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Explore California Colleges

Colleges in California

Explore 214 colleges and universities in California, including 49 public institutions and 165 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.

214

Total Colleges

49

Public

165

Private

California at a Glance

Avg Acceptance Rate

4135%

Average acceptance rate for California colleges

Avg Net Price

$23,965.27

After financial aid

Avg In-State Tuition

$22,132.167

For public universities

Top Ranked School

#3

Stanford University

California College Systems

California has several major public university systems that serve students across the state. Understanding these systems can help you find the right fit.

The UC system includes 10 campuses and is one of the most prestigious public university systems in the world, known for groundbreaking research and selective admissions.

The CSU system is the largest four-year public university system in the US, offering accessible education across 23 campuses throughout California.

Explore California by Region

California is a diverse state with distinct college regions. Explore schools by area to find the campus environment that fits your lifestyle.

California Colleges Directory

Browse 214 colleges in California, sorted by ranking and selectivity.

A scenic view of Stanford University's courtyard with iconic Hoover Tower at sunset.
#1 Research Universities
Stanford University

Stanford, CAPrivate

4%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$79,018/yr

SAT RANGE

1510-1580

GRADUATION RATE

96%

"Silicon Valley's neighboring research university where undergraduates launch companies alongside future Nobel winners."

Explore the iconic brick architecture of UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles.
#2 Communications
University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CAPrivate

10%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$83,399/yr

SAT RANGE

1450-1550

GRADUATION RATE

93%

"LA's ambitious private giant where film visionaries, business leaders, and engineers thrive amid urban energy and Trojan pride."

Harvey Mudd College: Galileo Hall Renovation - Perkins Eastman
#2 Liberal Arts
Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CAPrivate

13%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$84,834/yr

SAT RANGE

1500-1570

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"Harvey Mudd College turns math geeks and tinkerers into collaborative problem-solvers who tackle real-world tech challenges in sunny Claremont."

Pomona College Studio Art Hall / WHY Architecture | ArchDaily
#4 Liberal Arts
Pomona College

Claremont, CAPrivate

7%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$80,212/yr

SAT RANGE

1490-1560

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"Pomona College wraps you in the tight-knit intellectual buzz of a true liberal arts haven, amplified by the shared playground of five neighboring Claremont Colleges."

Stunning facade of Powell Library at UCLA in Los Angeles showcasing exquisite Romanesque architecture.
#4 Psychology
University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CAPublic

9%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$29,933/yr

SAT RANGE

1330-1530

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"Sun-drenched Bruin hub fuses blockbuster film dreams with biotech breakthroughs in bustling Westwood."

UC leads American public research universities in global impact, new  rankings show | University of California
#5 Public Universities
11%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$35,314/yr

SAT RANGE

1350-1510

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"Public research powerhouse born from 1868 merger, fueling Silicon Valley brains and Free Speech legacy."

The Robert Day Sciences Center | Claremont McKenna College
#7 Liberal Arts
Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CAPrivate

10%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$81,310/yr

SAT RANGE

1470-1560

GRADUATION RATE

93%

"CMC turns ambitious undergrads into suited-up leaders ready to conquer Wall Street or Washington, all from a sunny Southern California consortium campus."

San Diego
#9 Public Universities
27%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$30,534/yr

SAT RANGE

1340-1540

GRADUATION RATE

90%

"Sunny La Jolla's research powerhouse where biotech breakthroughs happen amid ocean breezes and eucalyptus groves."

Front view of Santa Barbara Museum of Art with trees framing the entrance.
#10 Public Universities
University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CAPublic

33%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$31,843/yr

SAT RANGE

1290-1520

GRADUATION RATE

88%

"Where Gauchos bike to class past palm trees and crashing waves, blending beach bonfires with breakthrough science at a sun-drenched UC powerhouse."

UC Irvine School of Law and School of Physical Sciences Announce  Scholarship Initiative – UC Irvine Law News
#15 Public Universities
29%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$30,555/yr

SAT RANGE

1270-1490

GRADUATION RATE

86%

"UC Irvine drops you into a meticulously planned Orange County oasis where anteaters lead the charge in bio-tech breakthroughs and sun-drenched study sessions."

Iconic Campus View
#16 National Universities
3%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$78,762/yr

SAT RANGE

1530-1580

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"Pasadena's fiercely selective STEM haven where undergrads tackle real research alongside Nobel-winning faculty."

University of San Francisco - Student Housing | ArchKey Solutions
#20 Nursing
University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CAPrivate

62%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$74,717/yr

SAT RANGE

1190-1390

GRADUATION RATE

77%

"Jesuit hilltop outpost in foggy San Francisco, where business acumen and nursing rigor collide with city streets."

Santa Clara University | Sun-soaked campus, sky-high dreams. ☀️ ✨ Where  California's first campus meets your brightest future. #DiscoverSCU  #SCUbeauty | Instagram
#21 Business
Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CAPrivate

48%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$76,773/yr

SAT RANGE

1350-1490

GRADUATION RATE

90%

"Nestled in Silicon Valley's epicenter, Santa Clara University fuses Jesuit values with tech ambition, turning undergraduates into ethical innovators amid startup dreams and sunny sprawl."

Sanborn Hall, Pitzer College - Claremont Colleges Photo Archive - Claremont  Colleges Digital Library
#26 Liberal Arts
Pitzer College

Claremont, CAPrivate

25%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$82,432/yr

SAT RANGE

1340-1500

GRADUATION RATE

88%

"At Pitzer, you dive into progressive activism and interdisciplinary adventures within the sunny Claremont Colleges consortium, where small classes fuel big ideas on social justice and sustainability."

UC Davis School of Medicine - Wikipedia
#26 Mathematics
42%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$30,990/yr

SAT RANGE

1231-1478

GRADUATION RATE

89%

"Pedal through almond orchards to world-leading vet school and wine labs at this bike-mad ag powerhouse."

University of California, Riverside – IE Success
#31 Mathematics
76%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$32,255/yr

SAT RANGE

1140-1370

GRADUATION RATE

80%

"At UC Riverside, you'll join a scrappy underdog in California's UC system, turning citrus groves into a powerhouse for diverse dreamers tackling real-world problems."

UC Santa Cruz Science and Engineering Library | EHDD Architecture,  Interiors & Planning
#34 Chemistry
66%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$31,512/yr

SAT RANGE

1230-1440

GRADUATION RATE

80%

"Perched amid redwoods overlooking crashing waves, UC Santa Cruz channels its 1960s counterculture roots into a quirky haven for independent thinkers who surf before seminars."

Pepperdine University Malibu Canyon Entrance Gate
#37 Business
Pepperdine University

Malibu, CAPrivate

63%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$84,140/yr

SAT RANGE

1290-1450

GRADUATION RATE

81%

"Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA."

Entrance, Scripps College - Claremont Colleges Photo Archive - Claremont  Colleges Digital Library
#37 Liberal Arts
Scripps College

Claremont, CAPrivate

38%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$82,286/yr

SAT RANGE

1440-1540

GRADUATION RATE

83%

"Nestled in sunny Claremont, Scripps College empowers bold, creative women through intimate liberal arts seminars and cross-campus adventures at one of America's tightest college consortia."

📣📣Soka University of America is open to the public again. Beginning April  4, visitors from the community could again enjoy Soka's 103-acre campus  perched above Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The
#39 Liberal Arts
Soka University of America

Aliso Viejo, CAPrivate

43%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$47,596/yr

SAT RANGE

1333-1510

GRADUATION RATE

90%

"Tiny Soka University of America in Orange County forges global peacemakers from 440 students through mandatory study abroad and intimate, value-driven seminars."

Occidental College | Capstone
#42 Liberal Arts
Occidental College

Los Angeles, CAPrivate

44%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$80,250/yr

SAT RANGE

1380-1520

GRADUATION RATE

81%

"Tucked in LA's Eagle Rock hills, Occidental delivers intimate liberal arts seminars with Hollywood glamour and urban grit just minutes away—where even Barack Obama once crashed in the dorms."

University of the Pacific to open small business center at Eberhardt
#51 Biology
University of the Pacific

Stockton, CAPrivate

71%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$70,108/yr

SAT RANGE

1183-1480

GRADUATION RATE

72%

"Stockton's private university powerhouse, renowned for its elite conservatory of music alongside pharmacy and dentistry programs."

Apply to University of San Diego
#51 Business
University of San Diego

San Diego, CAPrivate

52%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$73,728/yr

SAT RANGE

1240-1440

GRADUATION RATE

81%

"Sun-drenched Catholic hilltop haven where Torero spirit meets Pacific views and peace studies innovation."

Apply to Chapman University
#54 Communications
Chapman University

Orange, CAPrivate

65%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$78,102/yr

SAT RANGE

1260-1440

GRADUATION RATE

81%

"Film dreamers sharpen scripts and lenses at Chapman's Dodge College in historic Orange."

LMU's $110 Million Life Sciences Building Open for 21st Century Research  and Learning
#55 Business
Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CAPrivate

45%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$76,656/yr

SAT RANGE

1260-1430

GRADUATION RATE

80%

"Jesuit-Marymount merger on ocean bluffs fuses Hollywood filmmaking with ethical liberal arts in vibrant Los Angeles."

THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE SAINT THOMAS HALL — RA Architects
#57 Liberal Arts
Thomas Aquinas College

Santa Paula, CAPrivate

83%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$38,200/yr

SAT RANGE

1220-1400

GRADUATION RATE

88%

"Dive into the Great Books with fellow seekers of truth in a tight-knit Catholic community where faith and reason dance together daily."

Nichol Hall on the campus of Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California houses the Schools of Allied Health Professions and Public Health. It was named for Francis D. Nichol, a Seventh-day Adventist and Loma Linda resident.
#57 Nursing
Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CAPrivate

37%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$33,552/yr

SAT RANGE

1050-1300

GRADUATION RATE

88%

"Loma Linda University is located in Loma Linda, CA."

Westmont College – Campus Tour – choose happiness
#58 Liberal Arts
Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CAPrivate

77%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$65,800/yr

SAT RANGE

1240-1450

GRADUATION RATE

75%

"Faith-infused liberal arts college on a hillside overlooking Santa Barbara's Pacific shores."

Whittier College is proud to announce a transformative $700,000 grant from  the Fletcher Jones Foundation in support of the Civic Scholars Program. The  grant will help the program strengthen faculty efforts to
#89 Liberal Arts
Whittier College

Whittier, CAPrivate

81%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$64,653/yr

SAT RANGE

1140-1340

GRADUATION RATE

69%

"Quaker-founded liberal arts college in suburban Los Angeles, where small classes build lasting faculty connections amid palm-lined paths."

Peralta Medical Office Building at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California, United States.
#97 Nursing
Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, CAPrivate

69%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$47,931/yr

SAT RANGE

1050-1260

GRADUATION RATE

95%

"Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA."

University of Redlands Administration Bldg 5-17-14a (14358877537)
#97 Business
University of Redlands

Redlands, CAPrivate

83%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$73,536/yr

SAT RANGE

1107-1350

GRADUATION RATE

65%

"University of Redlands is located in Redlands, CA."

The campus of University of the West.
#148 Liberal Arts
University of the West

Rosemead, CAPrivate

100%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$12,912/yr

SAT RANGE

940-1080

GRADUATION RATE

94%

"University of the West is located in Rosemead, CA."

🐾 We're ranked AGAIN @usnews Best Education School & Best Public Affairs  (MPA) Program! 🐆 #PawsUp #BestGradSchools #Teaching #EducationLeadership  #OrganizationalLeadership #EducationalCounseling #SchoolPsychology  #ChildDevelopment ...
#150 Business
University of La Verne

La Verne, CAPrivate

71%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$61,982/yr

SAT RANGE

986-1236

GRADUATION RATE

49%

"Church of the Brethren-founded liberal arts school in leafy Southern California suburbs, emphasizing practical degrees and community ties."

Media Gallery - Simpson University
#162 Liberal Arts
Simpson University

Redding, CAPrivate

86%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$48,080/yr

SAT RANGE

941-1151

GRADUATION RATE

70%

"Faith-infused liberal arts education amid Northern California's lakes and mountains at a close-knit Christian university."

Ahmanson Science Center at California Lutheran University
#174 Business
California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CAPrivate

76%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$64,310/yr

SAT RANGE

1150-1330

GRADUATION RATE

77%

"California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA."

Biola's School of Science, Technology and Health has once again been  recognized by U.S. News & World Report on the Best Bachelor of Science in  Nursing Programs list. This recognition reflects the
Biola University

La Mirada, CAPrivate

74%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$57,472/yr

SAT RANGE

1160-1370

GRADUATION RATE

71%

"Sunny Southern California campus fusing evangelical faith with degrees in film, theology, and business."

Azusa Campus - Azusa Pacific University, Azusa CA
Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CAPrivate

88%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$52,324/yr

SAT RANGE

983-1238

GRADUATION RATE

74%

"Evangelical Christian university fusing faith with professional training in nursing, education, and ministry amid San Gabriel foothills."

Thanksgiving at sciarc
77%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$49,490/yr

SAT RANGE

1020-1230

GRADUATION RATE

71%

"Southern California Institute of Architecture is located in Los Angeles, CA."

California State University Fullerton (CSUF) (Los Angeles, California, USA)
91%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$24,822/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

79%

"Sunny Orange County commuter powerhouse churning out business grads and performers from a palm-shaded campus."

Long Beach > CSU International Programs
46%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$20,664/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

83%

"Beachside CSU giant excelling in performing arts and business amid Long Beach's port-city energy."

San Diego State University – ISEP Study Abroad
San Diego State University

San Diego, CAPublic

36%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$28,566/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

79%

"Sunny San Diego's sprawling public university fueling careers in business, aerospace engineering, and hospitality amid beach access."

California State University, Fresno | CSU Fresno - Requirements + Data |  CollegeVine
95%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$16,613/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

71%

"A vibrant public university in California's Central Valley, blending agricultural roots with diverse academic growth."

File:SFSU Library Nov 28, 2023.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CAPublic

96%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$22,292/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

66%

"Urban powerhouse launching careers in film, ethnic studies, and broadcasting from the heart of San Francisco."

California State University - San Bernardino Online Master of Social Work,  California - Online Graduate Programs
94%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$18,732/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

70%

"A dynamic public university in Southern California where accessible education meets a close-knit desert campus vibe."

About Cal State East Bay | CSUEB
97%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$24,306/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

68%

"A vibrant public university in Hayward with a focus on accessibility and real-world impact."

Academy of Art University building, New Montgomery Street
Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CAPrivate

100%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$58,494/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

32%

"Academy of Art University is located in San Francisco, CA."

Success Stories - Transforming Global Education Together - EduConnect USA
N/A
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$16,569/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

64%

"A focused haven in sunny San Diego for students driven by psychology and education careers."

Welcome back, Golden Eagles! We know you missed seeing these campus views  every day 🤩 Make sure you check MyRecords (link in bio) to check holds and  registration status, review your class
Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CAPrivate

66%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$53,000/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

68%

"A tight-knit Lutheran university in sunny Irvine, blending faith with a personalized liberal arts education."

History - The Master's University
The Master's University and Seminary

Santa Clarita, CAPrivate

84%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$47,050/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

60%

"Biblically grounded liberal arts university fused with seminary training amid Southern California's sunny valleys."

Restored Campus Photo: bovard-auditorium.png
62%
Acceptance Rate
TOTAL COST

$51,450/yr

SAT RANGE

N/A

GRADUATION RATE

64%

"Vanguard University of Southern California is located in Costa Mesa, CA."

Showing top 50 of 214 colleges in California

Frequently Asked Questions About California Colleges

California has 214 colleges and universities. This includes 49 public institutions and 165 private institutions. The state offers a diverse range of educational opportunities from community colleges to major research universities.

Stanford University is the highest-ranked university in California, ranked #3 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.

The average tuition at California colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $22,132 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,553. After financial aid, the average net price is $23,965.

The average acceptance rate for colleges in California is 41%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.

California has several major public university systems: University of California (UC), California State University (CSU). Together, these systems include 33 campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. The UC system includes 10 campuses and is one of the most prestigious public university systems in the world, known for groundbreaking research and selective admissions.

The University of California (UC) has 10 campuses and the uc system includes 10 campuses and is one of the most prestigious public university systems in the world, known for groundbreaking research and selective admissions. The California State University (CSU) has 23 campuses and the csu system is the largest four-year public university system in the us, offering accessible education across 23 campuses throughout california.

To qualify for in-state tuition at California public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a California driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.

California is located in the West region of the United States. The West is home to world-renowned research universities, innovative tech hubs, and stunning natural settings from coastal California to the Rocky Mountains.

California offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $23,965. Public universities in California provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.