Best Grad Schools California 2025
Key Takeaways
- Many California institutions have elite academics, beautiful weather, and a wide range of recreational opportunities. The state is a clear choice for those interested in specific professional pathways, including technology or film.
- California is home to 23 colleges and hosts some of the country’s top colleges, including Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, Pepperdine University, and California State University.
- Tuition and fees in this state are high, with an average of $40,000 for graduate school. The cheapest on the list include California State University and San Francisco State University, with $7,000 per year.
10 Best Grad Schools in California in 2025
- University of California, Berkeley +1
- Stanford University –1
- University of California, Los Angeles
- California Institute of Technology +1
- University of Southern California –1
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Cruz +1
- University of California, Davis –1
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.
UC Berkeley moves into the top position for our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in California, edging out Stanford University. Caltech and USC also swap places for the number 4 and 5 positions.
Exploring California’s Top Graduate Schools
California is one of the most envied states in the education sector. California receives a lot of recognition and funding for their graduate programs and graduate certificate programs compared to other states such as Illinois, Ohio, and Maryland.
But it’s not enough for grad school students to randomly pick one of the best grad schools and assume it’s the best for them.
Knowing the facts will help you weigh the pros and cons of studying in California and help you to decide which graduate school is best for you.
Where should you attend graduate school in California?
Not all students are the same. Some may want to study in large urban areas while other students may want to study in a less populated area. Regardless of the setting, California has something for you.
For students who want to pursue graduate programs near large cities, the best schools for them include:
- University of Southern California
- University of San Diego
- San Francisco State University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Long Beach
- Loyola Marymount University
- University of San Francisco
Students who want to study in less populated areas should consider exploring other universities, including:
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Riverside
- Pepperdine University
- Claremont Graduate University
- Santa Clara University
- California Institute of the Arts
- Naval Postgraduate School
- University of California, Merced
- Chapman University
Largest and Smallest Graduate Schools in California
Some students want to attend large universities because of the vast academic and social options available. There are generally more specialized majors and programs available to students at larger schools.
On the other hand, students may want to consider enrolling in smaller graduate schools where they can receive more individualized learning opportunities.
Here are the most populated graduate schools in California.
- University of California, Los Angeles (45K students)
- University of California, Berkeley (45K students)
- University of Southern California (49K students)
- University of California, San Diego (39K students)
- University of California, Irvine (37K students)
Here are the least populated graduate schools in California:
- Claremont Graduate University (1K students)
- Golden Gate University (2K students)
- California Institute of Technology (2K students)
- Naval Postgraduate School (2K students)
- University of the Pacific (6K students)
Lowest Average Graduate Tuition
Many prospective graduate students are pretty concerned about the cost of obtaining a graduate degree. To assist students in determining which program could be the most inexpensive, here are the least expensive graduate schools in California on the list that are below $15,000.
- San Diego State University ($3K)
- University of California, Riverside ($4K)
- California State University, Los Angeles ($8K)
- California State University, Long Beach ($8K)
- San Francisco State University ($8K)
- University of California, Santa Barbara ($11K)
- University of California, Berkeley ($14K)
- University of California, Santa Barbara ($11K)
- University of California, Santa Cruz ($14K)
There are 47 doctorate-granting graduate schools in California. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the California is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in California
- #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $79,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Berkeley known for?
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1540/34
Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University
Cost of Degree: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $141,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stanford University known for?
Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $73,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Los Angeles known for?
University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- History
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
94%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $63,255Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $106,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Institute of Technology known for?
California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
92%
Student body
54K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California
Cost of Degree: $68,237Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $88,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern California known for?
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- Education
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
88%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego
Cost of Degree: $15,265Expenses: $23,240Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, San Diego known for?
University of California, San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
26%
Graduation
86%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost of Degree: $14,965Expenses: $25,622Starting Salary: $62,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?
University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
87%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine
Cost of Degree: $14,237Expenses: $24,814Starting Salary: $65,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Irvine known for?
University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Biology
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
77%
Student body
21K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz
Cost of Degree: $14,560Expenses: $25,746Starting Salary: $53,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Cruz known for?
University of California, Santa Cruz’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2025 #10 Best Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
86%
Student body
43K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis
Cost of Degree: $15,247Expenses: $25,808Starting Salary: $68,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Davis known for?
University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
76%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside
Cost of Degree: $14,170Expenses: $26,115Starting Salary: $55,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Riverside known for?
University of California, Riverside’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,424Expenses: $23,032Starting Salary: $54,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University
Cost of Degree: $8,290Expenses: $25,782Starting Salary: $55,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Diego State University known for?
San Diego State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Psychology
- Biology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
89%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/31
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Clara University
Cost of Degree: $59,241Expenses: $23,901Starting Salary: $85,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Santa Clara University known for?
Santa Clara University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Business
- Mathematics
- Law
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
84%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1382/30
Career Outlook for degree at Pepperdine University
Cost of Degree: $66,742Expenses: $26,770Starting Salary: $77,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pepperdine University known for?
Pepperdine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Literature
- History
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Claremont Graduate University
Starting Salary: $71,400What is Claremont Graduate University known for?
Claremont Graduate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Education
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
74%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1310/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of San Francisco
Cost of Degree: $58,222Expenses: $23,204Starting Salary: $74,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of San Francisco known for?
University of San Francisco’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Law
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
84%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/28
Career Outlook for degree at Chapman University
Cost of Degree: $62,784Expenses: $22,296Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Chapman University known for?
Chapman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
82%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1380/30
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola Marymount University
Cost of Degree: $58,489Expenses: $25,629Starting Salary: $71,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola Marymount University known for?
Loyola Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Law
- Business
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
74%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1271/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Pacific
Cost of Degree: $55,340Expenses: $21,176Starting Salary: $84,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Pacific known for?
University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
51%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $6,818Expenses: $26,527Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Los Angeles known for?
California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
73%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Long Beach
Cost of Degree: $7,008Expenses: $21,408Starting Salary: $53,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #14 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
83%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at University of San Diego
Cost of Degree: $56,444Expenses: $23,000Starting Salary: $71,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of San Diego known for?
University of San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Engineering
- History
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $82,300What is Golden Gate University known for?
Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
California’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.