Best Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Schools in California

California has 5 colleges offering Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 457 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $34,473 on average within two years — 8% above the national average of $31,811, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Palo Alto University graduates earn $66,171 while Mount Saint Mary's University graduates earn $19,455 — a $46,716 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

5
Schools in CA
$34,473
CA Avg. Earnings
$31,811
National Avg.
56
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology in California

Public Schools (2)
$27,804
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$25,294
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in California produce comparable or higher early earnings for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
P

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto, CA ·

$66,171
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#2
A

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,332
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 79.5%
#3
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,313
Graduates: 88
Acceptance: 24.5%
#4
C

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$24,837
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,820
Graduates: 292
Acceptance: 91.9%
#5
M

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$19,455
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,773
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 68.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology in California?
Palo Alto University ranks #1 for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology in California with median graduate earnings of $66,171 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs in the state.
How much do Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduates earn in California?
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduates in California earn an average of $34,473 within two years of graduation. This is 8% above the national average of $31,811 for this major.
What is the hardest Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology school to get into in California?
University of California-San Diego is the most selective Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology program in California with an acceptance rate of 24.5%. The average acceptance rate across Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs in the state is 66.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology in California?
In California, private Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs produce average earnings of $25,294 vs $27,804 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

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Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology in Other States

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