Top Undergraduate Business Schools in California for 2026
California is home to some of the most forward-thinking undergraduate business programs in the country. From hands-on internships in Silicon Valley to industry-connected faculty in Los Angeles, students across the state are learning to lead in the evolving global economy. Whether you’re drawn to entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing, or finance, these schools offer a pathway to success.
At Colleges of Distinction, we’ve conducted extensive research into the business programs offered at our distinguished California member institutions. Our review confirms that these programs share a core set of essential characteristics that prepare students for long-term personal and professional growth. These include:
- Multidisciplinary exposure across all areas of business
- Real-world experience through internships and engagement with actual firms
- Industry connections that support networking and professional development
- Business ethics that emphasize a company’s responsibility beyond its shareholders
- Collaborative learning environments that promote teamwork and strategic thinking
- Dedicated advising that supports both academic and post-graduate goals
These Colleges of Distinction have earned their place on this list by centering student success. Explore the top undergraduate business schools in California for 2026 below to find the right fit for your future career in business.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA ‧ Christian‧ 4-year
Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education – both of which encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.
Acceptance rate 79% • Net price $26,117 • SAT Range 994-1314 • Students submitting SAT scores 13%
Total Undergrad Population 2,977 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 64% • Retention rate 84% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Cal Poly’s Guiding Philosophy, “Learn by Doing,” pushes students to take responsibility over their individual academic journeys. Thanks to California Polytechnic State University’s rigorous, success-oriented academic environment, the University ensures that students are actively involved in unique educational experiences.
ALTERNATIVE BREAKS
Students may choose to participate in alternative breaks, which leads them through service and care within an area in need. Alternative breaks are a great way for students to assess their own privileges against those who are less fortunate. This can be an eye-opening experience that introduces students to the true power they have in effecting change.
Acceptance rate 30% • Net price $16,888
Total Undergrad Population 21,559 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 95% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Construction Management
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
As part of the world-class California State University system, Cal State Fullerton prepares its diverse student body for success in a global society. Titans actively engage in hands-on learning, research, clubs and organizations, and volunteer work that enriches the local community.
Cal State Fullerton may be the largest CSU campus with more than 34,000 undergraduate students, but its mission to provide high-impact immersive learning ensures personal, fulfilling experiences for every student. Located in Orange County, CSUF is near Los Angeles, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the beautiful California coastline. Students thrive with the support of one-on-one academic advising, college career specialists, and student success initiatives.
Acceptance rate 87% • Net price $6,283
Total Undergrad Population 37,125 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 22:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Business/Corporate Communications
Business/Managerial Economics
Human Resources Management and Services
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA ‧ Public‧ 4-year
California State University, Long Beach is dedicated to providing a high-quality education founded on the principles of superior teaching, research, and service for the people of California and the world. Motivated by the values of diversity, integrity, and service, CSU Long Beach strives to make its world-class education accessible and inclusive. The university looks to change lives by expanding educational opportunities, fostering creativity, and preparing future leaders.
CSU Long Beach is proud of the tight-knit community it has cultivated over the years. With a population of over 34,000—and even its own zip code!—the 323-acre campus beckons those who are ready to learn, explore, and succeed. CSU Long Beach boasts a beautiful campus with state-of-the-art research facilities, performing arts centers, and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Students and members of the surrounding community are encouraged to experience all of the beauty and inspiration the campus has to offer.
Acceptance rate 47% • Net price $9,731
Total Undergrad Population 34,243 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1
Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
“Grace Alone. Faith Alone.” Concordia University Irvine (CUI) thrives with a spirit of thoughtful insight and compassionate community. Its nationally recognized general education curriculum, “Enduring Questions & Ideas,” inspires its students to develop a global mindset that stretches far beyond its Southern Californian walls.
CUI’s Lutheran heritage sets a strong, supportive foundation for students to find and develop their passions as they work toward their undergraduate, graduate, or online bachelor’s degree. Students gain not only the knowledge and skills to succeed, but also the motivation and direction for their individual calling.
Acceptance rate 60% • Net price $29,413
Total Undergrad Population 1,465 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 63% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a Christian university committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service to others. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, FPU provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where students are equipped to lead lives of purpose, wisdom, and reconciliation in a diverse and changing world.
At FPU, learning is designed to be active and purpose-driven. Students step into internships, participate in community-based research, and contribute to service projects that align with their academic goals. In programs like social work, business, and education, students regularly interact with local organizations, gaining practical experience while addressing real needs.
No matter their major, students are invited to grow through experience, cultivating both confidence and a strong sense of purpose.
Acceptance rate 58% • Net price $15,668
Total Undergrad Population 1,616 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 81% • Student-to-faculty ratio 8:1
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Loyola Marymount University is rooted in its Roman Catholic tradition—a relationship that is directly connected to the school’s personal and academic goals and success. LMU promotes both the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The University’s commitment to Catholicism drives a socially conscious mindset and students are taught to become contributing members of the global community.
SERVICE AT LMU
Every month, LMU takes on a new service initiative with a local non-profit agency. The service project is communicated to the entire LMU campus community. Details of the project, as well as volunteer needs are shared with the student body. Projects change every month, allowing LMU to touch several different parts of the community.
El Espejo: El Espejo is Spanish for mirror and serves as the motto for a service initiative. Here “mirror” is used to emphasize reflection—where volunteers work to find a common connection between them and those they are helping. El Espejo connects LMU students with at-risk middle school students in the community. The mission of this initiative is to educate and mentor students on the importance and potential of intellectual and personal growth.
Acceptance rate 40% • Net price $54,471
Total Undergrad Population 7,336 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 80% • Retention rate 88% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Business Majors Offered
Business/Commerce General
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Finance and Financial Management Services
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Marketing
San José State University
San José, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Succeed in your personal and professional life with an education from San José State University. SJSU is a Public University in San José, California.
As one of the most transformative universities in the nation, San José State is ready for big change. As part of Transformation 2030, SJSU’s strategic plan, the campus community is dedicated to realizing the university’s potential as a nationally prominent urban public university. San José State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study. With approximately 36,000 students campus wide and nearly 4,300 employees, SJSU is an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and California.
Acceptance rate 80% • Net price $13,833
Total Undergrad Population 27,111 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 65% • Retention rate 86% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Hospitality Administration/Management
Human Resources Management and Services
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university, offers its students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and engineering as well as engineering Ph.D.s and master’s and law degrees. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities, SCU strives to educate citizens and leaders who will build a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
SCU, founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, was established on the site of Mission Santa Clara de Asis, the eighth of 21 California missions. Today, the University is committed to promoting academic excellence, enriching its educational experience through the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person, fostering an engaged community, and realizing opportunities available through its location in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Acceptance rate 44% • Net price $49,651 • SAT Range 1340-1500 • Students submitting SAT scores 25%
Total Undergrad Population 6,249 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 88% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Business Majors Offered
Business/Commerce General
Accounting and Related Services
Business/Managerial Economics
Finance and Financial Management Services
Human Resources Management and Services
Management Information Systems and Services
Marketing
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
The University of California, Berkeley, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a leading public research university renowned for its academic excellence and activism. Offering over 350 degree programs, Berkeley attracts students passionate about innovation and societal impact. The campus boasts a diverse student body, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous research opportunities. Its proximity to Silicon Valley provides students with unparalleled access to internships and career prospects.
Acceptance rate 12% • Net price $16,997
Total Undergrad Population 33,078 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 93% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
University of California, Irvine is home to 29,000 undergraduate students. With over 85 bachelor’s degrees offered UCI students have many academic options. UC Irvine is a public university in Orange County, California. In 1965, the University of California, Irvine was founded with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service.
Acceptance rate 26% • Net price $14,647
Total Undergrad Population 29,503 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 86% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business/Managerial Economics
Management Information Systems and Services
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
A private liberal arts and sciences institution in the heart of Southern California, University of Redlands is committed to educating the hearts and minds of its students through an emphasis on personalized education, service, and experiential learning. In addition to more than 50 programs of study in the arts and sciences, University of Redlands also offers impressive pre-professional opportunities in pre-health, pre-law, and education as well as more than 100 study abroad opportunities. Home to the second-oldest School of Music in California and the alternative Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, the 112-year-old university prepares students for success and lifelong learning.
University of Redlands’ main residential campus sits on 160 green acres centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert. Part of a diverse and active student body from California and around the world, Redlands students are engaged in the world around them, thriving as participants in community service, DIII varsity athletics, and a wide array of student organizations.
Acceptance rate 81% • Net price $28,054 • SAT Range 1078-1323 • Students submitting SAT scores 18%
Total Undergrad Population 2,100 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 71% • Retention rate 81% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Business Majors Offered
Business/Commerce General
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Business/Managerial Economics
International Business
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
The University of Southern California, situated in Los Angeles, is a premier private research university known for its strong programs in film, business, and engineering. USC offers a dynamic campus life with over 1,000 student organizations, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Students benefit from the university’s extensive alumni network and its location in a global hub for entertainment, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Acceptance rate 10% • Net price $41,496 • SAT Range 1440-1550 • Students submitting SAT scores 32%
Total Undergrad Population 21,023 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 92% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA ‧ Private‧ 4-year
A Campus Steeped in Tradition
Founded in 1851, University of the Pacific holds the distinction of being the first chartered university in California. The 175-acre campus is stunning in its beauty, with traditional brick and ivy-covered buildings accompanied by more than 100 species of regional and international trees. This gorgeous campus has caught the attention of Hollywood, having been used as a set for such films as Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and Flubber.
Inside and Outside the Classroom
Small class sizes and personal attention are two enormous benefits of a Pacific education. The student-centered institution strives to educate the leaders of tomorrow through intensive academic study, experiential learning, and service to the community. A vibrant campus life enriches and supports each Pacific student’s college experience. Students participate in over 150 student clubs and organizations, Greek life, intramural sport clubs, and community outreach opportunities. They also attend chart-topping concerts and fun university events.
Student Success
Offering a variety of useful resources, University of the Pacific is committed to helping students succeed. The Four-Year Guarantee facilitates each student’s goal to earn their Bachelor’s Degree within four years. Competitive accelerated programs go even further to prepare very dedicated and talented freshmen for their professional degrees. Alumni leave Pacific equipped to make their mark and practice their professions at the highest level.
Acceptance rate 95% • Net price $30,975 • SAT Range 1160-1420 • Students submitting SAT scores 27%
Total Undergrad Population 3,297 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 66% • Retention rate 89% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
What to Know About Business Schools in California: FAQs
Colleges of Distinction has recognized a wide range of standout business programs across California. These include public universities like San Diego State, San José State, and CSU Long Beach, as well as top private institutions like USC, Santa Clara University, and Loyola Marymount University.
Common majors include accounting, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, and supply chain management. Many schools also offer concentrations in data analytics or sustainability.
Yes. Business is one of the most versatile degrees, with career paths in nearly every industry. California graduates often find roles in tech, finance, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. Internships and alumni networks further enhance ROI.
Many public universities offer affordable in-state tuition. Several private colleges also offer strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Be sure to check out our Mega List of Scholarships.
Yes. Schools like CSU Fullerton and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offer affordable, high-quality business programs with strong ties to California’s major industries. Many public business schools also maintain AACSB accreditation and deliver impressive job placement rates.
Consider public universities with in-state tuition, such as CSU or UC campuses. Many private institutions like Concordia University Irvine and Fresno Pacific University also offer generous scholarships and financial aid. You can also explore national awards in our Mega List of Scholarships.
About Our Methodology: Each year, Colleges of Distinction evaluates hundreds of undergraduate business programs across the country. For inclusion in this list, California colleges had to demonstrate strength in engaged teaching, student outcomes, ethical leadership, and career preparation. We specifically look for:
- Curricula that integrate ethics, innovation, and real-world problem solving
- Opportunities for applied learning, including internships and consulting projects
- Support for diverse learning styles and post-graduate goals
- Faculty and advisors with deep ties to the business community
We don’t rely on traditional rankings—instead, we spotlight colleges that deliver real value and meaningful opportunities for students. Learn more about our full methodology here.
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