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Best Chemistry Schools in California

California has 21 colleges offering Chemistry programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 835 recent graduates. Graduates earn $36,817 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $37,290.

School choice matters significantly: University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn $46,620 while California State University-Fresno graduates earn $20,687 — a $25,933 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

21
Schools in CA
$36,817
CA Avg. Earnings
$37,290
National Avg.
259
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Chemistry in California

Public Schools (20)
$36,368
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$45,808
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $9,440 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Chemistry Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public

$46,620
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,310
Graduates: 85
Acceptance: 27.8%
#2
N

Northeastern University Oakland

Oakland, CA · Private

$45,808
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $54,138
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 16.5%
#3
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$44,356
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.2%
#4
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.6%
#5
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $47,449
Graduates: 49
Acceptance: 11.7%
#6
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$40,768
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,936
Graduates: 92
Acceptance: 25.6%
#7
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$40,458
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,950
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 34.4%
#8
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,643
Graduates: 98
Acceptance: 24.5%
#9
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$38,769
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,205
Graduates: 82
Acceptance: 41.6%
#10
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$37,424
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,610
Graduates: 49
Acceptance: 73.7%
#11
U

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$36,938
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,243
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 62.5%
#12
U

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,684
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 63.3%
#13
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$36,455
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,503
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 8.7%
#14
C

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public

$35,274
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,387
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 93.1%
#15
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,996
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 47.1%
#16
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,999
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 98.3%
#17
C

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

$32,563
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.2%
#18
C

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public

$31,314
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,331
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 86.7%
#19
U

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,397
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 39.2%
#20
C

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · Public

$26,896
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,788
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 97.5%
#21
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$20,687
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Chemistry in California?
University of California-Santa Barbara ranks #1 for Chemistry in California with median graduate earnings of $46,620 within two years of graduation. There are 21 schools offering Chemistry programs in the state.
How much do Chemistry graduates earn in California?
Chemistry graduates in California earn an average of $36,817 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $37,290 for this major.
What is the hardest Chemistry school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Chemistry program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Chemistry programs in the state is 58.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Chemistry in California?
In California, private Chemistry programs produce average earnings of $45,808 vs $36,368 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 20 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Chemistry in Other States

New York Texas Pennsylvania Massachusetts Michigan Ohio North Carolina New Jersey Wisconsin Minnesota Florida Missouri View All →

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