There are many ways to assess the effectiveness of institutions of higher education. Some of the most popular publications—such as US News—reward institutions based on the exclusivity and standardized test scores of their incoming class.
Institutions that recruit wealthier students from the most well-resourced high schools occupy the top spots. Those that serve the other 99% of students do not.
The California Mobility Index (CMI) takes a different approach. Rather than rewarding institutions on exclusivity and inputs, the CMI recognizes inclusivity and outcomes. Specifically, the CMI evaluates institutions on the proportion of low- and moderate-income students they enroll AND the return on investment they provide within the state of California. In total, we include 82 four-year institutions that enroll 785,576 undergraduate students in the index.
Why Focus on Economic Mobility?
College Futures Foundation prioritizes economic mobility as a cornerstone of its mission, recognizing that postsecondary education is a critical pathway to a better life for underserved learners across California. For many, higher education represents an opportunity to achieve economic well-being and create brighter futures. This is especially true for first-generation college students, students of color, adults seeking to reskill or upskill, and communities impacted by low incomes. Our focus is on ensuring that postsecondary education—whether through degrees, credentials, or training programs—is meaningfully aligned with economic mobility, equipping learners with the tools they need for long-term success in their careers and lives.
To further advance this mission, College Futures has taken deliberate steps to measure and understand the economic impact of postsecondary education on underserved learners.
In May 2024, College Futures released its seminal report, “Golden Opportunities: Measuring Return on Investment in California Higher Education for Low- and Moderate-Income Learners.” Within it, we used US Department of Education data to determine how long it takes low- and moderate-income learners to recoup the out-of-pocket costs associated with earning a postsecondary credential.
We found some promising results, as nearly four out of five institutions allowed these learners to recoup their educational costs in less than one year. Yet, we also noticed that many institutions offering the quickest return on investment enrolled very few low- and moderate-income learners to begin with. At these institutions, economic mobility is limited, as wealthier students make up the vast majority of their student body population.
Rather than highlight the institutions that only provide opportunity to a small proportion of low- and moderate-income students, we wanted to do something different. The California Mobility Index recognizes institutions that serve a larger proportion of low- and moderate-income students, provides them with a strong return on their educational investment, and leads them on a path to economic mobility.
How Do California Higher Ed Institutions
Rank on Economic Mobility?
CMI Rankings 1-25
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 22,690
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $59,153
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $26,677
Total Net Price: $18,303
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 66%
Location: Carson
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 13,903
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $56,582
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $24,106
Total Net Price: $14,802
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.6
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 61%
Location: Turlock
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 8,836
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $62,691
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,215
Total Net Price: $18,487
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.6
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 55%
Location: Bakersfield
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 8,108
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $57,046
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $24,570
Total Net Price: $23,404
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 61%
Location: Fresno
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 20,985
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $59,594
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $27,118
Total Net Price: $22,451
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 56%
Location: San Bernardino
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 16,712
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $59,246
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $26,770
Total Net Price: $27,569
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 57%
Location: Fullerton
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 35,249
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $62,635
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,159
Total Net Price: $21,826
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 47%
Location: Long Beach
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 32,780
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $63,401
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,925
Total Net Price: $26,646
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 49%
Location: Northridge
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 32,103
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $57,943
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $25,467
Total Net Price: $27,767
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 56%
Location: Merced
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 8,343
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $63,809
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $31,333
Total Net Price: $42,131
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 59%
Location: Pomona
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 25,080
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $70,836
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $38,360
Total Net Price: $37,436
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 46%
Location: Irvine
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 28,651
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $79,031
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $46,555
Total Net Price: $34,448
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 37%
Location: Hayward
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 10,709
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $70,136
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $37,660
Total Net Price: $37,347
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 44%
Location: Sacramento
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 28,544
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $64,172
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $31,696
Total Net Price: $37,025
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 49%
Location: San Marcos
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 13,844
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $61,572
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $29,096
Total Net Price: $32,405
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 44%
Location: Riverside
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 22,842
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $66,100
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $33,624
Total Net Price: $41,883
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 47%
Location: Fresno
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,743
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $56,645
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $24,169
Total Net Price: $52,558
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 59%
Location: Seaside
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 6,129
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $59,276
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $26,800
Total Net Price: $32,242
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 43%
Location: La Jolla
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 33,092
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $83,656
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $51,180
Total Net Price: $42,143
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 33%
Location: Camarillo
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 5,717
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $62,083
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $29,607
Total Net Price: $43,843
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 47%
Location: San Francisco
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 21,035
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $68,350
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $35,874
Total Net Price: $42,386
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 41%
Location: San Jose
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 26,735
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $78,828
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $46,352
Total Net Price: $46,501
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 35%
Location: Davis
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 31,512
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $78,855
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $46,379
Total Net Price: $42,388
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 31%
Location: Berkeley
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 32,475
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $91,339
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $58,863
Total Net Price: $43,295
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 27%
Location: Vallejo
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 808
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $94,817
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $62,341
Total Net Price: $52,797
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 29%
CMI Rankings 26-50
Location: Chico
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 12,853
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $61,812
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $29,336
Total Net Price: $48,552
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 40%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 32,423
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $80,620
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $48,144
Total Net Price: $41,561
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 27%
Location: San Diego
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 31,810
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $63,296
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,820
Total Net Price: $35,823
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 31%
Location: Rohnert Park
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 5,892
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $64,363
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $31,887
Total Net Price: $45,596
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.4
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 36%
Location: Santa Barbara
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 23,419
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $71,817
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $39,341
Total Net Price: $42,127
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 28%
Location: Santa Cruz
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 17,502
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $67,598
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $35,122
Total Net Price: $46,963
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 32%
Location: Stanford
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 7,761
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $115,756
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $83,280
Total Net Price: $232
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: Arcata
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 5,373
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $45,945
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $13,469
Total Net Price: $41,317
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 46%
Location: Claremont
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,383
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $105,670
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $73,194
Total Net Price: $43,022
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.6
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: Claremont
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,699
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $74,938
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $42,462
Total Net Price: $21,352
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: Stockton
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,266
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $76,867
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $44,391
Total Net Price: $74,507
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 34%
Location: North Hollywood
Sector: For-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 10,111
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $100,088
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $67,612
Total Net Price: $158,494
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 48%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,778
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $68,922
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $36,446
Total Net Price: $113,065
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 55%
Location: Riverside
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,216
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $60,497
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $28,021
Total Net Price: $83,433
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 47%
Location: San Luis Obispo
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 20,976
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $88,828
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $56,352
Total Net Price: $46,871
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 0.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 18%
Location: Azusa
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,344
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $65,893
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $33,417
Total Net Price: $77,674
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 35%
Location: Angwin
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 772
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $64,202
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $31,726
Total Net Price: $73,984
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 33%
Location: Redlands
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 2,301
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $69,213
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $36,737
Total Net Price: $85,111
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 35%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 20,505
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $90,605
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $58,129
Total Net Price: $62,389
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 22%
Location: Atherton
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 786
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $74,990
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $42,514
Total Net Price: $85,348
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 29%
Location: Thousand Oaks
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 2,510
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $66,953
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $34,477
Total Net Price: $84,181
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.4
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 30%
Location: Costa Mesa
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 2,001
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $55,608
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $23,132
Total Net Price: $80,026
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 43%
Location: Burbank
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 868
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $65,345
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $32,869
Total Net Price: $109,832
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 49%
Location: Moraga
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,994
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $74,401
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $41,925
Total Net Price: $92,636
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 24%
Location: San Francisco
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 5,980
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $88,628
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $56,152
Total Net Price: $131,814
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 27%
CMI Rankings 51-82
Location: San Diego
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 5,569
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $83,344
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $50,868
Total Net Price: $78,533
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: La Verne
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,363
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $62,177
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $29,701
Total Net Price: $103,371
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 48%
Location: Riverside
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 8,077
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $59,451
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $26,975
Total Net Price: $94,112
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 41%
Location: Whittier
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,124
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $58,071
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $25,595
Total Net Price: $85,390
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 32%
Location: Redding
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 704
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $54,665
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $22,189
Total Net Price: $89,179
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 4.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 42%
Location: Aliso Viejo
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 445
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $56,643
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $24,167
Total Net Price: $53,141
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 17%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,935
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $73,521
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $41,045
Total Net Price: $75,639
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 16%
Location: Irvine
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,691
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $63,358
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,882
Total Net Price: $95,374
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 23%
Location: Malibu
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,656
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $82,879
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $50,403
Total Net Price: $130,645
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.6
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 20%
Location: Claremont
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,073
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $79,574
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $47,098
Total Net Price: $66,484
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.4
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 11%
Location: Santa Barbara
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,284
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $62,479
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,003
Total Net Price: $95,466
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: Santa Clara
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 6,103
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $98,660
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $66,184
Total Net Price: $100,536
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 1.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 11%
Location: La Mirada
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,474
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $56,402
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $23,926
Total Net Price: $90,574
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 26%
Location: Santa Paula
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 516
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $56,853
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $24,377
Total Net Price: $84,767
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.5
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 20%
Location: San Rafael
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,139
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution,Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $78,983
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $46,507
Total Net Price: $178,841
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 30%
Location: Rocklin
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,123
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $55,914
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $23,438
Total Net Price: $117,602
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 5.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 34%
Location: San Diego
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 3,149
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $61,428
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $28,952
Total Net Price: $113,126
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 23%
Location: Fullerton
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 590
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $48,844
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $16,368
Total Net Price: $97,190
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 5.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 43%
Location: San Dimas
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 395
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $44,140
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $11,664
Total Net Price: $79,345
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 6.8
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 49%
Location: Claremont
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,212
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $65,359
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $32,883
Total Net Price: $88,546
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 2.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 10%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 7,138
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $73,772
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $41,296
Total Net Price: $130,875
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 3.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 13%
Location: Orange
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 7,665
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $65,892
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $33,416
Total Net Price: $133,899
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 4.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 20%
Location: Irvine
Sector: Public
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 4,545
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $63,331
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $30,855
Total Net Price: $130,284
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 4.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 23%
Location: Pasadena
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 2,113
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $68,773
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $36,297
Total Net Price: $177,378
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 4.9
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 24%
Location: Santa Clarita
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,496
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $52,462
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $19,986
Total Net Price: $92,965
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 4.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 19%
Location: Tarzana
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 291
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $45,301
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $12,825
Total Net Price: $130,786
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 10.2
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 47%
Location: Los Angeles
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,264
Designations: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $58,331
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $25,855
Total Net Price: $166,093
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 6.4
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 31%
Location: San Francisco
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 1,134
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $46,208
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $13,732
Total Net Price: $127,817
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 9.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 25%
Location: El Dorado Hills
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 416
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $36,691
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $4,215
Total Net Price: $83,085
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 19.7
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 53%
Location: Spring Valley
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 328
Designations: Hispanic-Serving Institution
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $46,943
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $14,467
Total Net Price: $149,398
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 10.3
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 16%
Location: San Francisco
Sector: For-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 4,485
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $37,640
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $5,164
Total Net Price: $139,858
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 27.1
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 42%
Location: Valencia
Sector: Private, non-profit
Amount of Undergraduate Students: 931
Earnings 10 Years After Enrollment: $37,440
Earnings More Than a High School Graduate: $4,964
Total Net Price: $168,963
Years to Recoup Net Costs: 34.0
% of Pell Grant Recipients: 22%
Methodology
In order to assess the economic mobility that institutions provide, the California Mobility Index (CMI) uses two metrics: 1) the “Price-to-Earnings Premium” that institutions offer their low- and moderate-income students; and, 2) the proportion of low- and moderate-income students an institution enrolls. All data come from the US Department of Education.
The net price and earnings data used to calculate the Price-to-Earnings Premium are reflective of students whose family income is between $0 and $75,000 upon entering college. We use the percentage of Pell Grant students to assess the proportion of low- and moderate-income students an institution enrolls, as almost all Pell recipients also come from families whose income is below $75,000 per year.
Step1
First, the Price-to-Earnings Premium tells us how long it takes low- and moderate-income students to recoup their educational costs. 1 To calculate this, we look at the average out-of-pocket—or “net”—costs these students pay to obtain a four-year degree at each institution relative to the “earnings premium” they obtain by attending an institution in the first place. If low- and moderate-income students pay an affordable price and receive a high earnings premium, that institution allows them to recoup their costs quickly.2
Step 2
Then, we assign each of the 82 four-year institutions within our analysis a percentile rank based on how quickly they allow low- and moderate-income students to recoup their educational costs. This allows us to compare institutions on the return on investment (ROI) that low- and moderate-income students obtain if they enroll. The institution that provides the quickest ROI for low- and moderate-income students receives a 100%. In contrast, the institution where students take the longest to recoup their educational costs receives a 0%.
Step 3
Finally, that percentile rank is then multiplied by the proportion of low- and moderate-income students that an institution enrolls. The result allows us to assess the economic mobility that each institution within California provides, based off of the ROI that low- and moderate-income students receive and the proportion of Pell Grant students an institution enrolls.
1The original Economic Mobility Index was developed by the HEA Group with and for Thirdway.org.
2Institutions with no earnings data or fewer than 10 students in their net cost cohort were excluded from this analysis.
Data Dictionary
| Measurement | Description | Measurement Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net price for students with family income $0-75,000 | Weighted average of the price that students pay out of pocket after all grants and scholarships are deducted | Academic year 2021-22, reported to IPEDS in 2022-23 | US Department of Education’s College Scorecard1 |
| Salary of high school graduate in California (25-34 years old) | Median income of working Californians ($32,476) who have obtained a high school degree, but have no college experience | Five-year estimates derived from the 2022 American Community Survey | Derived from the US Department of Education’s calculation of data from the American Community Survey2 |
| Earnings for students with family income between $0-75,000 | Weighted average of earnings of former students who enrolled in the institution 10 years prior | Entering “pooled” cohort from 2009-10 and 2010-11, measured in calendar year 2020 and 2021 | US Department of Education’s College Scorecard using income tax data from the US Department of Treasury |
| Percentage of Pell Grant students | The proportion of all undergraduate students who received a Pell Grant from the federal government | Student financial aid cohort from 2022-23 | US Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS) |
1 https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data
2 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/31/2024-31271/financial-value-transparency-and-gainful-employment-earnings-thresholds-for-calculation-year-2024#p-7