Best Colleges in California + Full List of Schools
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- There are many online and traditional on-campus colleges to choose from in California.
- It's important to verify your prospective school's accreditation status before applying.
- The highest-paying jobs in California tend to be in the medical field.
- The cost of living in California is higher than average, making college more expensive there, too.
Known as the “Golden State,” sunny California is an attractive choice for prospective students who choose to attend college there in person.
But if relocating to California isn't an option for you, there are still plenty of California colleges that offer online programs. Either way, California is home to over 200 four-year nonprofit colleges, including many top-rated schools. And the best colleges in California may just make the higher cost of living worth it.
Featured Online Programs
Best Colleges in California
Methodology
California has more colleges than any other state. So what makes these schools stand out as the best colleges in California?
Our methodology considers factors such as academic quality, student experience, and cost. By including public and private institutions, as well as small and large colleges, our list offers a variety of online and on-campus experiences.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Stanford University
Stanford, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
It's one of the most selective universities in the country. With a 3.68% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026, it's not easy to get into Stanford University. But if you do get in, you can benefit from attending the best college in California.
From its Palo Alto campus, Stanford links San Francisco with Silicon Valley. Founded in 1885, today, the private university enrolls over 17,000 students. Undergrads can choose from over 65 majors, while grad students can enroll in nearly 200 programs.
Stanford fully covers tuition for students from families with incomes under $150,000 and covers tuition plus room and board for those with an income below $100,000.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The founding member of the University of California (UC) system dates back to 1868. At the University of California, Berkeley, you can earn a top-ranked degree at an affordable in-state tuition rate.
History abounds on the UC Berkeley campus. Even the school's colors trace their roots back to 1873, with blue representing the California sky and Pacific Ocean and gold for the Golden State. Today, UC Berkeley offers over 350 degree-granting programs to its 35,000 students. The public university also boasts one of the country's largest college library systems, with 32 libraries housing over 13 million volumes.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Pomona College
Claremont, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Pomona is California's top-ranked liberal arts college. Pomona College — part of the Claremont Colleges — dates back to 1887. Its 1,800 students can choose from nearly 50 majors. With an average class size of 13, Pomona also encourages close relationships with faculty.
From its tree-lined campus 35 miles from Los Angeles, Pomona educates students on a liberal arts model. Over 60% of Pomona students conduct research with faculty and participate in study-abroad programs.
Any of the Claremont Colleges, which include Scripps College and Harvey Mudd College, could easily appear on a list of the best colleges in California. Pomona gets the nod as the founding member of the Claremont Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
This public school boasts the largest undergraduate enrollment of any UC campus. The University of California, Los Angeles welcomes 31,600 undergrads and over 14,000 grad students to its programs. Around a third of undergrads are first-generation college students, and a similar number receive Pell Grants.
UCLA offers over 125 majors. The school's quarter system means you take more classes each year, which helps undecided majors find the best fit. Outside of the classroom, you can join over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, attend a local film screening, or watch the Bruins compete.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA - 4 years
- Campus
It's one of the top-ranked technology institutes in the world. The California Institute of Technology, better known as Caltech, also enrolls a small number of students on its 124-acre campus in Pasadena.
Around 1,000 undergrads and 1,400 grad students attend Caltech, which reports a three-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. That faculty includes 46 Nobel Prize winners, who teach students in a rigorous, collaborative environment. You can choose from 28 majors or 30 graduate programs at Caltech.
Over half of undergrads receive need-based aid to cover costs. Caltech is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of all students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for its weather, architecture, and art. And at the University of California Santa Barbara, you can attend a top-ranked university for an affordable price.
The sprawling, ocean-front campus boasts its own beach, a unique feature for a top-ranked university. UC Santa Barbara offers over 200 areas of study to its 26,000 students. Undergrads participate in research projects and creative opportunities. In particular, the institution offers research opportunities in the social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and humanities.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Considered one of the top 15 research universities in the world, the University of California, San Diego is a great place to earn an undergraduate degree.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on 1,200 acres of coastal woodland, UC San Diego offers more than 140 majors in its 12 divisions and schools. The institution also houses the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
What are the most popular majors at UC San Diego? Biology, psychology, economics, and math rank at the top of the list.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Orange County's coastal hills are home to one of the state's best colleges. Founded in 1965, the University of California Irvine is one of the younger members of the state's public university system. Today, UCI enrolls over 37,000 students and offers more than 220 degrees. It also pumps $8 billion into the state's economy.
If you're looking for a unique mascot, UCI has Peter the Anteater. But even more importantly, the university reports a 94% one-year retention rate, showing that students want to return to UCI.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ever visited the Los Angeles Downtown Arts and Education Corridor? It's home to the University of Southern California, a private research institution in the heart of L.A. USC stands out for its arts, business, and technology programs. Around 49,000 students attend the university, which reports an admission rate of 12%.
USC boasts a large financial aid budget, awarding over $640 million in scholarships and aid. The university's programs guarantee tuition-free attendance for those from families making $80,000 or less.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
You've probably seen its campus on screen. Clueless and NCIS were both filmed at the school that once enrolled Barack Obama. But Occidental College is best known for its liberal arts education. At Oxy, you'll choose from over 40 majors. Students also participate in field research and experiential learning opportunities.
Plus, life at Oxy continues outside of the classroom. In fact, one in four students participates in the athletics program. The 120-acre campus offers a refuge from the excitement of Los Angeles. And Oxy commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, including for undocumented students.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
List of All Colleges in California
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in California. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
School | Total Student Enrollment | Average Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
---|---|---|---|---|
Art Center College of Design | 2,319 | $50,420 | 76% | 982 |
Azusa Pacific University | 8,126 | $26,666 | 87% | 3,438 |
Biola University | 5,551 | $31,522 | 57% | 4,224 |
California Baptist University | 11,489 | $27,304 | 80% | 7,654 |
California College of the Arts | 1,630 | $47,862 | 76% | 2,987 |
California Institute of Technology | 2,397 | $20,755 | 3% | 16,626 |
California Institute of the Arts | 1,444 | $55,225 | 25% | 2,120 |
California Lutheran University | 3,766 | $30,416 | 87% | 5,150 |
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | 22,231 | $19,184 | 30% | 58,774 |
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | 5,908 | $14,325 | 98% | 8,505 |
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | 29,456 | $12,480 | 55% | 49,079 |
California State University Maritime Academy | 925 | $17,566 | 96% | 756 |
California State University, Bakersfield | 10,972 | $7,521 | 87% | 13,834 |
California State University, Channel Islands | 6,966 | $13,540 | 90% | 10,420 |
California State University, Chico | 15,702 | $15,517 | 95% | 21,417 |
California State University, Dominguez Hills | 17,837 | $5,068 | 89% | 19,165 |
California State University, East Bay | 15,189 | $11,464 | 96% | 12,461 |
California State University, Fresno | 25,047 | $7,507 | 95% | 18,551 |
California State University, Fullerton | 40,738 | $7,925 | 67% | 48,748 |
California State University, Long Beach | 40,190 | $9,346 | 40% | 74,718 |
California State University, Los Angeles | 27,513 | $5,801 | 87% | 33,939 |
California State University, Monterey Bay | 7,503 | $11,435 | 92% | 12,568 |
California State University, Northridge | 40,108 | $8,936 | 91% | 25,965 |
California State University, Sacramento | 32,498 | $11,596 | 93% | 25,276 |
California State University, San Bernardino | 19,514 | $8,805 | 91% | 15,501 |
California State University, San Marcos | 16,255 | $10,463 | 95% | 14,774 |
California State University, Stanislaus | 10,481 | $7,555 | 97% | 6,077 |
Chapman University | 9,991 | $45,033 | 73% | 13,690 |
Claremont McKenna College | 1,422 | $28,701 | 10% | 5,709 |
Concordia University Irvine | 3,710 | $29,508 | 69% | 3,576 |
Dominican University of California | 1,855 | $49,907 | 93% | 1,746 |
Fresno Pacific University | 3,524 | $15,255 | 75% | 832 |
Harvey Mudd College | 905 | $39,850 | 13% | 4,440 |
Holy Names University | 1,015 | $23,065 | 100% | 921 |
Hope International University | 1,138 | $26,146 | 32% | 810 |
La Sierra University | 1,738 | $25,076 | 92% | 1,878 |
Laguna College of Art and Design | 766 | $42,896 | 100% | N/A |
Loma Linda University | 4,280 | N/A | 88% | 361 |
Los Angeles Pacific University | 2,009 | $22,605 | 100% | N/A |
Loyola Marymount University | 10,184 | $52,815 | 41% | 21,695 |
Menlo College | 745 | $29,151 | 62% | 3,357 |
Minerva University | 636 | $15,215 | 1% | 20,816 |
Mount Saint Mary's University | 2,625 | $28,717 | 76% | 2,405 |
National University | 17,135 | $30,527 | 100% | N/A |
Occidental College | 1,964 | $44,853 | 39% | 6,305 |
Otis College of Art and Design | 1,252 | $48,198 | 83% | 2,083 |
Pacific Union College | 829 | $21,841 | 48% | 1,364 |
Pepperdine University | 10,446 | $47,804 | 49% | 11,466 |
Pitzer College | 1,168 | $39,809 | 18% | 3,500 |
Point Loma Nazarene University | 4,445 | $34,933 | 82% | 3,149 |
Pomona College | 1,764 | $19,962 | 7% | 10,666 |
Saint Mary's College of California | 3,165 | $32,129 | 88% | 3,353 |
San Diego State University | 36,484 | $13,017 | 39% | 77,250 |
San Francisco State University | 26,899 | $13,267 | 94% | 29,932 |
San Jose State University | 37,133 | $14,219 | 77% | 34,002 |
Santa Clara University | 8,918 | $50,551 | 52% | 16,650 |
Scripps College | 1,116 | $43,923 | 28% | 3,099 |
Simpson University | 993 | $25,251 | 100% | N/A |
Sonoma State University | 7,371 | $15,507 | 94% | 10,806 |
Stanford University | 17,680 | $18,279 | 4% | 56,378 |
The Master's University and Seminary | 2,606 | $30,783 | 78% | 848 |
Thomas Aquinas College | 516 | $24,217 | 85% | 262 |
University of California, Berkeley | 45,036 | $19,257 | 11% | 128,209 |
University of California, Davis | 40,050 | $17,385 | 37% | 94,747 |
University of California, Irvine | 36,505 | $14,033 | 21% | 119,191 |
University of California, Los Angeles | 46,116 | $16,999 | 9% | 149,801 |
University of California, Merced | 9,093 | $13,549 | 89% | 29,920 |
University of California, Riverside | 26,847 | $14,487 | 69% | 54,683 |
University of California, San Diego | 41,885 | $16,111 | 24% | 131,197 |
University of California, Santa Barbara | 26,124 | $16,874 | 26% | 110,995 |
University of California, Santa Cruz | 19,841 | $17,975 | 47% | 65,912 |
University of La Verne | 6,201 | $25,103 | 74% | 6,172 |
University of Redlands | 4,059 | $28,157 | 82% | 3,872 |
University of San Diego | 9,041 | $36,008 | 53% | 14,334 |
University of San Francisco | 10,034 | $42,953 | 71% | 23,103 |
University of Southern California | 49,318 | $36,808 | 12% | 69,062 |
University of the Pacific | 6,066 | $21,311 | 93% | 5,891 |
University of the People | 34,192 | $1,744 | 100% | N/A |
Vanguard University of Southern California | 2,268 | $24,279 | 75% | 2,778 |
Westmont College | 1,238 | $33,554 | 82% | 2,326 |
Whittier College | 1,387 | $22,091 | 82% | 2,884 |
William Jessup University | 1,685 | $27,591 | 66% | 710 |
Woodbury University | 1,036 | $32,182 | 63% | 1,460 |
Accreditation for Colleges in California
Schools become accredited when they meet set standards put forth by specific accrediting agencies. Accreditation is a sign that your school provides a quality education. An accredited college is seen as more prestigious. Many graduate programs only accept graduates from accredited schools.
Accrediting organizations in California include the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and, for online schools, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Highest-Paying Jobs in California
A higher cost of living in California necessitates higher salaries to live comfortably. Some of the highest-paying jobs in California with the largest growth potential are in the medical field. Other high-paying jobs include lawyer, air traffic controller, and nuclear engineer.
The 10 jobs listed below earn the highest salaries in California.
Job | Annual Mean Salary (2022) |
---|---|
Dermatologists | $371,450 |
Radiologists | $339,140 |
Cardiologists | $332,920 |
Psychologists | $311,950 |
Surgeons | $286,080 |
Chief Executives | $275,040 |
Physicians | $258,090 |
Oral Surgeons | $257,690 |
Airline Pilots | $252,110 |
Nurse Anesthetists | $246,510 |
What Is the Cost of Attending College in California?
The table below details the cost of college in California as of 2021. As is typical with most schools, out-of-state residents will pay significantly more than in-state residents.
You should also take into account the higher cost of living in California when calculating your total education costs.
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public 4-Year (In-State) | $8,401 |
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $34,398 |
Private 4-Year | $38,477 |
Public 2-Year (In-State) | $1,285 |
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $8,491 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in California
How many colleges are in California?
With more than 500 institutions of higher learning, California has more colleges and universities than any other state. According to NCES data, California is home to 306 four-year colleges and 248 two-year colleges.
What is the hardest college to get into in California?
Stanford and Caltech are the two hardest colleges to get into in California. According to fall 2022 NCES data, Stanford's undergraduate acceptance rate was 4%, while Caltech admitted an even smaller 3% of applicants.
Does California have good colleges?
Multiple California colleges rank among the best colleges in the world. The best colleges in California include major public research institutions like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. Private universities like Stanford and Caltech also rank high for academics and research.
Is it expensive to go to school in California?
Yes, it's often more expensive to go to school in California than it is in other states. This is due to the overall higher cost of living in California, in addition to ever-increasing tuition rates. In fact, California is the third most expensive state to live in.