2024 Best Colleges for Economics in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Economics programs in California. We looked at 55 programs to put our Economics rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Economics in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Economics is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Economics: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Economics in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Economics undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Economics degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Economics Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Economics in California?

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is the best university for majoring in Economics based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Claremont McKenna College (CMC) earned an average of $90,856 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Economics in California?

California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheapest university for majoring in Economics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,213 to attend California State University-Dominguez Hills.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Economics in California?

Harvey Mudd College is the most expensive university for majoring in Economics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,649 to attend Harvey Mudd College.

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#1 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $90,856
Average Debt $13,738
Program Size 221
Claremont McKenna College (CMC)
4 Year
Claremont, CA
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Claremont McKenna College (CMC), located in Claremont, CA has 221 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $90,856.
Acceptance Rate 11%
Undergraduates 363 students
Tuition $49,045
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#2 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $85,391
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 152
Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
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Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA has 152 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $85,391.
Acceptance Rate 5%
Undergraduates 4,779 students
Tuition $46,320
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#3 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $77,213
Average Debt $14,000
Program Size 111
Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Pomona College, located in Claremont, CA has 111 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $77,213.
Acceptance Rate 10%
Undergraduates 387 students
Tuition $47,620
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#4 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $73,321
Average Debt $13,849
Program Size 1,270
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 1,270 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $73,321.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
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#5 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $73,321
Average Debt $13,849
Program Size 1,270
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 1,270 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $73,321.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
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#6 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $68,379
Average Debt $19,500
Program Size 218
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
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Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 218 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $68,379.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
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#7 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $64,493
Average Debt $15,588
Program Size 36
California State University-Channel Islands
4 Year
Camarillo, CA
California State University-Channel Islands, located in Camarillo, CA has 36 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $64,493.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 1,718 students
Tuition $6,547
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#8 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $60,790
Average Debt $15,305
Program Size 1,120
University of California-Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara, located in Santa Barbara, CA has 1,120 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $60,790.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
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#9 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $60,790
Average Debt $15,305
Program Size 1,120
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 1,120 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $60,790.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
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#10 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $59,124
Average Debt $18,671
Program Size 124
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 124 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $59,124.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#11 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $55,964
Average Debt $21,500
Program Size 151
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, CA has 151 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $55,964.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 506 students
Tuition $49,248
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#12 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $55,964
Average Debt $23,031
Program Size 64
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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University of San Francisco, located in San Francisco, CA has 64 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $55,964.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 3,307 students
Tuition $42,634
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#13 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $55,730
Average Debt $15,649
Program Size 1,362
UCLA
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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UCLA, located in Los Angeles, CA has 1,362 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $55,730.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition $12,763
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#14 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $55,730
Average Debt $15,649
Program Size 1,362
University of California-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of California-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 1,362 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $55,730.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition N/A
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#15 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $55,512
Average Debt $19,795
Program Size 86
Sonoma State University
4 Year
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University, located in Rohnert Park, CA has 86 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $55,512.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,461 students
Tuition $7,330
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