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Catholic Colleges in California

11 schools in California. See our methodology.

Santa Clara University commands attention among California's 11 Catholic colleges with its $109,183 median earnings after graduation, the highest in the state. This Silicon Valley institution reflects the broader strength of Catholic higher education in California, where graduates consistently outpace national averages in post-graduation income. The state's Catholic colleges span a remarkable price spectrum from Mount Saint Mary's University at $25,009 net cost to Santa Clara's $50,959, yet even the most expensive remains competitive given California's job market advantages. Thomas Aquinas College achieves an impressive 82% graduation rate despite accepting 84.73% of applicants, demonstrating that selectivity doesn't always predict success. These institutions benefit significantly from California's position as the world's fifth-largest economy, with graduates finding opportunities in tech giants like Apple and Google, aerospace companies including SpaceX, and the state's growing biotech sector. Cal Grant programs help offset costs, making Catholic education more accessible across income levels. The earnings range of $55,619 to $109,183 reflects California's high-paying job market, where Catholic college graduates leverage both their education and the state's economic opportunities.
11
Schools
$34,726
Avg. Net Price
$78,020
Avg. Earnings
69.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in California

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 6,235 $50,959 88.5% 52.1%
2 5,619 $31,265 81.6% 52.6%
3 7,171 $45,723 79.8% 41.3%
4 539 $25,032 82.0% 84.7%
5 5,697 $39,495 71.1% 71.2%
6 297 $29,124 65.3% 79.6%
7 2,024 $31,198 69.0% 87.9%
8 1,746 $25,009 53.4% 75.8%
9 14 31.5%
10
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Santa Clara University stand out among California Catholic colleges?

Santa Clara University leads with $109,183 median earnings and an 88.5% graduation rate. Its Silicon Valley location provides direct access to tech companies, while the 52.11% acceptance rate maintains selectivity. The $50,959 net cost reflects both quality and California's high living costs.

How do graduation rates vary across California's Catholic colleges?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 31.5% at Notre Dame de Namur to 88.5% at Santa Clara University. Thomas Aquinas College achieves 82% despite accepting 84.73% of applicants, while University of San Diego maintains 81.6% with moderate selectivity at 52.61%.

Is Catholic higher education in California affordable compared to other private colleges?

Net costs range from $25,009 at Mount Saint Mary's to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. California's Cal Grant program helps reduce costs, and graduates earn $55,619 to $109,183 median salaries, providing strong return on investment in the state's economy.

Does size affect outcomes at California Catholic colleges?

Small Thomas Aquinas College with 539 students achieves an 82% graduation rate, while larger Loyola Marymount with 7,171 students maintains 79.8%. John Paul the Great Catholic University serves just 297 students but achieves 65.3% graduation rate.

Where do California Catholic college graduates typically work after graduation?

Graduates enter California's varied economy including Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like SpaceX, and biotech companies. The $55,619 to $109,183 earnings range reflects opportunities in the world's fifth-largest economy, with many finding positions throughout the state.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.