Best Colleges in California + Full List of Schools
- There are many online and traditional on-campus colleges to choose from in California.
- It’s important to verify your prospective school’s accreditation status before applying.
- The highest-paying jobs in California tend to be in the medical field.
- The cost of living in California is higher than average, making college more expensive there, too.
Known as the “Golden State,” sunny California is an attractive choice for prospective students who choose to attend college there in person.
But if relocating to California isn’t an option for you, there are still plenty of California colleges that offer online programs. Either way, California is home to over 200 four-year nonprofit colleges, including many top-rated schools. And the best colleges in California may just make the higher cost of living worth it.
Featured Online Programs
Best Colleges in California
Methodology
California has more colleges than any other state. So what makes these schools stand out as the best colleges in California?
Our methodology considers factors such as academic quality, student experience, and cost. By including public and private institutions, as well as small and large colleges, our list offers a variety of online and on-campus experiences.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,473
- Out-of-state$55,473
- In-State$54,315
- Out-of-state$54,315
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled15,953
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled42,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$54,380
- Out-of-state$54,380
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled1,475
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate14%
- Students Enrolled44,589
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
California Institute of Technology
- Pasadena, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$54,570
- Out-of-state$54,570
- In-State$54,570
- Out-of-state$54,570
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled2,240
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled26,179
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-San Diego
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled39,576
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled36,303
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,260
- Out-of-state$59,260
- In-State$47,880
- Out-of-state$47,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled46,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Occidental College
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$55,980
- Out-of-state$55,980
- In-State$55,980
- Out-of-state$55,980
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled1,839
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
List of All Colleges in California
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in 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 with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Average Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Center College of Design | 2,319 | $50,420 | 76% | 982 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 8,126 | $26,666 | 87% | 3,438 |
| Biola University | 5,551 | $31,522 | 57% | 4,224 |
| California Baptist University | 11,489 | $27,304 | 80% | 7,654 |
| California College of the Arts | 1,630 | $47,862 | 76% | 2,987 |
| California Institute of Technology | 2,397 | $20,755 | 3% | 16,626 |
| California Institute of the Arts | 1,444 | $55,225 | 25% | 2,120 |
| California Lutheran University | 3,766 | $30,416 | 87% | 5,150 |
| California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | 22,231 | $19,184 | 30% | 58,774 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | 5,908 | $14,325 | 98% | 8,505 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | 29,456 | $12,480 | 55% | 49,079 |
| California State University Maritime Academy | 925 | $17,566 | 96% | 756 |
| California State University, Bakersfield | 10,972 | $7,521 | 87% | 13,834 |
| California State University, Channel Islands | 6,966 | $13,540 | 90% | 10,420 |
| California State University, Chico | 15,702 | $15,517 | 95% | 21,417 |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | 17,837 | $5,068 | 89% | 19,165 |
| California State University, East Bay | 15,189 | $11,464 | 96% | 12,461 |
| California State University, Fresno | 25,047 | $7,507 | 95% | 18,551 |
| California State University, Fullerton | 40,738 | $7,925 | 67% | 48,748 |
| California State University, Long Beach | 40,190 | $9,346 | 40% | 74,718 |
| California State University, Los Angeles | 27,513 | $5,801 | 87% | 33,939 |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | 7,503 | $11,435 | 92% | 12,568 |
| California State University, Northridge | 40,108 | $8,936 | 91% | 25,965 |
| California State University, Sacramento | 32,498 | $11,596 | 93% | 25,276 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | 19,514 | $8,805 | 91% | 15,501 |
| California State University, San Marcos | 16,255 | $10,463 | 95% | 14,774 |
| California State University, Stanislaus | 10,481 | $7,555 | 97% | 6,077 |
| Chapman University | 9,991 | $45,033 | 73% | 13,690 |
| Claremont McKenna College | 1,422 | $28,701 | 10% | 5,709 |
| Concordia University Irvine | 3,710 | $29,508 | 69% | 3,576 |
| Dominican University of California | 1,855 | $49,907 | 93% | 1,746 |
| Fresno Pacific University | 3,524 | $15,255 | 75% | 832 |
| Harvey Mudd College | 905 | $39,850 | 13% | 4,440 |
| Holy Names University | 1,015 | $23,065 | 100% | 921 |
| Hope International University | 1,138 | $26,146 | 32% | 810 |
| La Sierra University | 1,738 | $25,076 | 92% | 1,878 |
| Laguna College of Art and Design | 766 | $42,896 | 100% | N/A |
| Loma Linda University | 4,280 | N/A | 88% | 361 |
| Los Angeles Pacific University | 2,009 | $22,605 | 100% | N/A |
| Loyola Marymount University | 10,184 | $52,815 | 41% | 21,695 |
| Menlo College | 745 | $29,151 | 62% | 3,357 |
| Minerva University | 636 | $15,215 | 1% | 20,816 |
| Mount Saint Mary’s University | 2,625 | $28,717 | 76% | 2,405 |
| National University | 17,135 | $30,527 | 100% | N/A |
| Occidental College | 1,964 | $44,853 | 39% | 6,305 |
| Otis College of Art and Design | 1,252 | $48,198 | 83% | 2,083 |
| Pacific Union College | 829 | $21,841 | 48% | 1,364 |
| Pepperdine University | 10,446 | $47,804 | 49% | 11,466 |
| Pitzer College | 1,168 | $39,809 | 18% | 3,500 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | 4,445 | $34,933 | 82% | 3,149 |
| Pomona College | 1,764 | $19,962 | 7% | 10,666 |
| Saint Mary’s College of California | 3,165 | $32,129 | 88% | 3,353 |
| San Diego State University | 36,484 | $13,017 | 39% | 77,250 |
| San Francisco State University | 26,899 | $13,267 | 94% | 29,932 |
| San Jose State University | 37,133 | $14,219 | 77% | 34,002 |
| Santa Clara University | 8,918 | $50,551 | 52% | 16,650 |
| Scripps College | 1,116 | $43,923 | 28% | 3,099 |
| Simpson University | 993 | $25,251 | 100% | N/A |
| Sonoma State University | 7,371 | $15,507 | 94% | 10,806 |
| Stanford University | 17,680 | $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 California, Berkeley | 45,036 | $19,257 | 11% | 128,209 |
| University of California, Davis | 40,050 | $17,385 | 37% | 94,747 |
| University of California, Irvine | 36,505 | $14,033 | 21% | 119,191 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 46,116 | $16,999 | 9% | 149,801 |
| University of California, Merced | 9,093 | $13,549 | 89% | 29,920 |
| University of California, Riverside | 26,847 | $14,487 | 69% | 54,683 |
| University of California, San Diego | 41,885 | $16,111 | 24% | 131,197 |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 26,124 | $16,874 | 26% | 110,995 |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | 19,841 | $17,975 | 47% | 65,912 |
| University of La Verne | 6,201 | $25,103 | 74% | 6,172 |
| University of Redlands | 4,059 | $28,157 | 82% | 3,872 |
| University of San Diego | 9,041 | $36,008 | 53% | 14,334 |
| University of San Francisco | 10,034 | $42,953 | 71% | 23,103 |
| University of Southern California | 49,318 | $36,808 | 12% | 69,062 |
| University of the Pacific | 6,066 | $21,311 | 93% | 5,891 |
| University of the People | 34,192 | $1,744 | 100% | N/A |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | 2,268 | $24,279 | 75% | 2,778 |
| Westmont College | 1,238 | $33,554 | 82% | 2,326 |
| Whittier College | 1,387 | $22,091 | 82% | 2,884 |
| William Jessup University | 1,685 | $27,591 | 66% | 710 |
| Woodbury University | 1,036 | $32,182 | 63% | 1,460 |
Accreditation for Colleges in California
Schools become accredited when they meet set standards put forth by specific accrediting agencies. Accreditation is a sign that your school provides a quality education. An accredited college is seen as more prestigious. Many graduate programs only accept graduates from accredited schools.
Accrediting organizations in California include the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and, for online schools, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Highest-Paying Jobs in California
A higher cost of living in California necessitates higher salaries to live comfortably. Some of the highest-paying jobs in California with the largest growth potential are in the medical field. Other high-paying jobs include lawyer, air traffic controller, and nuclear engineer.
The 10 jobs listed below earn the highest salaries in California.
| Job | Annual Mean Salary (2022) |
|---|---|
| Dermatologists | $371,450 |
| Radiologists | $339,140 |
| Cardiologists | $332,920 |
| Psychologists | $311,950 |
| Surgeons | $286,080 |
| Chief Executives | $275,040 |
| Physicians | $258,090 |
| Oral Surgeons | $257,690 |
| Airline Pilots | $252,110 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $246,510 |
What Is the Cost of Attending College in California?
The table below details the cost of college in California as of 2021. As is typical with most schools, out-of-state residents will pay significantly more than in-state residents.
You should also take into account the higher cost of living in California when calculating your total education costs.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in California
How many colleges are in California?
With more than 500 institutions of higher learning, California has more colleges and universities than any other state. According to NCES data, California is home to 306 four-year colleges and 248 two-year colleges.
What is the hardest college to get into in California?
Stanford and Caltech are the two hardest colleges to get into in California. According to fall 2022 NCES data, Stanford’s undergraduate acceptance rate was 4%, while Caltech admitted an even smaller 3% of applicants.
Does California have good colleges?
Multiple California colleges rank among the best colleges in the world. The best colleges in California include major public research institutions like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. Private universities like Stanford and Caltech also rank high for academics and research.
Is it expensive to go to school in California?
Yes, it’s often more expensive to go to school in California than it is in other states. This is due to the overall higher cost of living in California, in addition to ever-increasing tuition rates. In fact, California is the third most expensive state to live in.
Explore More College Resources
Is Studying in California Worth It?
Learn the pros and cons of attending college in California. In this guide, we discuss factors like the cost of living and employment opportunities.
by Tessa Cooper
Updated September 1, 2023
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in California
Discover the average cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition in California and learn about the requirements for qualifying for in-state rates.
Updated February 23, 2024
Business Schools in California: Full List of MBA Programs
An MBA can pave the way to a rewarding career in business operations and management. Learn how business schools in California can set you up for success.
Updated August 9, 2024