 5 | University of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA | $65,071 | $41,431 | $31,537 | 61.7% |
|  | [University of San Francisco](/school/university-of-san-francisco/majors/) ranks 5th on this page, with Psychology graduates earning a [median of $65,071](/school/university-of-san-francisco/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (150 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($65,071) |
| 6 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $64,904 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
|  | Graduates of [University of California-Berkeley](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/majors/) earn a [median of $64,904](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/outcomes/) four years after completing, and the school reports an average net price of $5,311 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (344 graduates) |
| 7 | Azusa Pacific University · Azusa, CA | $63,963 | $22,212 | $15,781 | 88.4% |
|  | [Azusa Pacific University](/school/azusa-pacific-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 62%](/school/azusa-pacific-university/outcomes/) and median earnings of $63,963 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (150 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($63,963) |
| 8 | Chapman University · Orange, CA | $63,617 | $46,555 | $33,559 | 65.4% |
|  | [Chapman University](/school/chapman-university/majors/) [admits 65% of applicants](/school/chapman-university/admissions/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $63,617 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (138 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($63,617) |
| 9 | Pepperdine University · Malibu, CA | $61,353 | $58,098 | $50,560 | 62.9% |
|  | [Pepperdine University](/school/pepperdine-university/majors/) reports [$61,353 in median earnings](/school/pepperdine-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $50,560 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (77 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($61,353) |
| 10 | Dominican University of California · San Rafael, CA | $61,339 | $35,333 | $24,572 | 83.5% |
|  | Dominican University of California ranks 10th on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 78% and Psychology graduates earning a median of $61,339 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (25 graduates) |
| 11 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $61,103 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
|  | [California Baptist University](/school/california-baptist-university/majors/) reports [$61,103 in median earnings](/school/california-baptist-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $26,285. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (169 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($61,103) |
| 12 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $61,081 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
|  | [University of California-Los Angeles](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/majors/) [admits 9% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/admissions/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $61,081 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (648 graduates), Research and Experimental Psychology (383 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Research and Experimental Psychology ($61,134), Psychology, General ($61,050) |
| 13 | Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA | $60,958 | $48,381 | $32,268 | 45.1% |
|  | [Loyola Marymount University](/school/loyola-marymount-university/majors/), a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, reports [$60,958 in median earnings](/school/loyola-marymount-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $32,268 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (158 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($60,958) |
| 14 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA | $60,466 | $16,665 | $7,529 | 31.3% |
|  | [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/majors/) [admits 31% of applicants](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/admissions/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $60,466 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (156 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($60,466) |
| 15 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | $59,948 | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 75%](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/outcomes/), [University of California-Santa Cruz](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/majors/) posts $59,948 in median earnings of Psychology graduates four years after completing and ranks 109th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (431 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($59,948) |
| 16 | Saint Mary's College of California · Moraga, CA | No published median | $30,378 | $19,462 | 86.5% |
|  | Saint Mary's College of California ranks 16th on this list and shows a six-year completion rate of 70% alongside an average net price of $30,378. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (40 graduates), Psychology, Other (19 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($70,123) |
| 17 | California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks, CA | $59,153 | $30,109 | $22,161 | 75.7% |
|  | [California Lutheran University](/school/california-lutheran-university/majors/) reports [$59,153 in median earnings](/school/california-lutheran-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $22,161 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (116 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($59,153) |
| 18 | Whittier College · Whittier, CA | $58,397 | $25,757 | $21,718 | 80.8% |
|  | Whittier College admits 81% of applicants and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $58,397 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($58,397) |
| 19 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $57,378 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
|  | [University of California-Davis](/school/university-of-california-davis/majors/) reports [$57,378 in median earnings](/school/university-of-california-davis/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and ranks 18th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (924 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Research and Experimental Psychology ($57,378) |
| 20 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | $57,335 | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
|  | [Sonoma State University](/school/sonoma-state-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 58%](/school/sonoma-state-university/outcomes/) and an average net price of $8,310 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (213 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($57,335) |
| 21 | University of La Verne · La Verne, CA | $56,925 | $20,161 | $20,151 | 71.2% |
|  | [University of La Verne](/school/university-of-la-verne/majors/) reports [$56,925 in median earnings](/school/university-of-la-verne/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $20,161. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (116 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($56,925) |
| 22 | Simpson University · Redding, CA | $56,902 | $27,817 | $25,511 | 86.0% |
|  | Simpson University admits 86% of applicants and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $56,902 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (66 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($56,902) |
| 23 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $55,902 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
|  | [San Francisco State University](/school/san-francisco-state-university/majors/) [ranks 51st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/san-francisco-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $55,902 in median earnings of Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (398 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($55,902) |
| 24 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | $55,739 | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% |
|  | [University of Redlands](/school/university-of-redlands/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 67%](/school/university-of-redlands/outcomes/) and an average net price of $28,287 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (78 graduates) |
| 25 | California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA | $55,196 | $10,229 | $6,230 | 95.1% |
|  | [California State University-San Marcos](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/majors/) reports [median earnings of $55,196](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $10,229. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (325 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($55,196) |
| 26 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $55,129 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
|  | A public university in Irvine, [University of California-Irvine](/school/university-of-california-irvine/majors/) [admits 29% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-irvine/admissions/) and graduates 87% of its students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (605 graduates), Psychology, General (390 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($56,380), Research and Experimental Psychology ($54,323) |
| 27 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $54,436 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
|  | [California State University-East Bay](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/majors/) ranks 27th on this list and holds an [Azimuth composite rank of 67th](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (460 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($54,436) |
| 28 | California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA | $54,074 | $13,663 | $9,970 | 97.4% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 59%](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/outcomes/), [California State University-Monterey Bay](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/majors/) posts median earnings of $54,074 for Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (231 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($54,074) |
| 29 | The Chicago School at Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $53,952 | Not reported | Not reported | 46.3% |
|  | [The Chicago School at Los Angeles](/school/the-chicago-school-at-los-angeles/majors/), a private nonprofit institution in Los Angeles, reports an [admission rate of 46%](/school/the-chicago-school-at-los-angeles/admissions/) and median earnings of $53,952 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (31 graduates) |
| 30 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | No published median | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
|  | [University of California-San Diego](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/majors/) [ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $12,470. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (320 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (200 graduates), Psychology, Other (116 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Research and Experimental Psychology ($63,130), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($56,000), Psychology, General ($51,679) |
| 31 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $53,237 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
|  | [California State University-Sacramento](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/majors/) reports [median earnings of $53,237](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, and its average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $6,501. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (607 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($53,237) |
| 32 | University of California-Merced · Merced, CA | $53,143 | $11,983 | $7,945 | 90.5% |
|  | [University of California-Merced](/school/university-of-california-merced/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-merced/admissions/) and shows a six-year completion rate of 69%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (187 graduates), Psychology, General (134 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($53,143) |
| 33 | Menlo College · Atherton, CA | $52,942 | $31,100 | $25,546 | 68.5% |
|  | A private nonprofit college in Atherton, Menlo College reports median earnings of $52,942 for Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $31,100. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (30 graduates) |
| 34 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | $52,742 | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% |
|  | [California State University-Dominguez Hills](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/majors/) ranks 34th on this list and holds an [Azimuth composite rank of 46th](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (576 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($52,742) |
| 35 | Fresno Pacific University · Fresno, CA | $52,695 | $13,630 | $11,133 | 64.1% |
|  | [Fresno Pacific University](/school/fresno-pacific-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $52,695](/school/fresno-pacific-university/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 50%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($52,695) |
| 36 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $52,621 | $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 reports an average net price of $9,902 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (346 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($52,621) |
| 37 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $52,612 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Stockton, [University of the Pacific](/school/university-of-the-pacific/majors/) reports [median earnings of $52,612](/school/university-of-the-pacific/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $25,447. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (44 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($52,612) |
| 38 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | $51,661 | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
|  | [California State University-Fullerton](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/admissions/) and ranks 6th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (890 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($51,661) |
| 39 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $51,526 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 57%](/school/california-state-university-fresno/outcomes/), [California State University-Fresno](/school/california-state-university-fresno/majors/) posts median Psychology earnings of $51,526 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (552 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($51,526) |
| 40 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $51,021 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
|  | [San Diego State University](/school/san-diego-state-university/majors/) ranks 40th on this list and carries an [average net price of $9,910](/school/san-diego-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (699 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($51,021) |
| 41 | William Jessup University · Rocklin, CA | $50,354 | $28,062 | $23,123 | 93.3% |
|  | William Jessup University, a private nonprofit institution in Rocklin, reports median Psychology earnings of $50,354 four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 56%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($50,354) |
| 42 | California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA | $50,348 | $6,067 | $3,938 | 98.1% |
|  | [California State University-Stanislaus](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/majors/) [graduates 53% of its students within six years](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/outcomes/) and shows an average net price of $6,067. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (478 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($50,348) |
| 43 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | $49,947 | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% |
|  | [University of California-Riverside](/school/university-of-california-riverside/majors/) [admits 76% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-riverside/admissions/) and reports median Psychology earnings of $49,947 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (578 graduates) |
| 44 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $49,792 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
|  | Ranking 7th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) posts an [average net price of $4,905](/school/california-state-university-northridge/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (930 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,792) |
| 45 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA | $49,747 | $11,531 | $7,851 | 75.2% |
|  | [California State Polytechnic University-Pomona](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/majors/) reports a [six-year completion rate of 68%](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/outcomes/) and median Psychology earnings of $49,747 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (361 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,747) |
| 46 | Concordia University-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $49,593 | $28,115 | $25,431 | 66.0% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Irvine, Concordia University-Irvine admits 66% of applicants and reports median Psychology earnings of $49,593 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (31 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,593) |
| 47 | Biola University · La Mirada, CA | $49,450 | $31,495 | $27,144 | 74.4% |
|  | [Biola University](/school/biola-university/majors/) ranks 47th on this list and carries an [average net price of $27,144](/school/biola-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (97 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,450) |
| 48 | La Sierra University · Riverside, CA | $49,265 | $45,566 | $44,988 | 91.5% |
|  | With an admission rate of 92%, La Sierra University reports median Psychology earnings of $49,265 four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 60%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (14 graduates) |
| 49 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $49,207 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
|  | [California State University-Bakersfield](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/majors/) reports [$49,207 in median earnings](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $5,652. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (294 graduates) |
| 50 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $48,926 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 69%](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/outcomes/), [California State University-Long Beach](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/majors/) ranks 50th on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (528 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($48,926) |
| 51 | California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA | $48,789 | $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 posts a six-year completion rate of 51%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (356 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($48,789) |
| 52 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $48,326 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
|  | Reporting [$48,326 in median earnings](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing, [California State University-San Bernardino](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/majors/) ranks 43rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (536 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($48,326) |
| 53 | Vanguard University of Southern California · Costa Mesa, CA | $47,582 | $21,241 | $17,225 | 62.4% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Costa Mesa, [Vanguard University of Southern California](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/majors/) reports [$47,582 in median earnings](/school/vanguard-university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (69 graduates) |
| 54 | Hope International University · Fullerton, CA | $47,206 | $29,310 | $27,991 | 33.0% |
|  | Hope International University has an average net price of $29,310 and a six-year completion rate of 49%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (25 graduates) |
| 55 | Point Loma Nazarene University · San Diego, CA | $46,437 | $38,729 | $30,999 | 83.7% |
|  | [Point Loma Nazarene University](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/majors/) reports [$46,437 in median earnings](/school/point-loma-nazarene-university/outcomes/) of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $30,999 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($46,437) |
| 56 | Touro University Worldwide · Los Alamitos, CA | $46,340 | $19,058 | $18,342 | Not reported |
|  | Touro University Worldwide ranks 538th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports a six-year completion rate of 29%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (44 graduates) |
| 57 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | $45,889 | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% |
|  | [California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/majors/) [admits 98% of applicants](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/admissions/) and reports $45,889 in median earnings of Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (143 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($45,889) |
| 58 | Westmont College · Santa Barbara, CA | $45,455 | $29,053 | $20,899 | 77.1% |
|  | Westmont College reports $45,455 in median earnings of Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $20,899 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($45,455) |
| 59 | Palo Alto University · Palo Alto, CA | No published median | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
|  | Palo Alto University ranks 730th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and holds the 59th spot on this page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (16 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (9 graduates) |
| 60 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | No published median | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
|  | [California State University-Los Angeles](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/majors/) has an [average net price of $3,967](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/cost/) and a six-year completion rate of 53%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (343 graduates) |
| 61 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $33,604 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
|  | [San Jose State University](/school/san-jose-state-university/majors/), a public university in San Jose, reports [median earnings of $33,604](/school/san-jose-state-university/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates two years after completing and an average net price of $13,760. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (582 graduates) |
| 62 | Mount Saint Mary's University · Los Angeles, CA | No published median | $21,413 | $23,849 | 73.1% |
|  | [Mount Saint Mary's University](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/majors/) is a private nonprofit institution in Los Angeles that [admits 73% of applicants](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/admissions/) and has a six-year completion rate of 53%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (44 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($52,940) |

## How this list is ordered

Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Psychology graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only schools with a reported Psychology earnings cohort in California appear. The figure reflects federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after finishing. For 1 of the 62 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 57 schools with a published figure. The gap between Santa Clara University and University of San Diego is $1,564, while the spread from the top of the list to the bottom reaches $42,138.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Psychology Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges/)
-   [Best Colleges in California](/rankings/best-colleges-in-california/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in Florida](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-florida/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-georgia/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in New York](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-new-york/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in Texas](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-texas/)