For aspiring students, choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions they will make in their lifetime. That can be especially true if the student wants to major in business or some other subject related to business administration or economics.
As far as business education goes, there are dozens of schools around the country that offer outstanding programs, but it’s also important to consider things like location and cost when choosing a college.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled our list of five of the best colleges in California for business majors to get an idea of where you might want to start your search.
Page Contents
- 10 Best Colleges In California For Business
- 1. Stanford University
- 2. University of Southern California
- 3. University of California–Berkeley
- 4. Santa Clara University
- 5. Pepperdine University
- 6. Fowler College of Business
- 7. UC Davis Graduate School of Management
- 8. Chapman University Argyros Business School
- 9. UCI Paul Merage School of Business
- 10. Cal Poly Pomona College of Business Administration
10 Best Colleges In California For Business
With the benefits of getting a degree in business, and many colleges to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one you want to attend. Find out what these best colleges in California for business offer
1. Stanford University
Tuition: $55,000
Graduation rate: 94.2%
Acceptance rate: 6.1%
Stanford University is one of the best colleges in California for business. It offers a variety of business degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Stanford also has a highly respected business school, the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Some of the business programs offered at Stanford include management science and engineering, finance, marketing, and operations research and information technology. Stanford students have the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects with businesses in Silicon Valley and around the world.
The faculty at Stanford’s business school are experienced professionals who are leaders in their fields. They provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the business world.
Stanford University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in business. It offers a top-notch education from a renowned business school, as well as ample opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and research projects.
2. University of Southern California
Tuition cost (after aid): $30,000
Graduation rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 16%
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the best colleges in California for business. USC offers a variety of business programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has a strong reputation for preparing students for successful careers in business.
USC’s business programs are among the best in the country. The school’s undergraduate business program is ranked #4 by U.S. News & World Report. USC’s graduate business programs are also highly ranked, with the school’s MBA program being ranked #18 by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, USC’s Executive MBA program is ranked #1 by The Economist.
The school has an excellent faculty, with many experienced professionals teaching classes. In addition, USC has strong connections to the business community in Los Angeles and beyond. This gives students opportunities to network with potential employers and learn about job openings.
Overall, USC is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in business. The school’s strong academic programs and connections to the business community make it a great place to get a quality education that will prepare you for success in your chosen field.
3. University of California–Berkeley
Tuition cost (after aid): $15,000
Graduation rate: 91%
Acceptance rate: 17%
The University of California–Berkeley is one of the top colleges for business in California. The school has a strong reputation for its business programs. It offers a variety of majors and minors in business, including accounting, finance, and marketing.
The University of California–Berkeley also has a strong career placement program. The school helps students find internships and jobs after graduation. Many students go on to work for top companies in the Silicon Valley area.
The University of California–Berkeley is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in business. The school’s strong reputation and vast array of programs make it a great choice for any student looking to get ahead in their career.
4. Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is 4th on the list of best colleges in California for business. The university offers a variety of business programs that are designed to prepare students for success in the real world.
Santa Clara University has a strong reputation in the business world. The university is known for producing high-quality graduates who are ready to start their careers. Many of the university’s alumni have gone on to have successful careers in various fields.
The university offers a variety of business programs, including marketing, finance, accounting, and management. These programs are taught by experienced professors who are experts in their field. The programs are designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the business world.
Santa Clara University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. This gives students access to some of the most innovative companies in the world. Silicon Valley is home to many high-tech companies, and students at Santa Clara University have the opportunity to intern or work at these companies.
Overall, Santa Clara University is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in business. The university offers a variety of top-notch programs that will prepare students for success in the real world.
5. Pepperdine University
Tuition: $105,000
Graduation Rate: 97%
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Pepperdine University offers a comprehensive business education that prepares students for success in a variety of careers. The school has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, and it offers many resources to help students start their own businesses. Pepperdine also has a very good reputation, and it is well-respected by employers.
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California. The school has a beautiful campus that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It is a private university with an enrollment of about 8,000 students. The student body is very diverse, and students come from all over the world.
Pepperdine University offers a wide range of degree programs in business. These include undergraduate degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and the Bachelor of Arts in Economics. The school also offers graduate degrees such as the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Finance.
Pepperdine University has a long history of producing successful business leaders. alumni include entrepreneurs, CEOs, and other top executives. Many graduates go on to have successful careers in a variety of industries.
6. Fowler College of Business
Tuition: $105,000
Graduation Rate: 97%
Acceptance Rate: 70%
The Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University offers part-time and full-time MBA programs that rank 34th and 44th among the nation’s top public schools, respectively. Students can select from a number of specializations, each of which requires a minimum of four classes in the chosen area of major.
Fowler College has a long list of partnerships and network connections, with graduates working for large corporations such as HP, Bank of America, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Sempra Energy, to name a few. It is also possible to pursue other degrees while enrolled in the MBA program.
The education you receive in your undergraduate years will have an impact on the rest of your life, both professionally and personally. Since California has such an eclectic economy, it’s important to choose a college that will give you an education that’s perfectly tailored to your future goals. These colleges mentioned above are the best for business-minded students.
7. UC Davis Graduate School of Management
Tuition: $60,000-$104,000
Graduation rate: N/A
Acceptance rate: 27%
The University of California, Davis, offers four MBA degree programs: a full-time degree for on-campus students, two part-time choices in the Sacramento and Bay Area, and a fully online degree option. UC Davis is ranked among the top two universities in the world for the caliber of its faculty globally. The world’s food and agriculture, sustainable energy, and biotechnology industries are all accessible to UC Davis students thanks to its network of corporate partners.
In their first six months out of business school, UC Davis MBA graduates typically land a $103,000 annual salary. With an impressive 98% job placement rate, the school takes great pride in itself.
Alumni from UC Davis can get help finding a job after graduation. In addition to committees and other resources, they also include networking groups.
8. Chapman University Argyros Business School
Tuition: $50,000-$80,000
Graduation Rate: 79%
Acceptance Rate: 58.3%
Placement Rate: 75%
The Argyros Business School at Chapman University offers MBA/MFA programs with a range of specializations, including those in financial services, entrepreneurship, film and television production, and more. Additionally, it offers the well-liked Flex MBA, which gives students the choice of taking full- or part-time classes in the evening.
Business and finance have a strong foundation in Chapman’s core curriculum. Marketing, international business, and entrepreneurship are available as electives.
By choosing three electives from a list of options, students can tailor their programs to suit their interests. Specialization is not noted on the student’s transcript or diploma by the school, but it may be mentioned on a resume.
9. UCI Paul Merage School of Business
Tuition: $30,000
Graduation rate: N/A
Acceptance rate: ~20%
For working students looking for part-time education, UCI offers both a full-time MBA program and a hybrid program. Each member of the staff has at least eight years of professional experience, and they all want to lead the world.
UCI equips students with the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary to thrive in a world driven by technology.
UCI takes pride in having students who are looking for a strong collaborative culture and a faculty of the highest caliber. It offers “lifelong learning” for graduates who feel they want to learn more about their business options and career path, and its alumni connections enable students to join the Dean’s Leadership Circle and regional chapters for networking.
Program specializations in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and real estate are available for students to select from.
10. Cal Poly Pomona College of Business Administration
Tuition: $26,000
Graduation Rate: 65.9%
Acceptance Rate: 64.8%3
The MBA program at Cal Poly Pomona caters to working professionals who want to advance their knowledge and careers while keeping their current jobs. Hybrid coursework combines online instruction with on-campus requirements. Additionally, weekend and evening lectures are offered. There are 40,000 graduates in their business administration alumni network alone.
Three classes per term, including electives, are offered full-time during this program’s two-year duration. The program has a strong emphasis on core courses and only requires three to six credits per term for part-time students.
The fundamental courses for this MBA program include managerial choices, organizational behavior, and data analytics and modeling. You can find information on alumni resources here.
To graduate, students can opt for either a comprehensive exam or a business research project.
The education you receive in your undergraduate years will have an impact on the rest of your life, both professionally and personally. Since California has such an eclectic economy, it’s important to choose a college that will give you an education that’s perfectly tailored to your future goals. These colleges mentioned above are the best for business-minded students.