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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best African American Studies Schools in California

13 Colleges in the United States
75 African American Studies Degrees Awarded
$32,477 Avg Early-Career Salary

African American Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. 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 24 schools to find the best for african american studies students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for African American Studies in California

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall african american studies education in California.

Top Schools in African American Studies

1

Our analysis ranked University Of California Berkeley the best school in the country for a degree in african american studies. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 12 african american studies degrees in the most recent data year. African American Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $34,559 early in their careers. University Of California Berkeley graduates carry a median of $15,740 in student loans. More information about a degree in african american studies from University Of California Berkeley

2

University Of California Los Angeles is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in african american studies, ranking #2. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. University Of California Los Angeles awarded about 34 african american studies degrees in the most recent data year. African American Studies graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $37,581 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,000. Get the full african american studies details for University Of California Los Angeles

3

San Francisco State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in african american studies, ranking #3. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. About 12 african american studies degrees were awarded at San Francisco State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the african american studies program make about $31,001 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,875. Read more about the african american studies program at San Francisco State University

4

California State University Northridge came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best african american studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Northridge. About 57% of students finish within six years. California State University Northridge awarded about 17 african american studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their african american studies degree from California State University Northridge earn around $26,767 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,000. Read more about the african american studies program at California State University Northridge

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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 · 24 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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