# Best Education Colleges in California

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 25 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-california

## Methodology

Education programs in California ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Education colleges in California attract students eager to shape future generations. These programs not only prepare students for teaching roles but also offer diverse pathways into education-related fields. For many families, this decision weighs heavily on factors like cost, graduation rates, and potential earnings after graduation.

The schools listed here stand out based on key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. For example, the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $59,462, while the average graduation rate is 55%. Understanding these metrics helps prospective students and their families evaluate which programs may lead to a more secure financial future.

Consider the University of California-Irvine, with an impressive average earning of $80,735 and an 86% graduation rate. In contrast, California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn $59,211 with a 53% graduation rate. The disparity in earnings and graduation success illustrates the importance of choosing a program that aligns with individual aspirations and financial goals.

## Key Findings

- University of California-Irvine graduates earn an average of $80,735.
- California State University-Fullerton has a graduation rate of 70%.
- The average net price for these programs is $9,953.
- Graduates from California State University-Bakersfield have an average debt of $16,600.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [San Francisco State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/san-francisco-state-university) | San Francisco, CA | 50% | $68,077 | $12,278 | $15,371 | 0.23x |
| 2 | [Vanguard University of Southern California](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/vanguard-university-of-southern-california) | Costa Mesa, CA | 56% | $59,541 | $21,241 | $22,000 | 0.37x |
| 3 | [Sonoma State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sonoma-state-university) | Rohnert Park, CA | 59% | $65,986 | $12,885 | $16,705 | 0.25x |
| 4 | [University of La Verne](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-la-verne) | La Verne, CA | 64% | $65,464 | $20,161 | $23,500 | 0.36x |
| 5 | [University of California-Irvine](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-california-irvine) | Irvine, CA | 86% | $80,735 | $14,251 | $15,000 | 0.19x |
| 6 | [Point Loma Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/point-loma-nazarene-university) | San Diego, CA | 76% | $63,998 | $38,729 | $22,990 | 0.36x |
| 7 | [Biola University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/biola-university) | La Mirada, CA | 68% | $56,778 | $31,495 | $23,875 | 0.42x |
| 8 | [Westmont College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/westmont-college) | Santa Barbara, CA | 70% | $64,778 | $29,053 | $23,250 | 0.36x |
| 9 | [California State University-Fullerton](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton) | Fullerton, CA | 70% | $62,951 | $6,555 | $13,750 | 0.22x |
| 10 | [California State University-Los Angeles](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-los-angeles) | Los Angeles, CA | 53% | $59,211 | $3,967 | $13,000 | 0.22x |
| 11 | [California State University-Sacramento](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-sacramento) | Sacramento, CA | 56% | $64,876 | $9,338 | $15,000 | 0.23x |
| 12 | [California Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-baptist-university) | Riverside, CA | 61% | $61,504 | $26,285 | $26,063 | 0.42x |
| 13 | [California State University-Bakersfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-bakersfield) | Bakersfield, CA | 50% | $59,009 | $5,652 | $16,600 | 0.28x |
| 14 | [National University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/national-university) | San Diego, CA | 42% | $67,548 | $22,878 | $25,000 | 0.37x |
| 15 | [California State University-Dominguez Hills](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-dominguez-hills) | Carson, CA | 45% | $57,162 | $8,615 | $13,807 | 0.24x |
| 16 | [California State University-Northridge](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-northridge) | Northridge, CA | 57% | $59,115 | $7,021 | $13,872 | 0.23x |
| 17 | [Pacific Union College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-union-college) | Angwin, CA | 55% | $70,484 | $41,008 | $27,500 | 0.39x |
| 18 | [California State University-Channel Islands](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-channel-islands) | Camarillo, CA | 52% | $62,152 | $9,849 | $15,000 | 0.24x |
| 19 | [Lake Tahoe Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-tahoe-community-college) | South Lake Tahoe, CA | 43% | $36,657 | $8,516 | N/A | N/A |
| 20 | [William Jessup University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-jessup-university) | Rocklin, CA | 58% | $56,257 | $28,062 | $23,700 | 0.42x |
| 21 | [Evergreen Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/evergreen-valley-college) | San Jose, CA | 42% | $53,077 | $12,414 | $13,219 | 0.25x |
| 22 | [Touro University Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/touro-university-worldwide) | Los Alamitos, CA | 36% | $40,803 | $19,058 | $25,000 | 0.61x |
| 23 | [Hope International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hope-international-university) | Fullerton, CA | 48% | $49,697 | $29,310 | $23,000 | 0.46x |
| 24 | [Berkeley City College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/berkeley-city-college) | Berkeley, CA | 39% | $41,217 | $9,096 | N/A | N/A |
| 25 | [Los Angeles Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-angeles-pacific-university) | San Dimas, CA | 29% | N/A | $22,677 | $18,750 | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Education Colleges in California." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-california

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.