2025 Best MBA Programs in California

Jessica Cast, MBAByJessica Calter, MBA Updated on MBA Programs Reading Time: 12 minutes

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8th Annual Best MBA Programs in California by MBAGuide

Best MBA Programs in California

$61,546

Average Tuition

$94,552

Average Graduate Salary

592

Average GMAT Score

366

Average Student Enrollment

  • Starting salaries for new MBA graduates in California are reported to be between $52,400 and $182,272 with an average of $83,011.
  • Annual campus tuition for MBA programs in California ranges from $9,494 to $165,591, and averages $42,639
  • Annual online tuition in for California MBAs ranges between $14,272 to $154,339, and averages $37,176
  • A GMAT score between 485 and 737 with an average of 567 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program in California.
  • There are 38 campus and 22 online MBA California Programs.
  • Average student enrollment varies between 33 and 2,201 with an overall average of 366.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs in California varies between 4:1 and 47:1 with an average of 17:1 students.
  • 39 MBA programs in California are ranked by the following institutions US News: 8, Forbes: 7, BW: 7, FT: 5, Economist: 6 and MBAGuide: 34.

25 Best MBA Programs in California (8th 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 ROIIn State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryStateOnline
1 University of Southern California -3.00% $154,339 $150,314CAYes
2 Stanford University 10.00% $165,591 $182,272CANo
3 University of California, Berkeley 9.00% $139,628 $152,831CANo
4 University of California, Los Angeles 3.00% $142,142 $146,727CANo
5 University of California, Davis 14.00% $95,438 $109,075CAYes
6 University of California, Irvine 26.00% $97,342 $122,899CANo
7 Santa Clara University 45.00% $83,860 $122,000CAYes
8 University of California, San Diego -2.00% $106,246 $103,969CANo
9 University of San Diego 46.00% $69,610 $101,333CAYes
10 University of San Francisco 4.00% $79,200 $82,500CAYes
11 Saint Mary's College of California 189.00% $40,608 $117,200CAYes
12 Seaver College -14.00% $104,333 $89,258CAYes
13 San Jose State University 131.00% $39,270 $90,800CAYes
14 Chapman University -22.00% $97,750 $76,368CANo
15 California State Polytechnic University Pomona 200.00% $29,800 $89,440CANo
16 California State University, Los Angeles 349.00% $22,052 $99,100CANo
17 Loyola Marymount University 1.00% $89,202 $89,900CANo
18 University of California, Riverside -26.00% $98,293 $72,321CANo
19 California State University, Stanislaus 196.00% $24,938 $73,800CAYes
20 Claremont Graduate University -16.00% $96,520 $80,778CANo
21 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 312.00% $27,462 $113,151CANo
22 California State University, Dominguez Hills 385.00% $16,986 $82,400CAYes
23 California State University, Fresno 228.00% $27,000 $88,500CANo
24 Dominican University of California 220.00% $35,310 $113,000CAYes
25 San Francisco State University 174.00% $28,000 $76,600CANo
26 California State University, Long Beach 58.00% $45,600 $71,833CAYes
27 California State University, Chico 266.00% $24,000 $87,750CAYes
28 California State University, Fullerton 83.00% $44,550 $81,500CAYes
29 San Diego State University 130.00% $31,200 $71,900CAYes
30 California State University, Northridge 151.00% $30,897 $77,400CANo
31 California State University, East Bay 174.00% $28,000 $76,600CAYes
32 California State University, San Bernardino 84.00% $41,500 $76,200CAYes
33 Sonoma State University 809.00% $9,494 $86,300CANo
34 California State University, Bakersfield 451.00% $14,272 $78,600CAYes
35 California State University, Sacramento 201.00% $25,260 $76,000CAYes
36 Woodbury University -15.00% $71,152 $60,200CANo
37 University of the Pacific 51.00% $46,250 $69,750CAYes
38 California State University, San Marcos 235.00% $15,648 $52,400CANo

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 135%.The lowest ROI is -26%, offered by University of California, Riverside.The highest ROI is an impressive 809%, available through the MBA program at Sonoma State University.

ROI of Online MBA Programs in California

For online MBA programs in California, the ROI ranges from -14% to 451%.The lowest online MBA ROI of -14% is from the program at Seaver College.The highest online MBA ROI of 451% is offered by California State University, Bakersfield.On average, online MBA programs in California have an ROI of 136%.

ROI for Campus MBA Programs

  • Average Campus ROI: 141% from California’s 38 in-person MBA Programs
  • Highest Campus ROI: 809% from Sonoma State University
  • Lowest Campus ROI: -26% from University of California, Riverside

ROI for Online MBA Programs

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.

  1. Sonoma State University - 809.00%
  2. California State University, Bakersfield - 451.00%
  3. California State University, Dominguez Hills - 385.00%
  4. California State University, Los Angeles - 349.00%
  5. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 312.00%
  6. California State University, Chico - 266.00%
  7. California State University, San Marcos - 235.00%
  8. California State University, Fresno - 228.00%
  9. Dominican University of California - 220.00%
  10. California State University, Sacramento - 201.00%

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.

  1. Loyola Marymount University - 1.00%
  2. University of California, Los Angeles - 3.00%
  3. University of San Francisco - 4.00%
  4. University of California, Berkeley - 9.00%
  5. Stanford University - 10.00%
  6. University of California, Davis - 14.00%
  7. University of California, Irvine - 26.00%
  8. Santa Clara University - 45.00%
  9. University of San Diego - 46.00%
  10. University of the Pacific - 51.00%

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 $94,552, 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 $69,750 from University of the Pacific and $150,314 from University of Southern California. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within California is $91,091.

Average Graduate Salaries for Campus MBA Programs

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

10 Highest Salaries for MBA Graduates in California

  1. Stanford University - $182,272.00
  2. University of California, Berkeley - $152,831.00
  3. University of Southern California - $150,314.00
  4. University of California, Los Angeles - $146,727.00
  5. University of California, Irvine - $122,899.00
  6. Santa Clara University - $122,000.00
  7. Saint Mary's College of California - $117,200.00
  8. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - $113,151.00
  9. Dominican University of California - $113,000.00
  10. University of California, Davis - $109,075.00

10 Lowest Salaries for MBA Graduates in California

  1. California State University, San Marcos - $52,400.00
  2. Woodbury University - $60,200.00
  3. University of the Pacific - $69,750.00
  4. California State University, Long Beach - $71,833.00
  5. San Diego State University - $71,900.00
  6. University of California, Riverside - $72,321.00
  7. California State University, Stanislaus - $73,800.00
  8. California State University, Sacramento - $76,000.00
  9. California State University, San Bernardino - $76,200.00
  10. Chapman University - $76,368.00

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 $61,546, the least expensive MBA program is $9,494 from Sonoma State University, and the most expensive is $165,591 from Stanford University.

An Online MBA program from an institution in California will cost you between $14,272 from California State University, Bakersfield and $154,339 from University of Southern California. The average cost of online MBA programs within California is $52,226.

Average Tuition for Campus MBA Programs

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

10 Most Affordable MBAs in California

  1. Sonoma State University - $9,494.00
  2. California State University, Bakersfield - $14,272.00
  3. California State University, San Marcos - $15,648.00
  4. California State University, Dominguez Hills - $16,986.00
  5. California State University, Los Angeles - $22,052.00
  6. California State University, Chico - $24,000.00
  7. California State University, Stanislaus - $24,938.00
  8. California State University, Sacramento - $25,260.00
  9. California State University, Fresno - $27,000.00
  10. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - $27,462.00

10 Most Expensive MBAs in California

  1. Stanford University - $165,591.00
  2. University of Southern California - $154,339.00
  3. University of California, Los Angeles - $142,142.00
  4. University of California, Berkeley - $139,628.00
  5. University of California, San Diego - $106,246.00
  6. Seaver College - $104,333.00
  7. University of California, Riverside - $98,293.00
  8. Chapman University - $97,750.00
  9. University of California, Irvine - $97,342.00
  10. 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 592, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 485 from University of the Pacific, 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 485 from University of the Pacific to 732 from University of Southern California. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within California is 577.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

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.

  1. Stanford University - 737
  2. University of Southern California - 732
  3. University of California, Berkeley - 729
  4. University of California, Los Angeles - 708
  5. University of California, Irvine - 675
  6. University of California, San Diego - 675
  7. University of California, Riverside - 663
  8. University of California, Davis - 657
  9. Chapman University - 642
  10. Seaver College - 620

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.

  1. University of the Pacific - 485
  2. University of La Verne - 500
  3. California State University, San Marcos - 501
  4. California State University, San Bernardino - 510
  5. California State University, Sacramento - 520
  6. California State University, Northridge - 527
  7. California State University, East Bay - 530
  8. California State University, Bakersfield - 531
  9. Sonoma State University - 536
  10. Woodbury University - 550

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 33 and 2,201. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 3.00 and : 994.00.

Average Enrollment for Campus MBA Programs

Average Enrollment for Online MBA Programs

10 Most Popular MBA Programs

  1. University of Southern California - 2,201
  2. University of California, Los Angeles - 1,005
  3. Stanford University - 957
  4. University of California, Irvine - 681
  5. University of California, San Diego - 592
  6. California State Polytechnic University Pomona - 589
  7. University of California, Riverside - 391
  8. Santa Clara University - 353
  9. California State University, Fullerton - 335
  10. California State University, Los Angeles - 281

10 MBA Programs with the Smallest Enrollment

  1. San Diego State University - 33
  2. Sonoma State University - 39
  3. California State University, Stanislaus - 52
  4. California State University, Fresno - 78
  5. Claremont Graduate University - 83
  6. California State University, San Marcos - 89
  7. Chapman University - 123
  8. Loyola Marymount University - 124
  9. Saint Mary's College of California - 143
  10. California State University, Sacramento - 155

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 42 MBA concentrations including:

  • General Business: 37
  • Finance: 32
  • Management: 29
  • Accounting: 28
  • Marketing: 28
  • Data Analytics: 25
  • Corporate Finance: 22
  • Information Systems: 19
  • International Business: 18
  • Entrepreneurship: 16
  • Human Resources: 15
  • Supply Chain: 15
  • Global Management: 14
  • Operations Management: 12
  • Economics: 12
  • Leadership: 12
  • Other: 11
  • Real Estate: 9
  • Taxation: 8
  • Insurance: 7

Most Concentrations by Business School

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

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.

IndustryRepresentative CompaniesOutlook
ConsultingMcKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Deloitte ConsultingConsistently high demand for MBA graduates, with starting salaries around $135,000 to $147,000 and potential for rapid career advancement
FinanceGoldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock, VisaPopular choice for MBA graduates, with roles like investment banking and corporate finance offering six-figure salaries (median around $139,000) and opportunities for growth
TechnologyApple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, MicrosoftStrong 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 GoodsProcter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Unilever, NestléTraditional pipeline for MBA graduates, with average salaries around $119,000 to $141,000; companies value the strategic and analytical skills of MBAs
HealthcareUnitedHealth Group, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, MedtronicGrowing 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
EnergyExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BPCompetitive salaries for MBA graduates, with average base pay around $120,000 to $130,000; industry undergoing transition towards cleaner energy solutions
RetailAmazon, Walmart, Target, CostcoEvolving landscape with focus on e-commerce and supply chain management; MBA graduates can expect salaries around $115,000 to $130,000
Real EstateCBRE Group, Jones Lang LaSalle, Cushman & WakefieldSteady demand for MBA graduates with skills in finance, investment, and property management; average salaries range from $100,000 to $120,000
Media & EntertainmentDisney, Netflix, Comcast, Warner Bros. DiscoveryCompetitive industry with opportunities for MBA graduates in strategy, finance, and operations; salaries typically range from $120,000 to $140,000
AutomotiveTesla, General Motors, Ford, ToyotaTransforming 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

 AveragesCalifornia MBA ProgramsOnline MBA ProgramsU.S. MBA Programs
Average MBA Tuition$61,546$37,176: $42,639.06
Average GMAT Scores592561567
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty757272
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio17:1: 17:116:1
Average # of MBA Faculty with Doctorate91.28%83.55%84.32%
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment366287290
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment238349322
Average % of MBA Students from U.S.79%84%84%

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.

Find Business Schools Now Accepting Applicates in California

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

Business School Data Sources from

US Department of Education MBA Data
US Department of Education
US Bureau of Labor Statistics MBA Data
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
AACSB
AACSB
Department of Labor MBA Data
Department of Labor

See all data sources including 756 College and University Programs

Find the Best Ranked MBA Programs in Each State

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