Best Business/Managerial Economics Schools in California

California has 11 colleges offering Business/Managerial Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,515 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $54,349 on average within two years — 11% above the national average of $49,013, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $68,219 while University of California-Riverside graduates earn $36,591 — a $31,628 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in CA

$54,349

CA Avg. Earnings

$49,013

National Avg.

107

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Business/Managerial Economics in California

Public Schools (6)

$48,627

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$61,140

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $12,513 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Business/Managerial Economics Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$68,219

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $65,881

Graduates: 101

Acceptance: 8.7%

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$51,750

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $47,453

Graduates: 486

Acceptance: 41.6%

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$52,107

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,212

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 55.6%

Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CA · Private

$53,775

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,792

Graduates: 58

Acceptance: 79.9%

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$51,607

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,826

Graduates: 249

Acceptance: 62.5%

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$41,472

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,611

Graduates: 388

Acceptance: 25.6%

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$42,123

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,824

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: 47.1%

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

$69,338

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $51,619

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 46.8%

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

$69,338

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 43.8%

#10

Ashford University

San Diego, CA ·

$61,516

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,719

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: N/A

#11

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$36,591

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,320

Graduates: 93

Acceptance: 63.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Business/Managerial Economics in California?

University of California-Los Angeles ranks #1 for Business/Managerial Economics in California with median graduate earnings of $68,219 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Business/Managerial Economics programs in the state.

How much do Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn in California?

Business/Managerial Economics graduates in California earn an average of $54,349 within two years of graduation. This is 11% above the national average of $49,013 for this major.

What is the hardest Business/Managerial Economics school to get into in California?

University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Business/Managerial Economics program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Business/Managerial Economics programs in the state is 47.5%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Business/Managerial Economics in California?

In California, private Business/Managerial Economics programs produce average earnings of $61,140 vs $48,627 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

All colleges in California →

Business/Managerial Economics in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.