2026 Best Business Schools in California
Looking for the best Business degree programs in California? We have ranked 668 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Business Degree Central evaluated 469 schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Business Degree Schools in California
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Stanford University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Business degree schools in California. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. The median Business program debt is $10,492. See the full Stanford University profile
You'll be in good company at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Business program debt is $14,238. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the top choices in California. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Business program here. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
A rank of #4 makes Santa Clara University one of the top choices in California. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University graduates 88% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Santa Clara University Business students take on a median of $20,144 in debt. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
The strong Business programs at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #5 place in California. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete their Business program here. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
University Of Southern California came in at #6 in this year's ranking. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. The median Business program debt is $15,625. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #7 among Business schools in California. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of California Davis came in at #8 in this year's ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. University Of California Davis graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of San Francisco did well this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,935 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco
Ashford University landed the #10 spot in California this year. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. About 10% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $39,515 in student loans. Read the full report on Ashford University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Business program here. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Pepperdine University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Based in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,918. Graduates carry a median of $23,645 in student loans. See the full Pepperdine University profile
Saint Marys College Of California did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. Saint Marys College Of California Business students take on a median of $25,041 in debt. Get the full Saint Marys College Of California report
Claremont Graduate University landed the #14 spot in California this year. Set in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Claremont Graduate University
Golden Gate University San Francisco did well this year, earning the #15 position. Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,343. Graduates carry a median of $33,968 in student loans. More on Golden Gate University San Francisco
University Of California Irvine came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. University Of California Irvine Business students take on a median of $16,539 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of San Diego ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Set in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $59,486 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,795 in student loans. More on University Of San Diego
Chapman University landed the #18 spot in California this year. Located in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,984. Chapman University Business students take on a median of $21,657 in debt. Get the full Chapman University report
Academy Of Art University landed the #19 spot in California this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 34%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,736. The median Business program debt is $33,568. Get the full Academy Of Art University report
Fresno Pacific University landed the #20 spot in California this year. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Business program here. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Coastline Community College placed #21 among Business schools in California. Coastline Community College is a public school based in Fountain Valley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $11,612. Read more about Coastline Community College
Evergreen Valley College placed #22 among Business schools in California. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,366, compared with $8,718 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,981 in student loans. Get the full Evergreen Valley College report
Cerritos College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Based in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. The median Business program debt is $11,306. See the full Cerritos College profile
University Of California San Diego ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of Phoenix California did well this year, earning the #25 position. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. University Of Phoenix California graduates 22% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. The median Business program debt is $37,432. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix California
Rest of the Top 50 Best Business Degree Schools in California
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
California Lutheran University landed the #26 spot in California this year. California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit school based in Thousand Oaks, CA. About 70% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $52,560. Typical Business student debt is $22,727. Read the full report on California Lutheran University
University Of Redlands came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Located in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $27,175. Read more about University Of Redlands
Asher College came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Sacramento, CA, Asher College is a private for-profit institution. Typical Business student debt is $15,645. More on Asher College
San Jose State University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. San Jose State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Read the full report on San Jose State University
California State University Channel Islands did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,159 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. The median Business program debt is $16,997. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. California State Polytechnic University Pomona graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Business student debt is $17,226. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Sonoma State University came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Sonoma State University is a public school based in Rohnert Park, CA. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, with out-of-state students paying around $21,224. Typical Business student debt is $18,031. Get the full Sonoma State University report
University Of La Verne placed #33 among Business schools in California. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,470. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete their Business program here. More on University Of La Verne
California State University Chico came in at #34 in this year's ranking. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. About 63% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. California State University Chico Business students take on a median of $18,591 in debt. More on California State University Chico
Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #35 spot in California this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete their Business program here. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
California State University East Bay landed the #36 spot in California this year. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Business students take on a median of $18,073 in debt. Get the full California State University East Bay report
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #37 among Business schools in California. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. See the full University Of California Santa Cruz profile
William Jessup University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Rocklin, CA, William Jessup University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees average $37,150. Graduates carry a median of $21,420 in student loans. See the full William Jessup University profile
University Of The Pacific did well this year, earning the #39 position. University Of The Pacific is a private not-for-profit school based in Stockton, CA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,080. Graduates carry a median of $23,514 in student loans. See the full University Of The Pacific profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #40 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. California State University Fullerton graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $15,525. More on California State University Fullerton
San Diego State University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $16,417. Read more about San Diego State University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. The median Business program debt is $27,471. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
California State University Fresno landed the #43 spot in California this year. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno Business students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
California State University San Marcos came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Located in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Students borrow a median of $17,527 to complete their Business program here. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
San Francisco State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical Business student debt is $17,024. More on San Francisco State University
California State University Long Beach ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. California State University Long Beach Business students take on a median of $15,671 in debt. Read more about California State University Long Beach
National University landed the #47 spot in California this year. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $30,426. See the full National University profile
University Of California Riverside ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Business schools. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
California State University Sacramento did well this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. California State University Sacramento graduates 56% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete their Business program here. More on California State University Sacramento
Notre Dame De Namur University landed the #50 spot in California this year. Located in Belmont, CA, Notre Dame De Namur University is a private not-for-profit institution. Notre Dame De Namur University graduates 7% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,792 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $26,524. Get the full Notre Dame De Namur University report
More Business Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 469 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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