Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in California
- 50
- Schools
- $67,981
- Avg. Earnings
- 64%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,547
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,179
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,243 at the low end to $124,080 at the top. That 3.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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San Joaquin Delta College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $43,212 against $2,407 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is San Joaquin Delta College, at $2,407 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Claremont McKenna College graduates 93% of its students, well above the 64% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Stanford University: graduates owe only 0.10× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. San Joaquin Delta College ($2,407/yr) and Pepperdine University ($58,098/yr) produce graduates earning $43,212 and $82,939 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $55,691 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, San Joaquin Delta College outperforms Stanford University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Claremont McKenna College graduates 93% of its students versus 28% at Mendocino College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with San Joaquin Delta College and Claremont McKenna College. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $68K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Stanford University #1 overall | $124,080 ▲ +83% vs avg | $13,807 | 92% | 83 |
| 2 Pomona College #2 overall | $77,779 ▲ +14% vs avg | $19,285 | 93% | 82 |
| 3 Claremont McKenna College #3 overall | $104,736 ▲ +54% vs avg | $28,849 | 93% | 81 |
| $69,512 ▲ +2% vs avg | $34,191 | 83% | 75 | |
| $78,988 ▲ +16% vs avg | $13,760 | 67% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in California
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $67,981 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 64% and an average net price of $19,547.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: San Joaquin Delta College — Net Price: $2,407 | Graduation Rate: 33%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Claremont McKenna College — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Stanford University — Median alumni earnings: $124,080
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$67,377
Median earnings (10yr)
67%
Median graduation rate
$14,448
Median net price
2.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 67%. Median graduate earnings reach $67,377 ten years after enrollment, roughly $19,377 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $14,448 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $15,000. Some 30% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.5%.
In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $67,377 and a net price of about $14,448 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Stanford University lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by academic quality (97/100) and pulled down by social mobility (83/100). Graduates earn a median $124,080 a decade after enrolling, 83% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,807 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Pomona College lands at #2 with a 82/100 composite, led by academic quality (96/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (77/100). Graduates earn a median $77,779 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,285 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Claremont McKenna College lands at #3 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $104,736 a decade after enrolling, 54% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,849 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Pitzer College lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $69,512 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,191 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
San Jose State University lands at #5 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Sonoma State University lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $65,986 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,885 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Saddleback College lands at #7 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $50,874 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,152 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Southern California lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $92,498 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,740 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
San Francisco State University lands at #9 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Sierra College lands at #10 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,294 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,245 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Scripps College lands at #11 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $77,539 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,294 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Costa Mesa, CA · 62% accepted · $21,241 net
Why it ranks #12
Vanguard University of Southern California lands at #12 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $59,541 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,241 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
San Joaquin Delta College lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (94/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $43,212 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,407 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
MiraCosta College lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,845 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,339 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Azusa Pacific University lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $66,677 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,212 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Santa Clara University lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $109,183 a decade after enrolling, 61% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,062 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
California Lutheran University lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $68,712 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,109 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
San Diego State University lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,909 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of California-Merced lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (67/100). Graduates earn a median $64,368 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,983 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of the Pacific lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $78,445 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,447 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Glendale Community College lands at #21 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $41,540 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
University of California-Irvine lands at #22 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $80,735 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,251 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of California-Berkeley lands at #23 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,446 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,481 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Dominican University of California lands at #24 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $84,713 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,333 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Napa Valley College lands at #25 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,517 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,644 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of California-San Diego lands at #26 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $84,943 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,470 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 9% accepted · $12,548 net
Why it ranks #27
University of California-Los Angeles lands at #27 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $82,511 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Butte College lands at #28 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $41,810 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,520 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
College of Marin lands at #29 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $42,654 a decade after enrolling, 37% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,351 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
University of San Diego lands at #30 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $86,522 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,365 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of California-Davis lands at #31 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (63/100). Graduates earn a median $80,838 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,741 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Las Positas College lands at #32 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $51,088 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,377 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Occidental College lands at #33 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $75,951 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,263 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #34 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Fresno Pacific University lands at #35 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,896 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,630 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Mendocino College lands at #36 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,243 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,330 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Saint Mary's College of California lands at #37 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $78,812 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,378 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Santa Barbara, CA · 33% accepted · $16,109 net
Why it ranks #38
University of California-Santa Barbara lands at #38 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $74,915 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,109 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Simpson University lands at #39 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $54,340 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,817 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
University of San Francisco lands at #40 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $89,812 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,431 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Pacific Union College lands at #41 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $70,484 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,008 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Pepperdine University lands at #42 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $82,939 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $58,098 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Solano Community College lands at #43 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $44,170 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,669 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
College of the Siskiyous lands at #44 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $39,098 a decade after enrolling, 42% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,120 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
De Anza College lands at #45 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $56,596 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,642 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
College of the Redwoods lands at #46 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,243 a decade after enrolling, 47% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
University of La Verne lands at #47 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $65,464 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,161 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Camarillo, CA · 95% accepted · $9,849 net
Why it ranks #48
California State University-Channel Islands lands at #48 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,152 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,849 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
University of Redlands lands at #49 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $72,690 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,031 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Whittier College lands at #50 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $59,492 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,757 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
California is home to some of the most sought-after psychology programs in the country, attracting students eager to explore the complexities of the human mind. With 50 schools to choose from, prospective students and their families are weighing not just academic reputation, but also the practical outcomes of their education. For those considering a psychology degree, understanding these factors is essential, especially as graduates can expect average earnings of about $69,833 after they complete their studies.
What sets the top schools apart in this list are strong graduation rates, solid earnings post-graduation, and manageable debt levels. These metrics reflect the quality of education and the potential return on investment for students. The schools listed below excel in these areas, combining high graduation rates with favorable earnings figures, which means graduates are not only completing their degrees but are also finding financial success in their careers.
Take Stanford University and Pomona College, for instance. Stanford graduates earn an impressive $124,080 on average, while Pomona graduates earn $77,779. The difference in earnings reflects not just the prestige of the institution but also the network and opportunities available to its students. However, Pomona College has a lower net price of $19,285 compared to Stanford's $13,807, making it a more affordable option despite the earnings gap. This contrast underscores the importance of weighing financial factors alongside potential career outcomes.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 40 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2.5%. Glendale Community College leads the group at 7.1%, with San Jose State University (5.4%) and University of the Pacific (4.3%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 9.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Glendale Community College leads at 32.4%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 33.4% across this list. Claremont McKenna College posts the highest success rate at 68.3%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.59 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Claremont McKenna College reaches 1.90, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
There is a significant difference in earnings between Stanford University and the University of California-Irvine. Stanford graduates earn an average of $124,080, while Irvine's average is $80,735. This gap suggests that while both schools offer quality education, Stanford’s resources and connections may lead to higher post-graduation salaries. This is worth considering when evaluating the investment in education and the potential return.
As you sift through the 50 schools on this list, think critically about what matters most to you. Consider location, campus culture, and how well the program aligns with your career goals. For instance, if you value a close-knit community and a lower cost of living, a college like Pomona may be more appealing despite having slightly lower earnings potential compared to Stanford. Weighing these factors will help you make a decision that fits your personal and financial situation.
The transition from college to a stable career is a crucial step for many families. The data shows that graduates from top psychology programs can expect reasonable earnings and manageable debt levels, but individual circumstances vary. Finding the right school means considering not just potential salaries, but also the impact of location and personal preferences. Each choice we make today shapes our futures, and understanding these factors can lead to more informed decisions.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Psychology Colleges in California: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in California ranking? +
Stanford University in Stanford, CA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in California ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $124,080 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 92% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Stanford University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $124,080 ten years after enrollment, well above the $67,981 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, San Joaquin Delta College leads: graduates earn a median $43,212 against net price of about $2,407 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Claremont McKenna College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 64% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,547 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. San Joaquin Delta College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,407. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in California ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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