2024 Best Colleges for English 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 English programs in California. We looked at 75 programs to put our English rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for English in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether English is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in English: 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 English in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a English 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 English degree in California.

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

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

Mount Saint Mary's University is the best university for majoring in English based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Mount Saint Mary's University earned an average of $48,432 2 years after graduating.

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheapest university for majoring in English 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 English in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in English based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#16 Best College for English
Average Salary $32,569
Average Debt $19,499
Program Size 116
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 116 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $32,569.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
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#17 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,839
Average Debt $16,385
Program Size 113
California State University-Stanislaus
4 Year
Turlock, CA
California State University-Stanislaus, located in Turlock, CA has 113 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,839.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 2,334 students
Tuition $6,704
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#18 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,670
Average Debt $26,993
Program Size 66
Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
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Biola University, located in La Mirada, CA has 66 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,670.
Acceptance Rate 70%
Undergraduates 1,390 students
Tuition $34,498
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#19 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,314
Average Debt $14,074
Program Size 359
University of California-Davis (UCD)
4 Year
Davis, CA
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University of California-Davis (UCD), located in Davis, CA has 359 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,314.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 9,630 students
Tuition $13,951
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#20 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,133
Average Debt $17,101
Program Size 306
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 306 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,133.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#21 Best College for English
Average Salary $30,843
Average Debt $15,778
Program Size 581
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 581 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $30,843.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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#22 Best College for English
Average Salary $30,771
Average Debt $19,722
Program Size 154
Sonoma State University
4 Year
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University, located in Rohnert Park, CA has 154 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $30,771.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,461 students
Tuition $7,330
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#23 Best College for English
Average Salary $30,305
Average Debt $19,272
Program Size 139
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning
4 Year
San Marcos, CA
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California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning, located in San Marcos, CA has 139 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $30,305.
Acceptance Rate 54%
Undergraduates 3,507 students
Tuition $7,269
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#24 Best College for English
Average Salary $30,119
Average Debt $15,553
Program Size 320
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 320 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $30,119.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
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#25 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,956
Average Debt $17,548
Program Size 320
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 320 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,956.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
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#26 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,956
Average Debt $17,548
Program Size 320
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 320 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,956.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
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#27 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $16,287
Program Size 232
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
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San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 232 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#28 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $24,250
Program Size 57
Chapman University (CU)
4 Year
Orange, CA
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Chapman University (CU), located in Orange, CA has 57 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 48%
Undergraduates 2,243 students
Tuition $47,260
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#29 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,503
Average Debt $15,228
Program Size 596
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 596 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,503.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition N/A
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#30 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,503
Average Debt $15,228
Program Size 596
UCLA
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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UCLA, located in Los Angeles, CA has 596 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,503.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition $12,763
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