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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#31 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $44,055
Average Debt $17,046
Program Size 471
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Video Rating
San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 471 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $44,055.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#32 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $43,798
Average Debt $13,000
Program Size 69
California State University-Chico
4 Year
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico, located in Chico, CA has 69 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $43,798.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 4,093 students
Tuition $7,022
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4.0
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#33 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $43,319
Average Debt $20,750
Program Size 115
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning
4 Year
San Marcos, CA
Video Rating
N/A
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning, located in San Marcos, CA has 115 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $43,319.
Acceptance Rate 54%
Undergraduates 3,507 students
Tuition $7,269
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4.0
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#34 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $43,000
Average Debt $15,641
Program Size 85
University of California-Merced
4 Year
Merced, CA
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University of California-Merced, located in Merced, CA has 85 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $43,000.
Acceptance Rate 61%
Undergraduates 1,367 students
Tuition $13,208
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4.0
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#35 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt $17,406
Program Size 322
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 322 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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4.0
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#36 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt $19,989
Program Size 186
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 186 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
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4.0
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#37 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt $15,408
Program Size 60
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 60 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
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4.0
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#38 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $42,329
Average Debt $16,885
Program Size 697
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 697 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $42,329.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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4.0
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#39 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $42,329
Average Debt $16,885
Program Size 697
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 697 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $42,329.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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4.0
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#40 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $41,058
Average Debt $14,886
Program Size 186
California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)
4 Year
Long Beach, CA
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California State University-Long Beach (CSULB), located in Long Beach, CA has 186 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $41,058.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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4.0
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#41 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $38,937
Average Debt $18,615
Program Size 479
University of California-Riverside (UCR)
4 Year
Riverside, CA
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University of California-Riverside (UCR), located in Riverside, CA has 479 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $38,937.
Acceptance Rate 56%
Undergraduates 5,454 students
Tuition $13,527
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4.0
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#42 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt $20,500
Program Size 67
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
4 Year
Pomona, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, located in Pomona, CA has 67 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 5,596 students
Tuition $7,016
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#43 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $38,127
Average Debt $15,042
Program Size 68
California State University-Fresno
4 Year
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno, located in Fresno, CA has 68 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $38,127.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 5,276 students
Tuition $6,311
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4.0
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#44 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $33,993
Average Debt $17,750
Program Size 37
Humboldt State University
4 Year
Arcata, CA
Humboldt State University, located in Arcata, CA has 37 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $33,993.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,017 students
Tuition $7,195
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4.0
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#45 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $33,993
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 31
University of Redlands
4 Year
Redlands, CA
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N/A
University of Redlands, located in Redlands, CA has 31 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $33,993.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 1,633 students
Tuition $44,900
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