2024 Best Colleges for Sociology 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 Sociology programs in California. We looked at 67 programs to put our Sociology rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Sociology in California. ... Read More

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

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

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

Santa Clara University (SCU) is the best university for majoring in Sociology based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Santa Clara University (SCU) earned an average of $49,058 2 years after graduating.

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

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

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Sociology 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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#1 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $49,058
Average Debt $16,708
Program Size 44
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
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Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 44 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $49,058.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
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#2 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $44,571
Average Debt $14,017
Program Size 530
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 530 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $44,571.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
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#3 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $44,571
Average Debt $14,017
Program Size 530
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 530 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $44,571.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
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#4 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $43,426
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 25
Pepperdine University (PU)
4 Year
Malibu, CA
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Pepperdine University (PU), located in Malibu, CA has 25 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $43,426.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
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#5 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $43,240
Average Debt $21,652
Program Size 86
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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University of San Francisco, located in San Francisco, CA has 86 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $43,240.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 3,307 students
Tuition $42,634
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#6 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $41,844
Average Debt $15,252
Program Size 338
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 338 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $41,844.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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#7 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $41,565
Average Debt $21,985
Program Size 56
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, CA has 56 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $41,565.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 506 students
Tuition $49,248
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#8 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $41,565
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 35
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, CA has 35 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $41,565.
Acceptance Rate 98%
Undergraduates 1,102 students
Tuition $42,930
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#9 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $41,193
Average Debt $16,826
Program Size 138
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 138 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $41,193.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#10 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $39,909
Average Debt $24,792
Program Size 105
Brandman University
4 Year
Irvine, CA
Brandman University, located in Irvine, CA has 105 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $39,909.
Acceptance Rate 75%
Undergraduates 2,310 students
Tuition $12,240
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#11 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $39,822
Average Debt $17,521
Program Size 448
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 448 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $39,822.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
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#12 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $38,721
Average Debt $16,001
Program Size 170
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 170 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $38,721.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#13 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $37,748
Average Debt $13,857
Program Size 123
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 123 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $37,748.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
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#14 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $37,568
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 33
Pitzer College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
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Pitzer College, located in Claremont, CA has 33 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $37,568.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 252 students
Tuition $48,670
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#15 Best College for Sociology
Average Salary $36,560
Average Debt $26,570
Program Size 70
National University
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
National University, located in La Jolla, CA has 70 students majoring in Sociology. On average, graduates earn $36,560.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 5,223 students
Tuition $12,744
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