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2022 Best Value Associate Degree Colleges for Liberal Arts (Income $48-$75k) in California

52 Ranked Colleges
31,527 Degrees Awarded
Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

With 365,980 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, liberal arts is the 2nd most popular major in the United States.

Across California, there were 94,556 liberal arts graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively. At the associate degree level specifically, there were 31,527 liberal arts graduates with average earnings and debt of $36,451 and $19,634 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking looked at 52 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in liberal arts. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality liberal arts programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the liberal arts program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Associate Degree Colleges for Liberal Arts (Income $48-$75k) in California

#1

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 52 schools in the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Pasadena City College landed the #1 spot on the list. Pasadena, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal studies degrees to 1,615 students in 2019-2020.

Pasadena City College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list. It costs about $6,024 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Pasadena City College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Pasadena City College

#2

Golden West College

Huntington Beach, California
#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Golden West College. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k. Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1,672 associates’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

Golden West College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list. It costs about $6,285 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Golden West College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Golden West College

#3

Chabot College

Hayward, California
#8 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Chabot College. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k. Chabot College is located in Hayward, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 407 associates’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k list, Chabot College has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Chabot College is $6,695 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Chabot College

#4

Ventura College

Ventura, California
#19 in overall quality

Out of the 52 schools in the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Ventura College landed the #4 spot on the list. Ventura, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal studies degrees to 773 students in 2019-2020.

Ventura College also took the #19 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Ventura College is $4,138 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Ventura College Liberal Arts Report

#5

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
#13 in overall quality

Out of the 52 schools in the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Santa Ana College landed the #5 spot on the list. SAC is a large school located in Santa Ana, California that handed out 237 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

SAC also made our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #13.

Full Santa Ana College Liberal Arts Report

#6

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California

College of the Sequoias landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Visalia, California, and it awarded 879 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $3,160 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend College of the Sequoias.

Full College of the Sequoias Liberal Arts Report

#7

Grossmont College

El Cajon, California
#14 in overall quality

Grossmont College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #7. Located in El Cajon, California, this fairly large public school handed out 655 degrees to qualified associates’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Grossmont College, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $5,815 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Grossmont College.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Grossmont College

#8

Palomar College

San Marcos, California
#10 in overall quality

Palomar College landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Palomar College is a large public school situated in San Marcos, California. It awarded 70 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Palomar College also made our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #10. The estimated yearly cost for Palomar College is $6,271 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Palomar College

#9

Riverside City College

Riverside, California
#7 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, Riverside City College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Riverside City College is a public institution located in Riverside, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 502 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Riverside City College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Riverside City College

#10

Moreno Valley College

Moreno Valley, California
#12 in overall quality

Moreno Valley College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Moreno Valley College is a medium-sized school located in Moreno Valley, California that handed out 276 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Moreno Valley College also made our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #12.

Full Moreno Valley College Liberal Arts Report

#11

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, California
#17 in overall quality

Orange Coast College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Costa Mesa, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal studies degrees to 481 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k list, Orange Coast College has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Orange Coast College is $6,303 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Orange Coast College

#12

Cerritos College

Norwalk, California

With a ranking of #12, Cerritos College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Cerritos College is a large school located in Norwalk, California that handed out 228 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Cerritos College is $5,664 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Cerritos College

#13

West Valley College

Saratoga, California
#22 in overall quality

West Valley College landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Saratoga, California, this medium-sized public school handed out 232 degrees to qualified associates’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at West Valley College, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend West Valley College is $6,280 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at West Valley College

#14

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
#16 in overall quality

Santa Barbara City College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Santa Barbara, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal studies degrees to 567 students in 2019-2020.

SBCC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Santa Barbara City College is $10,386 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Santa Barbara City College Liberal Arts Report

#15

MiraCosta College

Oceanside, California
#23 in overall quality

MiraCosta College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #15. Located in Oceanside, California, this fairly large public school handed out 596 diplomas to qualified associates’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

MiraCosta College also made our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #23. The estimated yearly cost for MiraCosta College is $4,192 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at MiraCosta College

#16

Norco College

Norco, California
#15 in overall quality

Norco College landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Norco College is a fairly large public school situated in Norco, California. It awarded 219 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Norco College also took the #15 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Norco College

#17

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, City College of San Francisco did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. City College of San Francisco is a fairly large school located in San Francisco, California that handed out 5 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

City College of San Francisco also made our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #11. The estimated yearly cost for City College of San Francisco is $5,832 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at City College of San Francisco

#18

Los Angeles Pierce College

Woodland Hills, California
#2 in overall quality

With a ranking of #18, Los Angeles Pierce College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Los Angeles Pierce College is a public institution located in Woodland Hills, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,400 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Pierce College also took the #2 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Los Angeles Pierce College is $12,545 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 5.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Los Angeles Pierce College Liberal Arts Report

#19

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California

Rio Hondo College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #19. Rio Hondo College is located in Whittier, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 490 associates’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $7,364 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend RHCCD.

Full Rio Hondo College Liberal Arts Report

#20

Yuba College

Marysville, California

With a ranking of #20, Yuba College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Yuba College is a public institution located in Marysville, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $6,051 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Yuba College.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Yuba College

#21

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
#25 in overall quality

Saddleback College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Mission Viejo, California, this fairly large public school awarded 959 degrees to qualified associates’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Saddleback College, the school also landed the #25 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $6,424 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Saddleback College.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Saddleback College

#22

Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, California

Los Medanos College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Los Medanos College is a medium-sized school located in Pittsburg, California that handed out 330 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Los Medanos is $7,788 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Los Medanos

#23

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California

With a ranking of #23, Imperial Valley College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Imperial, California, this medium-sized public school handed out 234 diplomas to qualified associates’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

It costs about $4,294 for california associate degree liberal studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Imperial Valley College.

Read more about Liberal Arts at IVC

#24

El Camino College

Torrance, California
#6 in overall quality

El Camino College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Torrance, California, and it awarded 685 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

El Camino College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for El Camino College is $12,534 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Liberal Arts at El Camino College

#25

Gavilan College

Gilroy, California

Gavilan College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools for an Associate in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Gavilan College is a small public school situated in Gilroy, California. It awarded 98 associates’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $7,176 for California Associate Degree Liberal Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Gavilan College.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Gavilan College

Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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