Best Grad Schools California 2025

Badge for BEST IN CALIFORNIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. University of California, Berkeley
    +1
  2. Stanford University
    –1
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. California Institute of Technology
    +1
  5. University of Southern California
    –1
  6. University of California, San Diego
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
  8. University of California, Irvine
  9. University of California, Santa Cruz
    +1
  10. 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.

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

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stanford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $88,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of California, Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,965
    Expenses: $25,622
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz

    Cost of Degree: $14,560
    Expenses: $25,746
    Starting Salary: $53,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Santa Cruz known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of California, Davis

    Davis , CA
    #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: $15,247
    Expenses: $25,808
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Davis known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of California, Riverside

    Riverside , CA
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside

    Cost of Degree: $14,170
    Expenses: $26,115
    Starting Salary: $55,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Riverside known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,424
    Expenses: $23,032
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is San Francisco State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA
    #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: $59,241
    Expenses: $23,901
    Starting Salary: $85,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Santa Clara University known for?

    Santa Clara University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Claremont Graduate University

    Claremont , CA

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont Graduate University

    Starting Salary: $71,400
    What is Claremont Graduate University known for?

    Claremont Graduate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of San Francisco

    San Francisco , CA
    #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: $58,222
    Expenses: $23,204
    Starting Salary: $74,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of San Francisco known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Chapman University

    Orange , CA
    #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: $62,784
    Expenses: $22,296
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chapman University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $58,489
    Expenses: $25,629
    Starting Salary: $71,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola Marymount University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of the Pacific

    Stockton , CA
    #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 11 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: $55,340
    Expenses: $21,176
    Starting Salary: $84,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of the Pacific known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    California State University, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $6,818
    Expenses: $26,527
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of San Diego

    San Diego , CA
    #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: $56,444
    Expenses: $23,000
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of San Diego known for?

    University of San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $11,343
    Starting Salary: $82,300
    What is Golden Gate University known for?

    Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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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.

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