2024 Best Colleges for Social Work 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 Social Work programs in California. We looked at 22 programs to put our Social Work rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Social Work in California. ... Read More

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Social Work Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Social Work in California?

San Francisco State University is the best university for majoring in Social Work based on earnings data. On average, graduates from San Francisco State University earned an average of $45,852 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Social Work in California?

California State University-Fresno is the cheapest university for majoring in Social Work based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,311 to attend California State University-Fresno.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Social Work in California?

Chapman University (CU) is the most expensive university for majoring in Social Work based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $47,260 to attend Chapman University (CU).

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#1 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $45,852
Average Debt $18,721
Program Size 43
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 43 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $45,852.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#2 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt $38,120
Program Size 36
La Sierra University
4 Year
Riverside, CA
La Sierra University, located in Riverside, CA has 36 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 384 students
Tuition $30,471
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#3 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $42,203
Average Debt $15,445
Program Size 274
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 274 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $42,203.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
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#4 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $42,203
Average Debt $15,445
Program Size 274
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 274 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $42,203.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
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#5 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $40,492
Average Debt $14,871
Program Size 106
California State University-San Bernardino
4 Year
San Bernardino, CA
California State University-San Bernardino, located in San Bernardino, CA has 106 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $40,492.
Acceptance Rate 65%
Undergraduates 4,571 students
Tuition $6,577
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#6 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt $14,830
Program Size 129
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 129 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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#7 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $36,560
Average Debt $32,356
Program Size 139
Brandman University
4 Year
Irvine, CA
Brandman University, located in Irvine, CA has 139 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $36,560.
Acceptance Rate 75%
Undergraduates 2,310 students
Tuition $12,240
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#8 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $36,016
Average Debt $14,858
Program Size 362
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 362 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $36,016.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 6,512 students
Tuition $6,355
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#9 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $34,381
Average Debt $16,903
Program Size 215
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 215 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $34,381.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#10 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $33,993
Average Debt $15,053
Program Size 138
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 138 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $33,993.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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#11 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $33,687
Average Debt $19,752
Program Size 437
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 437 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $33,687.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#12 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $33,382
Average Debt $15,550
Program Size 183
California State University-Chico
4 Year
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico, located in Chico, CA has 183 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $33,382.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 4,093 students
Tuition $7,022
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#13 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $33,281
Average Debt $22,997
Program Size 25
Whittier College
4 Year
Whittier, CA
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Whittier College, located in Whittier, CA has 25 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $33,281.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 583 students
Tuition $43,280
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#14 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $32,711
Average Debt $23,773
Program Size 71
Azusa Pacific University (APU)
4 Year
Azusa, CA
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Azusa Pacific University (APU), located in Azusa, CA has 71 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $32,711.
Acceptance Rate 81%
Undergraduates 2,792 students
Tuition $34,754
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#15 Best College for Social Work
Average Salary $30,554
Average Debt $20,798
Program Size 130
Humboldt State University
4 Year
Arcata, CA
Humboldt State University, located in Arcata, CA has 130 students majoring in Social Work. On average, graduates earn $30,554.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,017 students
Tuition $7,195
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Other Major Rankings
Best Social Work Programs by State
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