Best Grad Schools California 2024

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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. Stanford University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. University of Southern California
  5. California Institute of Technology
  6. University of California, San Diego
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
  8. University of California, Irvine
  9. University of California, Davis
  10. University of California, Santa Cruz
  1. University of California, Berkeley
  2. Stanford University
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. California Institute of Technology
  5. University of Southern California
  6. University of California, San Diego
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
  8. University of California, Irvine
  9. University of California, Santa Cruz
  10. University of California, Davis
  1. San Francisco State University 93%
  2. California State University, Los Angeles 91%
  3. University of the Pacific 79%
  4. University of San Francisco 71%
  5. University of California, Riverside 65%
  6. Chapman University 60%
  7. University of California, Santa Cruz 59%
  8. Santa Clara University 54%
  9. Pepperdine University 53%
  10. University of San Diego 53%
  1. San Diego State University 27 to 1
  2. University of California, Santa Cruz 25 to 1
  3. California State University, Los Angeles 25 to 1
  4. California State University, Long Beach 24 to 1
  5. University of California, Riverside 22 to 1
  6. San Francisco State University 22 to 1
  7. University of California, Davis 20 to 1
  8. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  9. University of California, San Diego 19 to 1
  10. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  1. University of Southern California $61,503
  2. Pepperdine University $59,702
  3. California Institute of Technology $58,680
  4. Chapman University $58,634
  5. Stanford University $56,169
  6. Santa Clara University $55,860
  7. Loyola Marymount University $53,526
  8. University of San Francisco $53,472
  9. University of San Diego $52,864
  10. University of the Pacific $52,352
  1. University of Southern California $60,446
  2. California Institute of Technology $56,364
  3. Stanford University $54,315
  4. University of the Pacific $50,128
  5. Chapman University $37,538
  6. Pepperdine University $37,300
  7. Claremont Graduate University $35,640
  8. University of San Diego $27,936
  9. University of San Francisco $27,180
  10. Santa Clara University $25,170
  1. Golden Gate University
  2. Loyola Marymount University
  3. California State University, Long Beach
  4. University of the Pacific
  5. University of San Diego
  6. California State University, Los Angeles
  7. Naval Postgraduate School
  8. Chapman University
  9. Claremont Graduate University
  10. Pepperdine University
  1. Golden Gate University
  2. University of San Diego
  3. California State University, Long Beach
  4. Loyola Marymount University
  5. California State University, Los Angeles
  6. University of the Pacific
  7. Naval Postgraduate School
  8. Chapman University
  9. University of San Francisco
  10. Claremont Graduate University
  1. Stanford University 4%
  2. California Institute of Technology 4%
  3. University of California, Los Angeles 11%
  4. University of Southern California 13%
  5. University of California, Berkeley 14%
  6. University of California, Santa Barbara 29%
  7. University of California, Irvine 29%
  8. University of California, San Diego 34%
  9. San Diego State University 38%
  10. Loyola Marymount University 46%
  1. California Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Stanford University 4 to 1
  3. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  4. Loyola Marymount University 10 to 1
  5. Santa Clara University 11 to 1
  6. University of San Francisco 12 to 1
  7. Golden Gate University 12 to 1
  8. Chapman University 12 to 1
  9. Pepperdine University 13 to 1
  10. University of San Diego 13 to 1
  1. San Diego State University $5,742
  2. California State University, Long Beach $5,742
  3. San Francisco State University $5,742
  4. California State University, Los Angeles $5,742
  5. Golden Gate University $11,088
  6. University of California, Riverside $11,442
  7. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  8. University of California, Santa Cruz $11,442
  9. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  10. University of California, Irvine $11,442
  1. San Diego State University $7,176
  2. California State University, Long Beach $7,176
  3. San Francisco State University $7,176
  4. California State University, Los Angeles $7,176
  5. University of California, Riverside $11,442
  6. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  7. University of California, Santa Cruz $11,442
  8. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  9. University of California, Irvine $11,442
  10. University of California, Santa Barbara $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 2023

  1. #1

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    46K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    47K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $88,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,617
    Expenses: $23,285
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

    Cost of Degree: $14,858
    Expenses: $23,698
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz

    Cost of Degree: $14,240
    Expenses: $24,472
    Starting Salary: $53,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside

    Cost of Degree: $13,874
    Expenses: $23,352
    Starting Salary: $55,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Santa Clara University

    Cost of Degree: $57,534
    Expenses: $21,315
    Starting Salary: $85,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #14

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/19

    Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,524
    Expenses: $21,601
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #15

    University of San Francisco

    San Francisco , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of San Francisco

    Cost of Degree: $55,532
    Expenses: $22,322
    Starting Salary: $74,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont Graduate University

    Starting Salary: $71,400
  14. #18

    Chapman University

    Orange , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Chapman University

    Cost of Degree: $60,672
    Expenses: $21,874
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/17

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $6,805
    Expenses: $23,884
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #21

    University of San Diego

    San Diego , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $54,554
    Expenses: $21,213
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Pacific

    Cost of Degree: $53,682
    Expenses: $18,623
    Starting Salary: $84,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Long Beach

    Cost of Degree: $6,884
    Expenses: $19,298
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #24

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola Marymount University

    Cost of Degree: $55,441
    Expenses: $20,301
    Starting Salary: $71,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #25

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    3K

    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

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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.

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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