2026 Best Art History Schools in California

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Our analysis ranked Stanford University the best school in the country for a degree in art history. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Stanford University awarded about 14 art history degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Typical student debt for the program is $10,492. Read more about the art history program at Stanford University

2

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Students looking for a strong art history program will find one at University Of California Santa Barbara, which ranked #2. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 36 art history students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Santa Barbara in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art history degree from University Of California Santa Barbara earn around $45,488 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,978 to complete this degree. Get the full art history details for University Of California Santa Barbara

3

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best art history schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 21 art history students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $50,161. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Get the full art history details for University Of Southern California

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best art history schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 60 art history students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent data year. Art History graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $21,220 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in art history from University Of California Los Angeles

5

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

Students looking for a strong art history program will find one at University Of California Davis, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. University Of California Davis graduates 86% of students within six years. University Of California Davis awarded about 17 art history degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the art history program make about $32,741 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,061 to complete this degree. See the full art history program report for University Of California Davis

6

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley earned the #6 position for art history this year. 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. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 42 art history degrees in the most recent data year. Art History graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $20,368 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $13,254. Get the full art history details for University Of California Berkeley

7

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best art history schools. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 15 art history degrees were awarded at University Of California San Diego in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $21,777. Typical student debt for the program is $15,218. See the full art history program report for University Of California San Diego

8

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine came in at #8 for art history this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. About 87% of students finish within six years. University Of California Irvine awarded about 10 art history degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art history degree from University Of California Irvine earn around $20,128 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,635. See the full art history program report for University Of California Irvine

9

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside placed #9 among the best art history schools. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 32 art history students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Riverside in the most recent data year. Graduates of the art history program make about $21,792 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete this degree. See the full art history program report for University Of California Riverside

10

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz placed #10 among the best art history schools. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. University Of California Santa Cruz graduates 75% of students within six years. About 38 art history degrees were awarded at University Of California Santa Cruz in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $21,106. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. More information about a degree in art history from University Of California Santa Cruz