#1 in Research Universities
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Acceptance
4%
Total Cost
$79,018
SAT
1510–1580
Silicon Valley's neighboring research university where undergraduates launch companies alongside future Nobel winners.
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
Colleges
49
Public
165
Private
California at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
75%
Average acceptance rate for California colleges
Avg Net Price
$23,965
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$22,132
For public universities
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 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.
San Francisco Bay Area
17 colleges
Southern California
57 colleges
Popular Comparisons
See how California colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Santa Clara vs Soka of America
Pomona vs USC
Harvey Mudd vs Santa Clara
Harvey Mudd vs Soka of America
UC Berkeley vs UC Los Angeles
Claremont McKenna vs Pomona
California Institute of Technology vs USC
California Institute of Technology vs Stanford
Claremont McKenna vs USC
California Institute of Technology vs Pomona
California Institute of Technology vs Claremont McKenna
Stanford vs USC
Pomona vs Stanford
Claremont McKenna vs Stanford
Claremont McKenna vs Soka of America
Claremont McKenna vs Santa Clara
Claremont McKenna vs Harvey Mudd
Pomona vs Soka of America
Pomona vs Santa Clara
Soka of America vs USC
California Colleges Directory
Browse 214 colleges in California, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#2 in Communications
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance
10%
Total Cost
$83,399
SAT
1450–1550
LA's ambitious private giant where film visionaries, business leaders, and engineers thrive amid urban energy and Trojan pride.
#2 in Liberal Arts
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA
Acceptance
13%
Total Cost
$84,834
SAT
1500–1570
Harvey Mudd College turns math geeks and tinkerers into collaborative problem-solvers who tackle real-world tech challenges in sunny Claremont.
#4 in Liberal Arts
Pomona College
Claremont, CA
Acceptance
7%
Total Cost
$80,212
SAT
1490–1560
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.
#4 in Psychology
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance
9%
Total Cost
$29,933
SAT
1330–1530
Sun-drenched Bruin hub fuses blockbuster film dreams with biotech breakthroughs in bustling Westwood.
#5 in Public Universities
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Acceptance
11%
Total Cost
$35,314
SAT
1350–1510
Public research powerhouse born from 1868 merger, fueling Silicon Valley brains and Free Speech legacy.
#7 in Liberal Arts
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CA
Acceptance
10%
Total Cost
$81,310
SAT
1470–1560
CMC turns ambitious undergrads into suited-up leaders ready to conquer Wall Street or Washington, all from a sunny Southern California consortium campus.
#9 in Public Universities
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Acceptance
27%
Total Cost
$30,534
SAT
1340–1540
Sunny La Jolla's research powerhouse where biotech breakthroughs happen amid ocean breezes and eucalyptus groves.
#10 in Public Universities
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Acceptance
33%
Total Cost
$31,843
SAT
1290–1520
Where Gauchos bike to class past palm trees and crashing waves, blending beach bonfires with breakthrough science at a sun-drenched UC powerhouse.
#15 in Public Universities
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Acceptance
29%
Total Cost
$30,555
SAT
1270–1490
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.
FAQs about California Colleges
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 75%. 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.