Resources for Students in California
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Going to College in the Golden State
As the most populous state in the U.S., California is a major player in higher education. The Golden State ranks first in the nation for college enrollment, with more than 2.58 million students attending California colleges in the fall of 2020.
California is also home to some of the country’s top colleges, including UCLA, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
Our guide to resources for students in California gives you an overview of higher education in the Golden State. Read on to learn about college planning, top schools, and career options after graduation.

Best Colleges in California + Full List of Schools
Between top schools and sunny weather, California has a lot to offer. Discover the best colleges in California and get a full list of schools in the state.
College Planning

How Much Does It Cost to Study and Live in California?

UC vs. CSU: How Do the Two University Systems Compare?

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in California

Is Community College Free in California?

Is Studying in California Worth It?

International Students’ Guide to Studying in California

California 529 Plan: What College Savers Should Know

What Are the Best UC Schools?

What Are the Best Cal State Schools?
Student Life
The Best College Towns in California

8 Reasons to Study in California

21 Exciting California Spring Break Trips for College Students

7 Weirdest College Mascots in California

Academics
College Rankings

Best Online Colleges in California 2024

Community Colleges in California: All 140+ Schools

Colleges in Los Angeles: A Complete List

Private Colleges in California: A Complete List

Best Trade Schools in California

Colleges in San Diego: Full List of Schools

Colleges in San Francisco: All 15 Schools

Best Colleges in Riverside
Find a Coding Bootcamp
Coding Bootcamps in Los Angeles

Coding Bootcamps in San Francisco

Coding Bootcamps in San Diego

Coding Bootcamps in San Jose

Frequently Asked Questions About California Colleges
What is the hardest school to get into in California?
Stanford and Caltech rank as the most selective colleges in California. As of 2023, Stanford boasts an acceptance rate of 3.68%. Caltech maintains a similarly exclusive acceptance rate of 3.9%.
Stanford receives a huge number of applicants each year, accepting just 2,075 students from a pool of over 56,000 in 2023. The same year, Caltech accepted just 510 students from an applicant pool of over 13,000.
How many colleges are in California?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, California is home to more than 200 four-year colleges and universities. The state has 248 two-year colleges, including community colleges and vocational schools.
California also has 194 colleges that take under two years to graduate, such as beauty schools and other technical training centers.
What is the largest college in California?
USC ranks as the largest college in California by enrollment, with about 49,000 students enrolled in 2023. Graduate students make up the majority of USC’s student population, with 28,000 students. UCLA ranks as the second-largest school by enrollment, with 46,430 students.
All California Resources

California Faculty Association Holds 1-Day Strike at San Francisco State

Academic Workers at the California Institute of Technology File for Union Election

California Higher Education Leaders Talk Post-Pandemic Challenges, AI, and Free Speech

Jewish Nonprofit Sues Berkeley, Alleging a ‘Longstanding, Unchecked Spread’ of Antisemitism on Campus

San José City College, Local Nonprofit to Offer Students Guaranteed Income

California College Students Continue to Struggle With Food, Housing Insecurity: Survey

University of San Diego Launches California’s First Master’s Program in Restorative Justice

Judge Approves $1.25M Settlement for Former Mills College Students

How to Get Into Stanford: 5 Tips From Admitted Students and Experts
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