Private Colleges in California: A Complete List
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Private universities in California — like Stanford, Caltech, and USC — are among the most popular and prestigious in the country.
California is an attractive place for students to attend college, with the natural beauty of SoCal beaches and Northern California's mesmerizing redwood forests. Proximity to major industry hubs like Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Los Angeles may also appeal to students.
A private university could be a good fit if you want smaller class sizes, a tight alumni network, and a school with an impressive reputation.
5 Popular Private Colleges in California
We've highlighted five popular private colleges in California to help you learn more about your options. We chose these schools based on factors like number of applicants, selectivity, and overall reputation.
1. Stanford University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,279
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Total Student Enrollment: 18,283
Often mistaken as an Ivy League school, Stanford's prestige rivals those of the best schools in the country. And with just a 4% acceptance rate, it's an extremely selective university.
Spanning over 8,000 acres, Stanford is home to one of the largest campuses in the U.S. Here, you can find over 650 student groups and decades of tradition.
2. University of Southern California
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $36,808
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Total Student Enrollment: 48,945
USC is the largest university in Los Angeles, attracting high-achieving students and impressive talent. The average starting salary for USC 2020 graduates was $74,000.
USC's School of Cinematic Arts boasts notable alumni like George Lucas and Will Farrell. The institution is also renowned for its sports programs, which have produced more Olympians and medalists than any other U.S. university.
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3. California Institute of Technology
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,755
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,401
Caltech is a highly respected school known primarily for its top-tier science and engineering programs. Students enjoy a 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes. Additionally, a whopping 90% of undergraduates participate in research.
The university is based in Pasadena, nestled between Los Angeles and the Angeles National Forest. Here, you can enjoy a historic downtown, mountain backdrops, and lush neighborhoods.
4. Pomona College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $19,962
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,716
Pomona is part of a unique cohort of universities called the Claremont Colleges. Five undergraduate colleges and two graduate universities partner together so students can share classes and resources across schools.
At Pomona, you'll benefit from small class sizes and a tight-knit community while also having access to a larger university's course catalog and campus resources.
5. Pepperdine University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $47,804
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Total Student Enrollment: 10,030
An attractive destination for students in California, Malibu is home to beautiful beaches and extravagant celebrity homes. Pepperdine's mascot, Willie the Wave, reflects the school's beachside culture.
Pepperdine is a prestigious Christian university with a reputation for student success. Just six months after graduation, 81% of 2022 Pepperdine graduates were employed or attending graduate school.
List of All Private Colleges in California
Here is a complete list of all four-year nonprofit private universities in California. 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 undergrads were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Center College of Design | 2,420 | $53,617 | 71% | 1,285 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 7,169 | $26,666 | 87% | 3,438 |
| Biola University | 5,387 | $31,522 | 57% | 4,224 |
| California Baptist University | 11,495 | $27,304 | 80% | 7,654 |
| California College of the Arts | 1,501 | $47,862 | 76% | 2,987 |
| California Institute of Technology | 2,401 | $20,755 | 3% | 16,626 |
| California Institute of the Arts | 1,440 | $55,225 | 25% | 2,120 |
| California Lutheran University | 3,615 | $30,416 | 87% | 5,150 |
| Chapman University | 10,014 | $45,033 | 73% | 13,690 |
| Claremont McKenna College | 1,389 | $28,701 | 10% | 5,709 |
| Concordia University Irvine | 3,744 | $29,508 | 69% | 3,576 |
| Dominican University of California | 1,877 | $49,907 | 93% | 1,746 |
| Fresno Pacific University | 3,032 | $15,255 | 75% | 832 |
| Harvey Mudd College | 922 | $39,850 | 13% | 4,440 |
| Hope International University | 1,116 | $26,146 | 32% | 810 |
| La Sierra University | 1,614 | $25,076 | 92% | 1,878 |
| Laguna College of Art and Design | 760 | $42,896 | 88% | 361 |
| Loma Linda University | 4,280 | N/A | 100% | N/A |
| Los Angeles Pacific University | 1,895 | $22,605 | 100% | N/A |
| Loyola Marymount University | 10,165 | $52,815 | 41% | 21,695 |
| Menlo College | 800 | $29,151 | 62% | 3,357 |
| Minerva University | 660 | $15,215 | 1% | 20,816 |
| Mount Saint Marys University | 2,440 | $28,717 | 76% | 2,405 |
| National University | 18,631 | $30,527 | 100% | N/A |
| Occidental College | 1,942 | $44,853 | 39% | 6,305 |
| Otis College of Art and Design | 1,312 | $48,198 | 83% | 2,083 |
| Pacific Union College | 870 | $21,841 | 48% | 1,364 |
| Pepperdine University | 10,030 | $47,804 | 49% | 11,466 |
| Pitzer College | 1,212 | $39,809 | 18% | 3,500 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | 4,319 | $34,933 | 82% | 3,149 |
| Pomona College | 1,716 | $19,962 | 7% | 10,666 |
| Saint Mary's College of California | 2,765 | $32,129 | 88% | 3,353 |
| Santa Clara University | 9,178 | $50,551 | 52% | 16,650 |
| Scripps College | 1,099 | $43,923 | 28% | 3,099 |
| Simpson University | 874 | $25,251 | 100% | N/A |
| Stanford University | 18,283 | $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 La Verne | 5,662 | $25,103 | 74% | 6,172 |
| University of Redlands | 3,460 | $28,157 | 82% | 3,872 |
| University of San Diego | 8,815 | $36,008 | 53% | 14,334 |
| University of San Francisco | 9,688 | $42,953 | 71% | 23,103 |
| University of Southern California | 48,945 | $36,808 | 12% | 69,062 |
| University of the Pacific | 6,277 | $28,164 | 93% | 5,891 |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | 2,256 | $24,279 | 75% | 2,778 |
| Westmont College | 1,284 | $33,112 | 82% | 2,326 |
| Whittier College | 1,192 | $28,368 | 75% | 3,014 |
| William Jessup University | 1,624 | $27,591 | 66% | 710 |
| Woodbury University | 943 | $32,182 | 63% | 1,460 |
What Is the Cost of Private College in California?
When it comes to tuition, private colleges can have a hefty price tag — especially for California residents.
Private college tuition in California is about $6,000 higher than the national average private school tuition, according to 2020-2021 NCES data. Meanwhile, in-state public college tuition in California is about $1,000 cheaper than the national average.
In 2021, the average tuition cost for private universities in California was $38,480, whereas the average in-state tuition cost for public colleges was about $8,400. Students who live in California can save a significant amount of money by opting for an in-state public university.
That said, private colleges often provide larger financial aid packages and have programs to support students with demonstrated financial need.
| 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 |
Fastest-Growing Jobs in California
According to California's Employment Development Department (EDD), careers in entertainment, hospitality, fitness, service, and personal care are projected to see huge growth over the next 10 years.
Most of California's fastest-growing jobs over the next decade don't require formal education. Projected job growth is highest for restaurant cooks (75%) and manicurists (71%).
California's highest-paid and fast-growing job is nurse practitioner, which boasts a 56% projected growth and a $75 median hourly wage.
| Job | Projected Growth | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cooks | 75% | $18.70 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | 71% | $15.20 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | 68% | $15.62 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | 65% | $15.71 |
| Bartenders | 63% | $15.66 |
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | 63% | $25.27 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 62% | $23.86 |
| Massage Therapists | 56% | $24.39 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 56% | $74.66 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 51% | $15.53 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges in California
Are private universities worth it?
Many students find their private college education worth the effort and expense. Private universities are typically well known for their high-quality education and elite communities.
Attending a prestigious private college can open many doors for employment and connect you with a tight-knit alumni association.
What are the cons to a private college?
There can be a few downsides to attending a private college. For starters, private universities often have much higher tuition fees than public colleges, especially for in-state students.
Private colleges sometimes offer fewer majors and degree programs as well. If you're looking for an affordable education or want to explore various majors, a public college may be a better fit.
Is UCLA a public or private university?
UCLA is a public research university and part of the University of California system.
The school is often mistaken for a private college due to its renowned reputation and selective admissions process. In 2022, UCLA received 150,000 applications and admitted just 9%.
What is the hardest college to get into in California?
According to fall 2022 data from NCES, the hardest colleges to get into in California are Minerva University (1% acceptance rate), Caltech (3% acceptance rate), and Stanford (4% acceptance rate). These schools are even more competitive than some Ivy League institutions.
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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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