7th Annual Best MBA Programs in California by MBAGuide
$59,093
Average Tuition
$90,698
Average Graduate Salary
555
Average GMAT Score
374
Average Student Enrollment
25 Best MBA Programs in California (7th Annual Rankings)
MBAGuide.org ranks MBA programs by state using a comprehensive methodology that combines quantitative data and expert evaluation. Our ranking methodology weighs multiple factors, with 80% of the overall score based on objective criteria and 20% on editorial staff ratings and school reputation. This multi-faceted approach aims to provide a balanced assessment of each program’s quality, affordability, and value.
| Rank | University | Graduate ROI | In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | 55.04% | $165,591 | $182,272 | CA | No |
| 2 | University of Southern California | 48.70% | $154,339 | $150,314 | CA | Yes |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley | 54.73% | $139,628 | $152,831 | CA | No |
| 4 | University of California, Los Angeles | 51.61% | $142,142 | $146,727 | CA | No |
| 5 | University of California, Davis Business School | 61.53% | $88,634 | $109,075 | CA | Yes |
| 6 | University of California, San Diego | 48.93% | $106,246 | $103,969 | CA | No |
| 7 | University of California, Irvine | 63.13% | $97,342 | $122,899 | CA | Yes |
| 8 | Santa Clara University | 72.74% | $83,860 | $122,000 | CA | Yes |
| 9 | Pepperdine University | 42.78% | $104,333 | $89,258 | CA | Yes |
| 10 | University of San Francisco | 52.08% | $79,200 | $82,500 | CA | No |
| 11 | University of San Diego | 72.79% | $69,610 | $101,333 | CA | No |
| 12 | Saint Mary's College of California | 144.31% | $40,608 | $117,200 | CA | Yes |
| 13 | Chapman University | 39.06% | $97,750 | $76,368 | CA | No |
| 14 | Loyola Marymount University | 50.39% | $89,202 | $89,900 | CA | No |
| 15 | San Jose State University | 115.61% | $39,270 | $90,800 | CA | Yes |
| 16 | Claremont Graduate University | 41.85% | $96,520 | $80,778 | CA | No |
| 17 | University of California, Riverside | 36.79% | $98,293 | $72,321 | CA | No |
| 18 | California State University, Stanislaus | 147.97% | $24,938 | $73,800 | CA | Yes |
| 19 | California State Polytechnic University Pomona | 150.07% | $29,800 | $89,440 | CA | No |
| 20 | California State University, Long Beach | 78.76% | $45,600 | $71,833 | CA | Yes |
| 21 | California State University, East Bay | 318.21% | $12,036 | $76,600 | CA | Yes |
| 22 | California State University, Los Angeles | 224.70% | $22,052 | $99,100 | CA | No |
| 23 | California State University, Northridge | 125.25% | $30,897 | $77,400 | CA | No |
| 24 | California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | 206.01% | $27,462 | $113,151 | CA | No |
| 25 | California State University, Fresno | 163.89% | $27,000 | $88,500 | CA | Yes |
| 26 | California State University, San Bernardino | 91.81% | $41,500 | $76,200 | CA | Yes |
| 27 | San Francisco State University | 337.09% | $11,362 | $76,600 | CA | No |
| 28 | San Diego State University | 115.22% | $31,200 | $71,900 | CA | No |
| 29 | California State University, Dominguez Hills | 242.55% | $16,986 | $82,400 | CA | Yes |
| 30 | California State University, Fullerton | 91.47% | $44,550 | $81,500 | CA | Yes |
| 31 | Woodbury University | 113.54% | $26,510 | $60,200 | CA | Yes |
| 32 | California State University, Bakersfield | 547.66% | $7,176 | $78,600 | CA | Yes |
| 33 | Sonoma State University | 454.50% | $9,494 | $86,300 | CA | No |
| 34 | California State University, Sacramento | 150.44% | $25,260 | $76,000 | CA | Yes |
| 35 | Cal Poly Humboldt | 494.40% | $9,294 | $91,900 | CA | No |
| 36 | California State University-San Marcos | 85.85% | $30,518 | $52,400 | CA | No |
Best ROI for MBA Graduates in California
Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.
By scrutinizing the graduate ROI for MBA programs, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.
ROI of Campus MBA Programs in California
The average return on investment (ROI) for campus MBA programs in California is 152%.The lowest ROI is 37%, offered by University of California, Riverside.The highest ROI is an impressive 548%, available through the MBA program at California State University, Bakersfield.
ROI of Online MBA Programs in California
For online MBA programs in California, the ROI ranges from 43% to 150%.The lowest online MBA ROI of 43% is from the program at Pepperdine University.The highest online MBA ROI of 150% is offered by California State University, Bakersfield.On average, online MBA programs in California have an ROI of 95%.
ROI for Campus MBA Programs
- Average Campus ROI: 149% from California’s 64 in-person MBA Programs
- Highest Campus ROI: 548% from California State University, Bakersfield
- Lowest Campus ROI: 37% from University of California, Riverside
ROI for Online MBA Programs
- Average Online ROI: 95% from California’s 21 online MBA Programs
- Highest Online ROI: 150% from California State University, Bakersfield
- Lowest Online ROI: 43% from Pepperdine University
10 MBA Programs with the Highest ROI in California
MBA programs in California with the highest return on investment (ROI) are excellent choices for students looking to maximize the value of their education. High ROI is typically achieved through a combination of lower tuition costs and higher starting salaries for graduates.
- California State University, Bakersfield - 547.66%
- Cal Poly Humboldt - 494.40%
- Sonoma State University - 454.50%
- California State University, Chico - 421.77%
- San Francisco State University - 337.09%
- California State University, East Bay - 318.21%
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - 242.55%
- California State University, Los Angeles - 224.70%
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 206.01%
- California State University, Fresno - 163.89%
10 MBA Programs with the Lowest ROI in California
These MBA programs in California have the lowest return on investment (ROI), which may be a critical factor for students considering the financial implications of their education. Programs with lower ROI often have higher tuition costs and lower starting salaries for graduates.
- University of California, Riverside - 36.79%
- Chapman University - 39.06%
- Claremont Graduate University - 41.85%
- Pepperdine University - 42.78%
- University of Southern California - 48.70%
- University of California, San Diego - 48.93%
- Loyola Marymount University - 50.39%
- University of California, Los Angeles - 51.61%
- University of San Francisco - 52.08%
- University of California, Berkeley - 54.73%
Best MBA Graduate Salaries for California MBA Programs
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in California is about $90,698, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $52,400 from California State University-San Marcos, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $182,272 from Stanford University.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in California is between $60,200 from Woodbury University and $150,314 from University of Southern California. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within California is $90,621.
Average Graduate Salaries for Campus MBA Programs
- Average: $90,947 from California’s 64 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $52,400 from California State University-San Marcos
- Highest In-Person:$182,272 from Stanford University
Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs
- Average: $90,621 from California’s 21 Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $60,200 from Woodbury University
- Highest Online: $150,314 from University of Southern California
10 Highest Salaries for MBA Graduates in California
- Stanford University - $182,272.00
- University of California, Berkeley - $152,831.00
- University of Southern California - $150,314.00
- University of California, Los Angeles - $146,727.00
- University of California, Irvine - $122,899.00
- Santa Clara University - $122,000.00
- Saint Mary's College of California - $117,200.00
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - $113,151.00
- University of California, Davis Business School - $109,075.00
- University of Redlands - $105,000.00
10 Lowest Salaries for MBA Graduates in California
- California State University-San Marcos - $52,400.00
- California State University - $60,000.00
- Woodbury University - $60,200.00
- Lincoln University - California - $64,300.00
- Menlo College - $66,300.00
- University of the Pacific - $69,750.00
- American Jewish University - $70,000.00
- California Lutheran University - $71,000.00
- California State University - $71,732.00
- California State University, Long Beach - $71,833.00
Most Affordable MBA Programs in California
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
While the average in-person MBA program in California will cost about $59,093, the least expensive MBA program is $7,176 from California State University, Bakersfield, and the most expensive is $165,591 from Stanford University.
An Online MBA program from an institution in California will cost you between $7,176 from California State University, Bakersfield and $154,339 from University of Southern California. The average cost of online MBA programs within California is $51,761.
Average Tuition for Campus MBA Programs
- Average: $60,263 from California’s 64 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: $7,176 from California State University, Bakersfield
- Highest in-person: $165,591 from Stanford University
Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs
- Average: $51,761 from Californias 21 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: $7,176 from California State University, Bakersfield
- Highest online: $154,339 from University of Southern California
10 Most Affordable MBAs in California
- California State University, Bakersfield - $7,176.00
- Cal Poly Humboldt - $9,294.00
- Sonoma State University - $9,494.00
- San Francisco State University - $11,362.00
- California State University, East Bay - $12,036.00
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - $16,986.00
- Naval Postgraduate School - $20,250.00
- California State University, Los Angeles - $22,052.00
- California State University, Stanislaus - $24,938.00
- California State University, Sacramento - $25,260.00
10 Most Expensive MBAs in California
- Stanford University - $165,591.00
- University of Southern California - $154,339.00
- University of California, Los Angeles - $142,142.00
- University of California, Berkeley - $139,628.00
- University of California, San Diego - $106,246.00
- Pepperdine University - $104,333.00
- University of California, Riverside - $98,293.00
- Chapman University - $97,750.00
- University of California, Irvine - $97,342.00
- Claremont Graduate University - $96,520.00
GMAT Requirements for California MBA Programs
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in California is 555, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from National University College, and the highest GMAT score needed is 737 from Stanford University.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in California is between 400 from National University College to 732 from University of Southern California. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within California is 553.
Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: 558 from California’s 64 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 400 from National University College
- Highest in-person: 737 from Stanford University
Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs
- Average: 553 from California’s 21 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 400 from National University College
- Highest online: 732 from University of Southern California
10 California MBA Programs with the Highest Average GMAT Scores
These MBA programs in California boast the highest average GMAT scores, reflecting their competitive admissions standards and the academic caliber of their students.
- Stanford University - 737
- University of Southern California - 732
- University of California, Berkeley - 729
- University of California, Los Angeles - 708
- University of California, San Diego - 675
- University of California, Irvine - 675
- University of California, Riverside - 663
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey - 660
- University of California, Davis Business School - 657
- Chapman University - 642
10 California MBA Programs with the Lowest Average GMAT Scores
These MBA programs in California have the lowest average GMAT scores, making them more accessible to a broader range of applicants, and holding the highest standards of AACSB accreditation.
- National University College - 400
- California Lutheran University - 400
- California International Business University - 450
- California College of the Arts - 450
- California Miramar University - 450
- University of the Pacific - 485
- International Technological University - 490
- Alliant International University - 490
- Golden Gate University - 500
- Point Loma Nazarene University - 500
Most Popular MBA Programs in California
The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For California state’s MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 35 and 2,122. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 20.00 and : 1,227.00.
Average Enrollment for Campus MBA Programs
- Lowest: 35 from California State University, Stanislaus
- Highest: 2,122 from University of Southern California
- Average: 374 from California’s 78 MBA Programs.
- Average: 291 from 875 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.
Average Enrollment for Online MBA Programs
- Lowest: 35 from California State University, Stanislaus
- Highest: 2,122 from University of Southern California
- Average: 550 from California’s 21 MBA Programs.
- Average: 279 from 327 nation’s online MBA Programs.
10 Most Popular MBA Programs
- University of Southern California - 2,122
- University of California, Los Angeles - 1,016
- Stanford University - 930
- University of California, Irvine - 700
- Pepperdine University - 687
- California State Polytechnic University Pomona - 592
- University of California, San Diego - 565
- University of California, Riverside - 447
- Santa Clara University - 298
- University of San Francisco - 283
10 MBA Programs with the Smallest Enrollment
- California State University, Stanislaus - 35
- Woodbury University - 40
- San Diego State University - 43
- Loyola Marymount University - 81
- California State University, Fresno - 92
- Chapman University - 104
- San Francisco State University - 114
- California State University-San Marcos - 115
- California State University, Sacramento - 118
- Claremont Graduate University - 121
20 Most Popular MBA Concentrations in California
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of California businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 45 MBA concentrations including:
- Management: 64
- Finance: 62
- Marketing: 61
- Accounting: 60
- General Business: 56
- International Business: 55
- Information Systems: 47
- Supply Chain: 44
- Economics: 42
- Entrepreneurship: 41
- Healthcare Administration: 32
- Data Analytics: 26
- Real Estate: 25
- Leadership: 25
- Statistics: 22
- Quantitative Methods: 19
- Human Resources: 18
- Taxation: 17
- Operations Management: 16
- Hospitality Management: 14
Most Concentrations by Business School
Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:
- Hope International University: 24
- La Sierra University: 23
- Menlo College: 23
- California State University, Bakersfield: 22
- Woodbury University: 22
- University of California, Berkeley: 22
- University of San Francisco: 21
- California State University, East Bay: 20
- California State University, Fullerton: 20
- Stanford University: 20
- California State University, Los Angeles: 20
- University of Redlands: 20
- University of Southern California: 19
- University of California, Davis Business School: 19
- Point Loma Nazarene University: 19
- San Francisco State University: 18
- Pepperdine University: 17
- Naval Postgraduate School: 16
- Notre Dame de Namur University: 16
- California State University, Sacramento: 16
10 High-Growth Industries for California MBA Graduates
The overall outlook for MBA graduates in California remains positive, with a focus on industries such as consulting, finance, technology, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, and entertainment. While some sectors, like technology, have experienced recent layoffs, the demand for MBA graduates with strong analytical, strategic, and leadership skills remains high across various industries.
California’s very diverse economy includes mega hubs like Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, offers a wide range of opportunities for MBA graduates to build successful careers with competitive salaries and room for growth.
| Industry | Representative Companies | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Deloitte Consulting | Consistently high demand for MBA graduates, with starting salaries around $135,000 to $147,000 and potential for rapid career advancement |
| Finance | Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock, Visa | Popular choice for MBA graduates, with roles like investment banking and corporate finance offering six-figure salaries (median around $139,000) and opportunities for growth |
| Technology | Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft | Strong opportunities, particularly in Silicon Valley, with median base salaries ranging from $128,000 to $164,000; despite recent layoffs, many tech occupations remain in high demand |
| Consumer Packaged Goods | Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Unilever, Nestlé | Traditional pipeline for MBA graduates, with average salaries around $119,000 to $141,000; companies value the strategic and analytical skills of MBAs |
| Healthcare | UnitedHealth Group, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Medtronic | Growing demand for MBA graduates in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotech, with base salaries between $116,000 and $198,000; focus on innovation, affordability, and health equity |
| Energy | ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP | Competitive salaries for MBA graduates, with average base pay around $120,000 to $130,000; industry undergoing transition towards cleaner energy solutions |
| Retail | Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco | Evolving landscape with focus on e-commerce and supply chain management; MBA graduates can expect salaries around $115,000 to $130,000 |
| Real Estate | CBRE Group, Jones Lang LaSalle, Cushman & Wakefield | Steady demand for MBA graduates with skills in finance, investment, and property management; average salaries range from $100,000 to $120,000 |
| Media & Entertainment | Disney, Netflix, Comcast, Warner Bros. Discovery | Competitive industry with opportunities for MBA graduates in strategy, finance, and operations; salaries typically range from $120,000 to $140,000 |
| Automotive | Tesla, General Motors, Ford, Toyota | Transforming industry with focus on electric and autonomous vehicles; MBA graduates can expect salaries around $110,000 to $130,000 and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects |
The technology industry, while still offering competitive salaries, has seen a decline in interest among MBA graduates in recent years, possibly due to recent layoffs and a shift away from the Bay Area.
Compare California MBA Programs to Online and National Options
How California’s Top MBA Programs Compare to Leading Online and National Offerings
| Averages | California MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | U.S. MBA Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $59,093 | $38,875 | : $43,475.55 |
| Average GMAT Scores | 555 | 557 | 561 |
| Average Full-Time MBA Faculty | 72 | 69 | 69 |
| Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | : 17:1 | 16:1 |
| Average # of MBA Faculty with Doctorate | 91.64% | 83.45% | 83.95% |
| Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment | 374 | 279 | 288 |
| Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment | 315 | 404 | 354 |
| Average % of MBA Students from U.S. | 65% | 76% | 75% |
Cities Offering MBA Programs in California
Looking for a particular city in California with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in California. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.
- Atherton
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Burbank
- Chico
- Claremont
- Davis
- Fresno
- Fullerton
- Hayward
- Irvine
- La Jolla
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Monterey
- Moraga
- Northridge
- Orange
- Pomona
- Riverside
- Rohnert Park
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clara
- Stanford
- Stockton
- Turlock
Find Business Schools Now Accepting Applicates in California
Ranking Methodology and Data Sources
- See Our Ranking Methodology
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Department of Education’s College Scorecard
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
- Department of Labor Projected Employment
- Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data
- Individual University and MBA Program Pages
Business School Data Sources from
See all data sources including 756 College and University Programs
Find the Best Ranked MBA Programs in Each State
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Jessa Cast is a professional freelance writer and editor whose experience includes several years of published magazine articles and two edited books, among other writing and editing projects. She is skilled in conducting research and interviewing subjects, copy and content editing, event planning, and using the Microsoft suite, as well as a variety of freelance business assistance offerings. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
