2024 Best Colleges for Liberal Arts 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 Liberal Arts programs in California. We looked at 70 programs to put our Liberal Arts rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Liberal Arts in California. ... Read More

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Liberal Arts Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Liberal Arts in California?

Pepperdine University (PU) is the best university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Pepperdine University (PU) earned an average of $49,058 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Liberal Arts in California?

California State University-Monterey Bay is the cheapest university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,119 to attend California State University-Monterey Bay.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Liberal Arts in California?

Scripps College is the most expensive university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $49,152 to attend Scripps College.

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#46 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $24,421
Average Debt $17,022
Program Size 70
Simpson University
4 Year
Redding, CA
Simpson University, located in Redding, CA has 70 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $24,421.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 353 students
Tuition $25,200
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#47 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $23,242
Average Debt $14,630
Program Size 685
California State University-Fresno
4 Year
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno, located in Fresno, CA has 685 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $23,242.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 5,276 students
Tuition $6,311
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#48 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $21,964
Average Debt $22,250
Program Size 35
Hope International University
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
Hope International University, located in Fullerton, CA has 35 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $21,964.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 252 students
Tuition $28,550
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4.0
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#49 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $20,596
Average Debt $13,910
Program Size 417
California State University-Bakersfield
4 Year
Bakersfield, CA
California State University-Bakersfield, located in Bakersfield, CA has 417 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $20,596.
Acceptance Rate 69%
Undergraduates 1,904 students
Tuition $6,811
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#50 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $20,444
Average Debt $26,000
Program Size 50
University of Redlands
4 Year
Redlands, CA
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University of Redlands, located in Redlands, CA has 50 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $20,444.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 1,633 students
Tuition $44,900
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4.0
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#51 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 505
Azusa Pacific University College
4 Year
San Dimas, CA
Azusa Pacific University College, located in San Dimas, CA has 505 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 549 students
Tuition N/A
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#52 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 187
Fresno Pacific University
4 Year
Fresno, CA
Fresno Pacific University, located in Fresno, CA has 187 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 1,223 students
Tuition $27,954
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4.0
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#53 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 60
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
Video Rating
Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 60 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
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4.0
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#54 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $23,391
Program Size 46
National University
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
National University, located in La Jolla, CA has 46 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 5,223 students
Tuition $12,744
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#55 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 37
University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
University of San Diego, located in San Diego, CA has 37 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 2,400 students
Tuition $44,586
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4.0
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#56 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $22,397
Program Size 35
Notre Dame de Namur University
4 Year
Belmont, CA
Notre Dame de Namur University, located in Belmont, CA has 35 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 87%
Undergraduates 422 students
Tuition $32,608
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4.0
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#57 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $31,000
Program Size 26
La Sierra University
4 Year
Riverside, CA
La Sierra University, located in Riverside, CA has 26 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 384 students
Tuition $30,471
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4.0
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#58 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $32,512
Program Size 25
Mount Saint Mary's University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Mount Saint Mary's University, located in Los Angeles, CA has 25 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 853 students
Tuition $35,944
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#59 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 12
San Diego Christian College
4 Year
Santee, CA
San Diego Christian College, located in Santee, CA has 12 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 239 students
Tuition $28,470
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4.0
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#60 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 11
University of the West
4 Year
Rosemead, CA
University of the West, located in Rosemead, CA has 11 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 63 students
Tuition $10,656
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Other Major Rankings
Best Liberal Arts Programs by State
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