Best Marketing Schools in California

California has 20 colleges offering Marketing programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 2,850 recent graduates. Graduates earn $43,106 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $41,888.

School choice matters significantly: Santa Clara University graduates earn $56,867 while Vanguard University of Southern California graduates earn $34,348 — a $22,519 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

20
Schools in CA
$43,106
CA Avg. Earnings
$41,888
National Avg.
503
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Marketing in California

Public Schools (8)
$40,748
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (10)
$45,583
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,835 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Marketing Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
S

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

$56,867
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,745
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 43.8%
#2
L

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$50,802
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $48,023
Graduates: 162
Acceptance: 40.3%
#3
U

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

$49,797
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $50,592
Graduates: 99
Acceptance: 46.8%
#4
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$49,549
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $50,188
Graduates: 88
Acceptance: 50.8%
#5
P

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA · Private

$46,087
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 81.8%
#6
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$45,149
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $54,841
Graduates: 130
Acceptance: 80.2%
#7
U

University of Phoenix-California

Ontario, CA ·

$43,453
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $47,878
Graduates: 261
Acceptance: N/A
#8
C

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$43,426
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,280
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 73.6%
#9
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$43,399
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,964
Graduates: 447
Acceptance: 96.2%
#10
M

Menlo College

Atherton, CA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,791
Graduates: 64
Acceptance: 67.8%
#11
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,228
Graduates: 344
Acceptance: 34.4%
#12
W

Woodbury University

Burbank, CA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 72.9%
#13
C

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public

$42,185
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,327
Graduates: 88
Acceptance: 95.7%
#14
A

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private

$39,585
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,768
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 79.5%
#15
C

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public

$39,412
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,432
Graduates: 386
Acceptance: 93.2%
#16
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$39,214
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,392
Graduates: 127
Acceptance: 96.4%
#17
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$39,036
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,095
Graduates: 262
Acceptance: 47.1%
#18
A

Ashford University

San Diego, CA ·

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,479
Graduates: 105
Acceptance: N/A
#19
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$34,908
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,345
Graduates: 146
Acceptance: 98.3%
#20
V

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · Private

$34,348
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 64.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Marketing in California?
Santa Clara University ranks #1 for Marketing in California with median graduate earnings of $56,867 within two years of graduation. There are 20 schools offering Marketing programs in the state.
How much do Marketing graduates earn in California?
Marketing graduates in California earn an average of $43,106 within two years of graduation. This is 3% above the national average of $41,888 for this major.
What is the hardest Marketing school to get into in California?
San Diego State University is the most selective Marketing program in California with an acceptance rate of 34.4%. The average acceptance rate across Marketing programs in the state is 70.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Marketing in California?
In California, private Marketing programs produce average earnings of $45,583 vs $40,748 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

All colleges in California →

Marketing in Other States

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