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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#16 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $54,644
Average Debt $21,000
Program Size 48
University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
University of San Diego, located in San Diego, CA has 48 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $54,644.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 2,400 students
Tuition $44,586
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#17 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $54,430
Average Debt $14,986
Program Size 375
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 375 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $54,430.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
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#18 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $53,358
Average Debt $23,399
Program Size 43
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, CA has 43 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $53,358.
Acceptance Rate 98%
Undergraduates 1,102 students
Tuition $42,930
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4.0
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#19 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $52,733
Average Debt $15,772
Program Size 109
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
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California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, CA has 109 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $52,733.
Acceptance Rate 42%
Undergraduates 10,530 students
Tuition $6,437
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#20 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $52,107
Average Debt $20,000
Program Size 99
Pepperdine University (PU)
4 Year
Malibu, CA
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Pepperdine University (PU), located in Malibu, CA has 99 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $52,107.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
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4.0
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#21 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $49,683
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 39
California State University-Bakersfield
4 Year
Bakersfield, CA
California State University-Bakersfield, located in Bakersfield, CA has 39 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $49,683.
Acceptance Rate 69%
Undergraduates 1,904 students
Tuition $6,811
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4.0
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#22 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $48,823
Average Debt $15,000
Program Size 32
University of the Pacific (UOP)
4 Year
Stockton, CA
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N/A
University of the Pacific (UOP), located in Stockton, CA has 32 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $48,823.
Acceptance Rate 65%
Undergraduates 1,771 students
Tuition $42,934
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4.0
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#23 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $48,667
Average Debt $15,168
Program Size 233
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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N/A
San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 233 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $48,667.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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4.0
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#24 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $48,464
Average Debt $13,325
Program Size 1,228
University of California-Davis (UCD)
4 Year
Davis, CA
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University of California-Davis (UCD), located in Davis, CA has 1,228 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $48,464.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 9,630 students
Tuition $13,951
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4.0
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#25 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $47,260
Average Debt $23,000
Program Size 152
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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Loyola Marymount University (LMU), located in Los Angeles, CA has 152 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $47,260.
Acceptance Rate 51%
Undergraduates 2,530 students
Tuition $42,795
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4.0
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#26 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $46,300
Average Debt $15,723
Program Size 1,088
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
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University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 1,088 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $46,300.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
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#27 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $46,087
Average Debt $15,429
Program Size 139
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 139 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $46,087.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#28 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $45,221
Average Debt $16,650
Program Size 41
California State University-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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California State University-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 41 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $45,221.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 6,512 students
Tuition $6,355
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#29 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $44,356
Average Debt $17,178
Program Size 241
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
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University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, CA has 241 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $44,356.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 4,437 students
Tuition $13,461
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4.0
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#30 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $44,356
Average Debt $21,581
Program Size 27
Mills College
4 Year
Oakland, CA
Mills College, located in Oakland, CA has 27 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $44,356.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 395 students
Tuition $44,258
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