Resources for Students in California

Find out everything you need to know about college in the Golden State with our guide for students in California.

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

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.

Erin Treder

by Erin Treder

Updated September 7, 2023

College Planning

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

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

Heather Mullinix

by Heather Mullinix

Updated July 31, 2023

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

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

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated August 1, 2023

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

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

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated February 23, 2024

Is Community College Free in California?

Is Community College Free in California?

Nalea Ko

by Nalea Ko

Updated March 28, 2024

Is Studying in California Worth It?

Is Studying in California Worth It?

Tessa Cooper

by Tessa Cooper

Updated September 1, 2023

International Students’ Guide to Studying in California

International Students’ Guide to Studying in California

Marisa Upson

by Marisa Upson

Updated July 17, 2023

California 529 Plan: What College Savers Should Know

California 529 Plan: What College Savers Should Know

Lyss Welding

by Lyss Welding

Updated December 8, 2023

What Are the Best UC Schools?

What Are the Best UC Schools?

Marisa Upson

by Marisa Upson

Updated July 31, 2023

What Are the Best Cal State Schools?

What Are the Best Cal State Schools?

Bianca Gonzalez

by Bianca Gonzalez

Updated August 29, 2024

Student Life

The Best College Towns in California

The Best College Towns in California

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated August 1, 2023

8 Reasons to Study in California

8 Reasons to Study in California

Reese Lopez

by Reese Lopez

Updated August 1, 2023

21 Exciting California Spring Break Trips for College Students

21 Exciting California Spring Break Trips for College Students

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated September 18, 2023

7 Weirdest College Mascots in California

7 Weirdest College Mascots in California

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated October 9, 2023

What Are the Fastest-Growing Careers in California?

Doug Wintemute

by Doug Wintemute

Updated August 8, 2024

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15 Highest-Paying Jobs in California

Heather Mullinix

by Heather Mullinix

Updated September 28, 2023

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In-Demand Green Jobs in California

Sharon Wilfong

by Sharon Wilfong

Updated August 17, 2023

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How to Become a Teacher in California

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated May 23, 2023

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Career Planning

College Rankings

Best Online Colleges in California 2024

Best Online Colleges in California 2024

Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

by Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

Updated June 26, 2024

Community Colleges in California: All 140+ Schools

Community Colleges in California: All 140+ Schools

Ellery Weil, Ph.D.

by Ellery Weil, Ph.D.

Updated October 12, 2023

Colleges in Los Angeles: A Complete List

Colleges in Los Angeles: A Complete List

N. Susan Emeagwali

by N. Susan Emeagwali

Updated October 18, 2023

Private Colleges in California: A Complete List

Private Colleges in California: A Complete List

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated July 29, 2024

Best Trade Schools in California

Best Trade Schools in California

Alison Plaut

by Alison Plaut

Updated September 17, 2024

Colleges in San Diego: Full List of Schools

Colleges in San Diego: Full List of Schools

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated October 18, 2023

Colleges in San Francisco: All 15 Schools

Colleges in San Francisco: All 15 Schools

Nalea Ko

by Nalea Ko

Updated October 18, 2023

Best Colleges in Riverside

Best Colleges in Riverside

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated August 8, 2024

Find a Coding Bootcamp

Coding Bootcamps in Los Angeles

Coding Bootcamps in Los Angeles

Nalea Ko

by Nalea Ko

Updated August 16, 2023

Coding Bootcamps in San Francisco

Coding Bootcamps in San Francisco

Bethanny Parker

by Bethanny Parker

Updated April 21, 2023

Coding Bootcamps in San Diego

Coding Bootcamps in San Diego

Christina Payne

by Christina Payne

Updated April 21, 2023

Coding Bootcamps in San Jose

Coding Bootcamps in San Jose

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated August 11, 2023

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

Inside the First Semester of Sacramento State’s Black Honors College

Inside the First Semester of Sacramento State’s Black Honors College

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated October 10, 2024

Students Attempting UC-to-UC Transfer Are Enrolling in Community College. Here’s Why

Students Attempting UC-to-UC Transfer Are Enrolling in Community College. Here’s Why

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated October 8, 2024

Newsom Signs Bill Banning Legacy Admissions at Private California Colleges, Universities

Newsom Signs Bill Banning Legacy Admissions at Private California Colleges, Universities

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated October 4, 2024

Newsom Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Student Employment at California Public Universities

Newsom Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Student Employment at California Public Universities

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated September 24, 2024

California Passes Bill Banning Legacy Admissions at Private Colleges

California Passes Bill Banning Legacy Admissions at Private Colleges

Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.

by Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.

Updated September 5, 2024

Historic First for Caltech: Most of Its Incoming Undergraduates Are Women

Historic First for Caltech: Most of Its Incoming Undergraduates Are Women

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated September 4, 2024

UC’s New Guidance on Campus Protests Bans Encampments, Face Masks

UC’s New Guidance on Campus Protests Bans Encampments, Face Masks

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated August 26, 2024

UC President Michael Drake Plans to Step Down

UC President Michael Drake Plans to Step Down

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated August 7, 2024

UC Regents Approve Policy Regulating Political Speech on Department Websites

UC Regents Approve Policy Regulating Political Speech on Department Websites

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated July 23, 2024

Our Editorial Policy and Standards

Accuracy and editorial integrity are just a few of the values we at BestColleges pledge to uphold for the students who rely on us. We are committed to providing students with the educational resources they need to achieve their goals.

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