Best Colleges in California for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

California College Guide – What You Need to Know

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The idea of the best college or university is not an absolute scale that applies to every student or situation. For each student, the best school is one that meets their needs, preferences, and educational goals. When comparing schools, many educational experts and surveys use ranking factors including reputation to rate colleges. California, beyond doubt, has a wide range of schools that have high accreditation and excellent indicators of quality education. California schools are among the leading research universities in the world; they have produced historical achievements and graduates that have influenced the well-being of the entire nation.

The best colleges & universities should include large public institutions, well-established traditional private schools, and the emerging institutions that are part of a current wave of progressive education. While there is no pure consensus, the frequently listed top California colleges include;

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in California?

The below-listed categories describe the most common majors in California colleges and universities. Some majors are vocational, as many students at state colleges take a utility view of education and hone-in on a degree that will equip them for a job or to start a career. Many popular majors seem more suited to further education or a non-vocational reward. The humanities or courses of study like literature or philosophy seem unrelated to career directions. It is interesting to note a trend in hiring in recent years for employers to look for graduates with majors that are unrelated subjects but that equip graduates with valuable skills. Philosophy majors that demonstrate critical thinking may be in demand with business employers just as students of finance.

The choice of major is an interesting piece of information for students when reviewing and selecting schools or colleges for a two or four-year degree. Across the US, the Department of Education listed the most popular bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2015. For California, the DOE listed the following:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in California

Salary data always lags a few years in the past as the collection process requires time after the close of a calendar year. One useful survey occurred for the calendar year 2012. The average salary in the state of California was about $52,000 in a scale that put the national average at $45,000. California ranked fifth in that survey among states and the District of Columbia. California salaries averaged about 15% above the national average.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national average salary for 2017 was $44,564. The BLS figure for California was $57,190. Using the 2017 BLS data, California workers averaged about 29% more than the national average. The national average increase in salary for persons with a bachelor’s degree over those without is 108%.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $43,024* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in California

California has a large and diverse economy. It is the most populous state of the United States, and it has a large territory with global economic centers in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The state is a global leader in media, arts, entertainment, and technology with about 40 million residents who comprise around 12% of the US population. The workforce averages about 19.4 million workers. The unemployment rate hovers in the 4.1% range.

California has a robust education sector, a growing healthcare industry, and it is a global hub for technology. California has about 260 four-year colleges and universities and it has more than two million students. The levels of employment are high and rising in government, healthcare, education, transportation, trade, hospitality, and business services. Over the next ten years, the fastest-growing fields of study include healthcare, nursing, software development, health education, and operations research.

The California economy is large and has a wide range of activities. They include agriculture, metals and mining, logging, and fishing. The state has a vibrant services sector including business-to-business services. The major industries include hospitality, tourism, and transportation. The many aspects of the construction industry are on display in California; it has an extensive system of roads and building new housing is a constant activity.

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The top careers in California reflect the policy and programs to promote healthcare, the investment in education, and the importance of higher education as an industry and as a source of supply for the talent needed to run businesses in the future.

Top Business Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Marketing Manager 40,900 $65,900
Finance 92,060 $63,900
Accounting 148,500 $51,600
Management 103,970 $87,700
  • Marketing careers involve branding, sales, and digital information to reach general or specific audiences. Marketing professionals must examine data, plan strategies, and oversee campaigns to reach organizational goals.
  • Finance careers help organizations manage funds and assets. Finance involves raising business capital and making efficient use of capital and capital assets.
  • Accountants involves management, auditing, public finance, and public accountancy. All in some way connect business practices with tax compliance, bookkeeping, and proper reporting.
  • Business Management careers help run organizations. Management concerns organizing structures, planning for the use of resources and developing a strategy to reach goals. Management is both long-term, and day-to-day; it is the role that bears responsibility for nearly every organizational activity.
  • Business Development
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Business Administrators
  • Human Resource Managers
  • Organizational Leaders
  • Project Managers

Best California Schools for Business

  • University of Southern California
  • University of California at Berkeley
  • University California-Los Angeles
  • Santa Clara University
  • Pepperdine University

Top Information Technology Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Software Developer 249,620 $71,900
Operations Research Analyst 10,000 $78,800
Computer Hardware Engineer 19,940 $84,900
Computer Systems Analysts 64,260 $69,500
Web Developers 20,920 $59,900
  • Software Developers use programming skills and knowledge to develop applications and do system problem-solving.
  • Operations Research Analysts use modeling and mathematical methodologies to analyze data and apply it to organizational management functions and decision-making.
  • Computer Hardware Engineers manage computer systems from design to build and upgrade. The engineer develops hardware for the critical infrastructure for information systems.
  • Computer Systems Analysts help manage systems by keeping them running smoothly and resolving problems and issues. The analyst relies upon a blend of hardware engineering, programming, and system engineering.
  • Web Developers have the vital role in ecommerce and digital communications to develop and maintain websites, portals, and platforms.
  • Cybersecurity Specialists help protect computer systems and networks from information leaks and theft from hackers for medium to large businesses.
  • Database Administration is an information technology specialist responsible for directing and performing activities to maintain a successful database.
  • Computer Information Specialists
  • Information Technologist

Best California Schools for Information Technology

  • California Institute of Technology -Tech
  • Stanford
  • Pomona College
  • University of Southern California
  • The University of California - Los Angeles

Top Education Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Foreign Language & Lit Teachers 3,040 $51,800
Law Teachers 1,540 $131,400
Rec& Fitness Teachers 2,030 $44,200
Education Teachers 3,380 $51,200
  • Foreign Language and Literature Teachers are post-secondary level teachers typically with bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
  • Law Teachers are college-level instructors that specialize in law and pre-law subject areas.
  • Rec & Fitness Teachers are certified teachers that specialize in nutrition and fitness.
  • Education Teachers specialize in the teaching arts and sciences along with research on education. They also work in education administration.
  • Preschool Teachers

Best California Schools for Education

  • University of California - Berkeley
  • California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
  • California State University - Long Beach
  • San Diego State University
  • University of California - Davis

Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Occupational Therapists 10,060 $62,100
Speech-Language Pathologists 14,980 $62,200
Physician Assistants 10,890 $97,800
Nurse Practitioner 13,900 $97,500
Registered Nurses 302,770 $65,400
Athletic Trainers 1,270 $43,600
  • Occupational Therapists provide physical rehabilitation services in support of medical care to restore pain-free movement after surgery or other medical treatment.
  • Speech-Language Pathologists detect and diagnose diseases and conditions that interfere with speech. Often in short supply, speech therapists often work in teams with professionals to manage parts of complex cases such as the aftermath of a stroke, accidents, or severe illness.
  • Physicians Assistants perform many functions of a general medical practitioner. These highly skilled professionals can be the first contact in managed healthcare settings. Physicians assistants get in-depth training that includes diagnosis, pharmacy, and specialized areas.
  • Nurse Practitioner is a skilled nurse certified in general medical care. These skilled health professionals can function as general medical practitioners in managed healthcare (HMO or PPO) and rural area settings. Nurse practitioners can have a bachelor of science degree in some specialized areas of nursing.
  • Registered Nurses are licensed professionals typically with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). RNs work in many practical and skilled care settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Registered nurses supervise LPNs, LVNs, and Certified Nursing Assistants.
  • Athletic Trainers work in health clubs and other training facilities. These locations are also used to provide long-term care and coaching to patients. Trainers also work in many medical settings including short-term healthcare, hospitals, and wellness programs.
  • Healthcare Administrators work in many medical settings including short-term healthcare, hospitals, and wellness programs, long-term care facilities, hospice and many more. The primary function of a healthcare admin is to manage the healthcare facilities operations.
  • Healthcare Management

Best California Schools for Healthcare

  • University of California at Berkeley
  • University of Southern California
  • California Polytechnic State University-SLO
  • University of California-San Diego
  • Chapman College

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Psychiatrist 3,560 $211,800
Organizational Psychologist 40 $78,300
Neuropsychologist 14,220 $93,700
Engineering Psychologist 40 $98,900
Psychology Teacher 4,340 $45,000

  • Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors with specializations in mental health and psychiatric medicine.

  • Organizational Psychologists work in corporate, commercial, and industrial settings. They form part of the advanced human resources process and help evaluate personnel, workplace stress, and related factors.

  • Neuropsychologists are specialists in the field of psychiatry that manage disorders and diseases with a neurological base or co-condition.

  • Engineering Psychologists are specialists that research and practice in the realm of man and machines. They study and treat conditions that relates to human-machine interactions.

  • Psychology Teachers must have a bachelor’s with certification, a teaching license, and a master’s degree. Some California schools require a subject certification in psychology.

  • Counselors must have a bachelor’s and in some cases a counseling master's degree in order to help clients identify goals and solutions to potential turmoil the patient has.

  • Mental Health Counselor

  • Substance Abuse Counselors

  • Psychologists

  • School Counseling

Best California Schools for Psychology

  • Stanford University
  • University of California - Los Angeles
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • Pepperdine University

Additional Careers in California

Want to See All the California Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest growth rate forecast in California

The California state government using 2016 data projected growth occupations in California. Some larger patterns suggest that construction trades and related positions will have long-term high growth along with Web and software developers.

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Growth Occupation Projected growth
Web Developers 48.9%
Floor layers 45.2%
Operations research Analysts 42.2%
Helpers-Electrician 38.7%
Interpreters and Translators 35.7%

Best Associate Degrees in California

Best Associate Degrees in California
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Starting your college career at the community college level is a smart choice. Look for the best colleges in the state so you get the strongest start possible, whether you plan to transfer to a 4-year university or earn a vocational degree, is an even better one. Here you can find statistics and information that speak to each college’s quality, so that you can decide for yourself which school would be the best one for you.

Foothill College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
15,123		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$8,752 		Grads Salary
$44,000
De Anza College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
18,669		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$7,685 		Grads Salary
$41,700
College of San Mateo
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
8,163		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$4,150 		Grads Salary
$40,700
Casa Loma College-Van Nuys
College Type
2-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
162		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$21,102 		Grads Salary
$49,600
MTI College
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
756		 Graduation Rate
73%		 Net Price
$18,013 		Grads Salary
$35,800
Irvine Valley College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
12,812		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$5,797 		Grads Salary
$43,400
Moorpark College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
14,275		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$4,703 		Grads Salary
$47,100
Las Positas College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
8,706		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$6,456 		Grads Salary
$44,300
College of the Canyons
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
19,089		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$7,032 		Grads Salary
$43,500
Diablo Valley College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
19,871		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$8,369 		Grads Salary
$48,000
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in California

Best Affordable 2 Year Bachelor's Degree Colleges in California
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With more than 300 degree-granting universities and 250 community colleges, you’ll have a wide range of choices when you begin looking for a degree program that will work for your career goals. A bachelor’s degree may be the last degree you ever need, depending on the field you choose to enter. Get the most out of this opportunity by finding the best possible school to earn your education from.

Stanford University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
17,249		 Graduation Rate
95%		 Net Price
$20,023 		Grads Salary
$109,800
California Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,237		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$26,591 		Grads Salary
$115,000
Harvey Mudd College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
904		 Graduation Rate
93%		 Net Price
$37,192 		Grads Salary
$106,300
University of California-Berkeley
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
43,185		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$19,329 		Grads Salary
$90,700
Claremont McKenna College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,346		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$22,004 		Grads Salary
$89,000
University of California-Los Angeles
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
44,371		 Graduation Rate
91%		 Net Price
$16,474 		Grads Salary
$84,200
Pomona College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,637		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$30,392 		Grads Salary
$87,000
University of California-San Diego
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,736		 Graduation Rate
87%		 Net Price
$15,222 		Grads Salary
$82,000
University of California-Irvine
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
36,303		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$13,106 		Grads Salary
$78,700
University of California-Davis
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,634		 Graduation Rate
86%		 Net Price
$17,026 		Grads Salary
$80,500
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Best Master's Degrees in California

Best Affordable 2 Year Master's Degree Colleges in California
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As you ready yourself to return to school for a master’s or doctoral program, you’ll have a plethora of options within the state of California. Here you’ll find a list of the best school in the state if you want to earn a master’s or doctorates in the state in order to advance in your career. If you are interested in an MBA to advance your career, you can check out the best MBA programs in California.

Stanford University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
17,249		 Graduation Rate
95%		 Net Price
$20,023 		Grads Salary
$109,800
California Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,237		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$26,591 		Grads Salary
$115,000
University of California-San Francisco
College Type
Graduate		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,180		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$52,472 		Grads Salary
$116,800
University of California-Berkeley
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
43,185		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$19,329 		Grads Salary
$90,700
Claremont McKenna College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,346		 Graduation Rate
92%		 Net Price
$22,004 		Grads Salary
$89,000
University of California-Los Angeles
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
44,371		 Graduation Rate
91%		 Net Price
$16,474 		Grads Salary
$84,200
University of California-San Diego
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,736		 Graduation Rate
87%		 Net Price
$15,222 		Grads Salary
$82,000
University of California-Irvine
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
36,303		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$13,106 		Grads Salary
$78,700
University of California-Davis
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,634		 Graduation Rate
86%		 Net Price
$17,026 		Grads Salary
$80,500
University of California-Santa Barbara
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
26,314		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$17,223 		Grads Salary
$79,600
Full Ranking Report