2026 Best Individualized Studies Schools in California
Individualized Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their individualized studies programs.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for individualized studies students pursuing a degree.
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Featured Individualized Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Liberal Arts
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in General Studies
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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Best Schools for Individualized Studies in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall individualized studies education in California.
Top Schools in Individualized Studies
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo tops our 2026 ranking of the best individualized studies schools. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 18 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $35,056 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete this degree.
Read more about the individualized studies program at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Students looking for a strong individualized studies program will find one at California State University Dominguez Hills, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. About 43% of students finish within six years. California State University Dominguez Hills awarded about 29 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $33,588 in their early career. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates carry a median of $15,453 in student loans.
See the full individualized studies program report for California State University Dominguez Hills
De Anza College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public university. About 12 individualized studies degrees were awarded at De Anza College in the most recent year. Students borrow a median of $7,271 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in individualized studies from De Anza College
Foothill College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best individualized studies schools. Foothill College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills. There were roughly 14 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Foothill College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Foothill College generally make around $94,152. Typical student debt for the program is $11,595.
Read more about the individualized studies program at Foothill College
More Individualized Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 16 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.
