Best Grad Schools California 2023

Best Grad Schools California 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in California offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in California

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  1. University of California, Berkeley
    2. 87%
  2. Stanford University
    3. 86%
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
    4. 78%
  4. California Institute of Technology
    5. 76%
  5. University of Southern California
    6. 72%
  6. University of California, San Diego
    7. 70%
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
    8. 65%
  8. University of California, Irvine
    9. 64%
  9. University of California, Davis
    10. 61%
  10. University of California, Santa Cruz
    11. 60%
  1. San Francisco State University
    2. 93%
  2. California State University, Los Angeles
    3. 91%
  3. University of the Pacific
    4. 79%
  4. University of San Francisco
    5. 71%
  5. University of California, Riverside
    6. 65%
  6. Chapman University
    7. 60%
  7. University of California, Santa Cruz
    8. 59%
  8. Santa Clara University
    9. 54%
  9. Pepperdine University
    10. 53%
  10. University of San Diego
    11. 53%
  1. San Diego State University
    2. 27 to 1
  2. University of California, Santa Cruz
    3. 25 to 1
  3. California State University, Los Angeles
    4. 25 to 1
  4. California State University, Long Beach
    5. 24 to 1
  5. University of California, Riverside
    6. 22 to 1
  6. San Francisco State University
    7. 22 to 1
  7. University of California, Davis
    8. 20 to 1
  8. University of California, Berkeley
    9. 19 to 1
  9. University of California, San Diego
    10. 19 to 1
  10. University of California, Los Angeles
    11. 18 to 1
  1. University of Southern California
    2. $61,503
  2. Pepperdine University
    3. $59,702
  3. California Institute of Technology
    4. $58,680
  4. Chapman University
    5. $58,634
  5. Stanford University
    6. $56,169
  6. Santa Clara University
    7. $55,860
  7. Loyola Marymount University
    8. $53,526
  8. University of San Francisco
    9. $53,472
  9. University of San Diego
    10. $52,864
  10. University of the Pacific
    11. $52,352
  1. University of Southern California
    2. $60,446
  2. California Institute of Technology
    3. $56,364
  3. Stanford University
    4. $54,315
  4. University of the Pacific
    5. $50,128
  5. Chapman University
    6. $37,538
  6. Pepperdine University
    7. $37,300
  7. Claremont Graduate University
    8. $35,640
  8. University of San Diego
    9. $27,936
  9. University of San Francisco
    10. $27,180
  10. Santa Clara University
    11. $25,170
  1. Golden Gate University
    2. 35%
  2. California State University, Long Beach
    3. 42%
  3. California State University, Los Angeles
    4. 42%
  4. University of San Diego
    5. 44%
  5. Loyola Marymount University
    6. 44%
  6. University of the Pacific
    7. 45%
  7. Naval Postgraduate School
    8. 47%
  8. Chapman University
    9. 47%
  9. Claremont Graduate University
    10. 48%
  10. University of San Francisco
    11. 50%
  1. Stanford University
    2. 4%
  2. California Institute of Technology
    3. 4%
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
    4. 11%
  4. University of Southern California
    5. 13%
  5. University of California, Berkeley
    6. 14%
  6. University of California, Santa Barbara
    7. 29%
  7. University of California, Irvine
    8. 29%
  8. University of California, San Diego
    9. 34%
  9. San Diego State University
    10. 38%
  10. Loyola Marymount University
    11. 46%
  1. California Institute of Technology
    2. 3 to 1
  2. Stanford University
    3. 4 to 1
  3. University of Southern California
    4. 9 to 1
  4. Loyola Marymount University
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Santa Clara University
    6. 11 to 1
  6. University of San Francisco
    7. 12 to 1
  7. Golden Gate University
    8. 12 to 1
  8. Chapman University
    9. 12 to 1
  9. Pepperdine University
    10. 13 to 1
  10. University of San Diego
    11. 13 to 1
  1. San Diego State University
    2. $5,742
  2. California State University, Long Beach
    3. $5,742
  3. San Francisco State University
    4. $5,742
  4. California State University, Los Angeles
    5. $5,742
  5. Golden Gate University
    6. $11,088
  6. University of California, Riverside
    7. $11,442
  7. University of California, Los Angeles
    8. $11,442
  8. University of California, Santa Cruz
    9. $11,442
  9. University of California, Berkeley
    10. $11,442
  10. University of California, Irvine
    11. $11,442
  1. San Diego State University
    2. $7,176
  2. California State University, Long Beach
    3. $7,176
  3. San Francisco State University
    4. $7,176
  4. California State University, Los Angeles
    5. $7,176
  5. University of California, Riverside
    6. $11,442
  6. University of California, Los Angeles
    7. $11,442
  7. University of California, Santa Cruz
    8. $11,442
  8. University of California, Berkeley
    9. $11,442
  9. University of California, Irvine
    10. $11,442
  10. University of California, Santa Barbara
    11. $11,442

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.

Colleges and Universities in California

California’s higher education institutes span across the entire state, allowing students to study by the beach, in the forest, in small towns, and in large cities. There are over 30 high quality online programs that would allow you to earn a degree from literally anywhere in California, or the world.

The state’s largest university is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA serves nearly 44,000 students and offers a tuition rate around $13,000. This isn’t the only school with a large student body though. California is home to 23 colleges and universities with student populations of over 20,000 students.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

However, more than half of the state’s schools serve smaller student populations, offering plenty of options for students who crave a more intimate campus experience. Additionally, California boasts 50 religiously affiliated schools. Many of these schools have high graduation rates. However, tuition costs can range greatly, from $8,000 at Bethesda University up to $54,000 at Pepperdine University.

Additionally, many of California’s colleges and universities boast influential faculty and alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Jerry Lewis, and Weird Al Yankovic. In addition to famous alumni and professors, California’s schools are also home to some of the country’s top degree programs, including nursing, business, religious studies, education, literature, and law. Many of these schools offer online courses and complete online programs in these same disciplines.

Though Hollywood has given us an inside look into California’s most popular landmarks and attractions, these one-of-a-kind places aren’t the only reason people flock to The Golden State. With hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as community and junior colleges, to choose from, students have countless opportunities to further their education in California.

Many of these opportunities are also accessible through online courses and online colleges. A growing number of online programs in California have received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools, which means online students have a higher level of quality assurance than ever before. It’s also worth noting that students who live in California can still get an in-state discount on their associate degree or bachelor’s degree even when completing online courses or online programs.

To learn more about earning your degree in California, check out some of the state’s top programs and career paths.


What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

California’s Best Overall


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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.

Here are the least populated graduate schools in California:

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.

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Best Grad Schools in California 2022

  1. #1

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #3 Best Universities in the World 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #3

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    46K

    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #4

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #12 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2023 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/19

    What is San Francisco State University known for?

    San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #20

    California State University, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/17

    What is California State University, Los Angeles known for?

    California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  26. #22

    University of the Pacific

    Stockton , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    What is University of the Pacific known for?

    University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  28. #24

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in California 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/29

    What is Loyola Marymount University known for?

    Loyola Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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California’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Stanford University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. University of California, San Diego
  5. University of Southern California
  6. California Institute of Technology
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
  8. University of California, Davis
  9. University of California, Irvine
  10. University of California, San Francisco
  11. University of California, Santa Cruz
  12. University of California, Riverside
  13. San Francisco State University
  14. San Diego State University
  15. Pepperdine University
  16. Claremont Graduate University
  17. Santa Clara University
  18. California Institute of the Arts
  19. California State University, Long Beach
  20. Naval Postgraduate School
  21. California State University, Los Angeles
  22. Loyola Marymount University
  23. University of California, Merced
  24. University of San Francisco
  25. Chapman University
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