Colleges in Southern California: Full List of Schools

Reese Lopez
By
Updated on October 13, 2023
Edited by
Learn more about our editorial process
A world-class education awaits you in the Golden State. Learn more about your options with our complete list of colleges in Southern California.

The country’s most populous state, California serves as a major center of higher education. Southern California region is home to some of the world’s top colleges, including Caltech, USC, and UCLA.

Attending college in California can be expensive, but it can also connect you to great job opportunities in areas like Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.

Our guide to Southern California colleges offers an overview of popular schools, a full list of SoCal schools, and info on the cost of living and attending college in California.

5 Popular Southern California Colleges

Here are five popular colleges in Southern California to consider applying to. We chose these schools based on criteria like overall reputation and renown, academic rigor, and number of applicants.

1. University of California, Los Angeles

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $16,999
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 46,430

A major public research university, UCLA is renowned for both its academics and athletics. The school’s reputation extends beyond Southern California colleges, frequently ranking as one of the best colleges in the United States. UCLA maintains a global reputation, serving students from 118 countries.

Despite its academic prestige, UCLA also ranks as a top-value college. More than 30% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and graduates commonly pursue top careers without taking on loads of student debt.

2. University of Southern California

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $36,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 48,945

Based in Los Angeles, USC ranks as one of the top private colleges in Southern California. The school draws learners from around the world, with international students making up 26.6% of enrollment. As a top-ranked private college, USC boasts notable faculty, including multiple Nobel Laureates and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipients.

Home to 23 schools and divisions, USC offers programs in most academic and professional fields. Some of the school’s most popular majors include business, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.

3. California Institute of Technology

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,755
  • Acceptance Rate: 3%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 2,401

Based in Pasadena, Caltech ranks among the top technical colleges in Southern California. The school’s esteemed faculty includes 46 Nobel Laureates and 64 National Medal of Science recipients. Caltech’s 124-acre campus hosts renowned facilities such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Caltech Seismological Laboratory.

Due to its small size, the school boasts an impressive 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. At Caltech, you can expect to work closely with faculty both in courses and on research.

Featured Online Programs

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

4. San Diego State University

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $13,017
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 37,402

The oldest higher education institution in San Diego, SDSU also ranks among the best Southern California colleges. Recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, the school is also known for its accessibility to veterans and LGBTQ+ students. SDSU ranks third nationally for study abroad participation.

SDSU hosts over 200 academic programs at all levels of study, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some of the school’s most popular majors include business administration bachelor’s and management, psychology, and kinesiology.

5. University of California, Irvine

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $14,033
  • Acceptance Rate: 21%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 35,937

Part of the prestigious University of California System, UC Irvine ranks among the top colleges in Southern California. The school boasts multiple Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners among its faculty.

UC Irvine is a public school with a national profile and a reputation for diversity and accessibility. The school ranks as the top choice in the UC System for first-generation students in California. UC Irvine is also a top-ranked public school for social mobility among students.

List of All Colleges in Southern California

We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Southern 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 that enroll fewer than 500 undergrads were not included in this list.

All Colleges in Southern California
SchoolTotal Student EnrollmentAvg. Annual Net PriceAcceptance RateNumber of Applicants
Art Center College of Design2,420$53,61771%1,285
Azusa Pacific University7,169$26,66687%3,438
Biola University5,387$31,52257%4,224
California Baptist University11,495$27,30480%7,654
California Institute of Technology2,401$20,7553%16,626
California Institute of the Arts1,440$55,22525%2,120
California Lutheran University3,615$30,41687%5,150
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo22,000$19,18430%58,774
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona27,503$12,48055%49,079
California State University, Bakersfield9,613$7,52187%13,834
California State University, Channel Islands6,128$13,54090%10,420
California State University, Dominguez Hills16,426$5,06889%19,165
California State University, Fullerton40,386$7,92567%48,748
California State University, Long Beach38,973$9,34640%74,718
California State University, Los Angeles26,460$5,80187%33,939
California State University, Northridge37,579$8,93691%25,965
California State University, San Bernardino19,803$8,80591%15,501
California State University, San Marcos15,109$10,46395%14,774
Chapman University10,014$45,03373%13,690
Claremont McKenna College1,389$28,70110%5,709
Concordia University Irvine3,744$29,50869%3,576
Harvey Mudd College922$39,85013%4,440
Hope International University1,116$26,14632%810
La Sierra University1,614$25,07692%1,878
Laguna College of Art and Design760$42,89688%361
Loma Linda University4,280N/A100%N/A
Los Angeles Pacific University1,895$22,605100%N/A
Loyola Marymount University10,165$52,81541%21,695
Mount Saint Mary’s University2,440$28,71776%2,405
National University18,631$30,527100%N/A
Occidental College1,942$44,85339%6,305
Otis College of Art and Design1,312$48,19883%2,083
Pepperdine University10,030$47,80449%11,466
Pitzer College1,212$39,80918%3,500
Point Loma Nazarene University4,319$34,93382%3,149
Pomona College1,716$19,9627%10,666
San Diego State University37,402$13,01739%77,250
Scripps College1,099$43,92328%3,099
The Master’s University and Seminary2,606$30,78378%848
Thomas Aquinas College516$24,21785%262
University of California, Irvine35,937$14,03321%119,191
University of California, Los Angeles46,430$16,9999%149,801
University of California, Riverside26,809$14,48769%54,683
University of California, San Diego42,006$16,11124%131,197
University of California, Santa Barbara26,420$16,87426%110,995
University of La Verne5,662$25,10374%6,172
University of Redlands3,460$28,15782%3,872
University of San Diego8,815$36,00853%14,334
University of Southern California48,945$36,80812%69,062
Vanguard University of Southern California2,256$24,27975%2,778
Westmont College1,284$33,11282%2,326
Whittier College1,192$28,36875%3,014
Woodbury University943$32,18263%1,460
Source: NCES

What Is the Cost of College in California?

Cost of College in California in 2021
Institution TypeAverage 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
Source: NCES

Cost of Living in California

California offers top-tier education opportunities, but residing in the state usually isn’t cheap. By most standards, the cost of living in California is significantly higher than the national average.

Living in Southern California, you can expect to pay more for everything, including housing, groceries, and utilities.

The good news is that most public colleges in Southern California offer fairly affordable tuition for state residents. If you enroll as an in-state student, you can save big on tuition, which can offset other living expenses. Even at a private school like USC or Caltech, you may qualify for significant financial aid if you meet certain income requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Southern California

How many colleges are in Southern California?

More than 100 colleges and universities operate in Southern California, according to NCES data. This includes both two-year and four-year schools. Southern California is home to colleges and universities of all types and sizes, including technical and vocational schools, small private colleges, and major public universities.

What is the No. 1 college in Southern California?

Depending on different rankings, Caltech, UCLA, and USC all rank among the best colleges in Southern California. However, the schools often serve different types of students. Caltech ranks highly for STEM education, while UCLA and USC offer a wider selection of academic programs in the humanities and social sciences.

Is USC or UCLA harder to get into?

UCLA is slightly more selective than USC, admitting 9% of applicants compared to USC’s 12% of applicants in fall 2022, according to NCES. However, both institutions rank among the most prestigious and selective colleges in Southern California.

Explore More College Resources

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

Best Online Colleges in California of 2025

Best Online Colleges in California of 2025

Discover the best online colleges in California in 2025 and learn what makes them stand out from the pack.

Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

by Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

Updated December 4, 2024

Private Colleges in California: A Complete List

Private Colleges in California: A Complete List

Known for their beachy campuses and premier education, private colleges in California top many students’ lists of schools.

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated July 29, 2024