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 San Diego graduates earn $69,338 while University of California-Riverside graduates earn $36,591 — a $32,747 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

11
Schools in CA
$54,349
CA Avg. Earnings
$49,013
National Avg.
93
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

#1
U

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,619
Graduates: 18
Acceptance: 46.8%
#2
S

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

$69,338
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 43.8%
#3
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$68,219
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,881
Graduates: 101
Acceptance: 8.7%
#4
A

Ashford University

San Diego, CA ·

$61,516
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $55,719
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: N/A
#5
W

Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CA · Private

$53,775
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,792
Graduates: 58
Acceptance: 79.9%
#6
C

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$52,107
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $55,212
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 55.6%
#7
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$51,750
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $47,453
Graduates: 486
Acceptance: 41.6%
#8
U

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$51,607
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,826
Graduates: 249
Acceptance: 62.5%
#9
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$42,123
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,824
Graduates: 56
Acceptance: 47.1%
#10
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$41,472
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,611
Graduates: 388
Acceptance: 25.6%
#11
U

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 San Diego ranks #1 for Business/Managerial Economics in California with median graduate earnings of $69,338 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

All colleges in California →

Business/Managerial Economics in Other States

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