New Survey Finds 3 in 4 California Graduates Say Their Bachelor's Degree Was Worth the Cost

BestColleges' and National University's California Educational Outcomes Survey explores how California bachelor's graduates assess the value of their degrees beyond earnings, including career preparation and financial security.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new BestColleges and National University survey found that three-quarters of California bachelor's graduates considered their degree worth the cost. Among graduates who said their degree was worth what they paid, qualifying for a job and advancing their careers were the most commonly cited benefits.

The findings offer unique perspectives from graduates themselves on the payoff of a bachelor's degree by field of study, including how their education has shaped their careers and finances. In addition to employment and earnings, the survey examined whether graduates felt their degree prepared them for their careers, provided good value for the cost, and contributed to their financial security.

BestColleges and National University surveyed 1,006 California residents whose highest education level was a bachelor's degree earned between 2016 and 2021.

Recent analyses of federal data have documented the return on investment of higher education in California. The California Educational Outcomes Survey captures outcomes federal data can't measure, including graduates' perceptions of degree value and how they differ by field.

"Our survey shows the value of a bachelor's degree isn't defined by salary alone," BestColleges Editorial Director Taína Cuevas said. "Earnings are an important part of the equation, but grads also consider career preparedness, financial security, and their own personal interpretations of degree value. Hearing directly from graduates gives us a better picture of the many ways a degree pays off."

Key Findings

• Arts, Humanities, and Design graduates rated their degree's value highest. Despite reporting weaker employment and earnings outcomes than other fields, 76% of graduates rated their degree's value as good or excellent — the highest among all fields.
• Graduates need more education and training to reach goals. Two-thirds (66%) said they probably or definitely need more education or training to meet career and financial goals. Increased earning potential was the primary reason.
• Healthcare grads entered the workforce fastest. Sixty-five percent found their first job within six months after graduation, and 75% entered their intended field. Among full-time workers, 52% earned at least $100,000.
• Most bachelor's grads in California are employed. Ninety-three percent are currently employed, including 77% working full-time. Seven in 10 found a job within a year of graduation.

Most graduates (61%) said they earn about as much as or more than they expected. Yet financial pressure is common: Despite 87% of respondents saying they can cover basic expenses, 61% worried about affording them in the last year.

Graduates also identified opportunities for colleges to improve career preparation. The most commonly reported gaps included job search, technical skills, and management skills to prepare for their careers.

Based on these findings, the report recommends that institutions expand hands-on learning and paid internship opportunities, leverage employer connections to identify in-demand skills, and make career services available after graduation.

About the Survey

The California Educational Outcomes Survey was conducted in July 2026 in partnership with National University and administered by research firm GLG. The survey included 1,006 California residents whose highest level of education was a bachelor's degree and who graduated between 2016 and 2021. It examined graduates' employment, earnings, financial security, student debt, career preparation, continued education needs, and perceptions of their degree's value, including how outcomes differed by field of study.

National University sponsored this survey. BestColleges maintained editorial independence in the analysis and report findings.

The full report, California Educational Outcomes Survey, is available at this link.

Media Contacts
Cameren Boatner
BestColleges Senior Editor
[email protected]

SOURCE BestColleges