2026 Best American U.S. Studies Schools in California
American U.S. Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 23 schools to find the best for american u.s. studies students.
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Featured American U.S. Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in History - American History
Learn to evaluate and discuss the topics and events that made an impact on America's history with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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MA in History - American History
Understand the impact of major political, cultural, social and economic shifts in American society with this specialized online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in Anthropology
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
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Best Schools for American U.S. Studies in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall american u.s. studies education in California.
Top Schools in American U.S. Studies
University Of California Berkeley tops our 2026 ranking of the best american u.s. studies schools. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 55 american u.s. studies degrees were awarded at University Of California Berkeley in the most recent year. Students who receive their american u.s. studies degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $50,728 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,972.
Read more about the american u.s. studies program at University Of California Berkeley
California State University Long Beach is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in american u.s. studies, ranking #2. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. California State University Long Beach graduates 69% of students within six years. About 19 american u.s. studies degrees were awarded at California State University Long Beach in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $28,591. California State University Long Beach graduates carry a median of $15,697 in student loans.
More information about a degree in american u.s. studies from California State University Long Beach
California State University Fullerton is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in american u.s. studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 23 american u.s. studies degrees were awarded at California State University Fullerton in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $29,316. Typical student debt for the program is $17,500.
See the full american u.s. studies program report for California State University Fullerton
Students looking for a strong american u.s. studies program will find one at Coastline Community College, which ranked #4. Coastline Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fountain Valley. About 106 american u.s. studies degrees were awarded at Coastline Community College in the most recent year.
More information about a degree in american u.s. studies from Coastline Community College
More American U.S. Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 23 schools evaluated.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
