Best Social Sciences, General Schools in California

California has 12 colleges offering Social Sciences, General programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 453 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,652 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,273.

School choice matters significantly: University of Southern California graduates earn $46,087 while San Diego State University graduates earn $24,035 — a $22,052 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

12
Schools in CA
$33,652
CA Avg. Earnings
$34,273
National Avg.
88
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Social Sciences, General in California

Public Schools (9)
$33,350
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$36,401
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,051 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Social Sciences, General Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$46,087
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,365
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 10.0%
#2
U

University of Massachusetts Global

Aliso Viejo, CA · Public

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,726
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: N/A
#3
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$37,748
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,259
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 93.6%
#4
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,400
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 25.6%
#5
C

California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA · Public

$34,603
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,594
Graduates: 72
Acceptance: 94.8%
#6
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,643
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 98.3%
#7
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$33,192
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,584
Graduates: 55
Acceptance: 93.7%
#8
C

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · Public

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,464
Graduates: 42
Acceptance: 97.5%
#9
A

Ashford University

San Diego, CA ·

$30,879
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,212
Graduates: 51
Acceptance: N/A
#10
C

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public

$27,397
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,589
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 95.7%
#11
W

Whittier College

Whittier, CA · Private

$26,715
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,267
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 85.4%
#12
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$24,035
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,805
Graduates: 55
Acceptance: 34.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Social Sciences, General in California?
University of Southern California ranks #1 for Social Sciences, General in California with median graduate earnings of $46,087 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Social Sciences, General programs in the state.
How much do Social Sciences, General graduates earn in California?
Social Sciences, General graduates in California earn an average of $33,652 within two years of graduation. This is 2% below the national average of $34,273 for this major.
What is the hardest Social Sciences, General school to get into in California?
University of Southern California is the most selective Social Sciences, General program in California with an acceptance rate of 10.0%. The average acceptance rate across Social Sciences, General programs in the state is 72.9%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Social Sciences, General in California?
In California, private Social Sciences, General programs produce average earnings of $36,401 vs $33,350 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 2 private options in the state.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.