Compare 37 Sports Studies. programs in California. Average earnings: $44,050.
The highest-earning Sports Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $28K earnings gap across 37 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Pepperdine University's Sports Studies program leads with graduates earning $72,554, well above the $44,050 average. But San Jose State University proves the point—its program produces graduates earning $58,866 while maintaining an 80% acceptance rate, demonstrating that strong outcomes aren't limited to selective institutions.
For students, the math is clear. San Jose State graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 5.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Even Pepperdine, despite higher earnings, achieves an excellent 6.4% student burden—proving top programs can deliver both outcomes and affordability.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | $72,554 | 67 | $23,510 | Excellent | $41,309 | Challenging |
| #2 | $58,866 | 232 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $57,937 | 55 | $23,000 | Good | $44,413 | High |
| #4 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | $56,152 | 6 | $27,500 | Good | $23,122 | Challenging |
| #5 | $52,213 | 317 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Manageable | |
| #6 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $51,888 | 63 | $19,500 | Good | $50,438 | High |
| #7 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $51,845 | 102 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Challenging |
| #8 | $50,883 | 212 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $50,462 | 160 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Westmont CollegePrivate | $50,319 | 34 | $23,250 | Good | $61,820 | High |
| #11 | $49,313 | 218 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $49,062 | 41 | $21,669 | Good | $32,125 | High | |
| #13 | $48,862 | 57 | $23,691 | Manageable | $58,000 | High | |
| #14 | $47,478 | 159 | $16,544 | Good | $15,738 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $46,522 | 234 | $14,505 | Good | $12,050 | Manageable | |
| #16 | Concordia University-IrvinePrivate | $46,498 | 49 | $24,247 | Manageable | $26,000 | High |
| #17 | $46,443 | 117 | $13,540 | Excellent | $12,700 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $45,836 | 276 | $14,715 | Good | $12,000 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $45,819 | 386 | $15,000 | Good | $25,565 | High | |
| #20 | $44,977 | 562 | $13,750 | Good | $16,538 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $44,533 | 207 | $17,350 | Good | $18,031 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $44,385 | 443 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $43,310 | 220 | $16,552 | Good | $17,585 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $43,211 | 185 | $12,750 | Good | $16,836 | Challenging | |
| #25 | $41,254 | 268 | $13,000 | Good | $12,526 | 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 →
