Best Liberal Arts Colleges & Programs in California

How are the Top Liberal Arts Programs Chosen in California

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Pitzer College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southern California and a member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors including the first Secular Studies program in the nation. To provide a...

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Pitzer College as well as the entire Claremont Colleges offers many opportunities and resources including the Claremont Consortium, the Keck Joint Science Center, Student Health Services and others. Students also have the opportunity to create their...

” – Diamond from Los Angeles, CA
University of California-Los Angeles

The University of California in Los Angeles, better known as UCLA, is one of 10 campuses in the UC system. With 109 academic departments and more than 125 majors offered, as well as an average of one billion dollars funded for research every year and...

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The amount of knowledge you will gain during your first year at UCLA will be more valuable than any previous experiences. First, there is the academic aspect. Essentially, the material being taught in college is the same for any school, so self...

” – Joanna from Carson City, NV
University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California in Santa Barbara is a leading research institution in the city and state of the same name. UCSB is a member of the Association of American Universities, home to the National Center for Ecological Analysis, as well as an...

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- The quarter system allows you to take a wide variety of classes to figure out what you're interested in by experiencing different subjects in a short period of time.
- The environment, campus groups, and activities allow you to learn more about...

” – Taryn from Granada Hills, CA
University of California-San Diego

Founded in 1960, the University of California of San Diego is a research institution located in La Jolla, CA. The 1,200 coastal woodland campus along the Pacific Ocean is home to six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, 5 graduate and...

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Teachers can be great, but you must go to class to actually learn. I never thought I'd be skipping classes, but it happens and I learned the hard way that this is NOT smart. Discussions with TAs can be incredibly helpful as well. I had a math class...

” – Current Student from San Diego Area
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

One of two polytechnics in the CSU System, the California Polytechnic State University, more commonly known as Cal Poly, has a competitive admissions process for its programs, which focus in arts, technology, and sciences. The university is located...

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I LOVE CAL POLY!! The great thing about this school is starting from freshmen year you jump right into your Major courses instead of having to go through only GE's for your first year or two. Here, you start learning about your interest in the first...

” – Ashley from Sun City, CA
University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific is the oldest, private university in California and has admissions that are more selective. The main campus is located in Stockton, and the university operates two satellite campuses in Sacramento and San Francisco...

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Most universities/colleges don't allow students to get started on their majors until Sophomore or Junior year of college. As a Freshman at UOP I've already gotten a feel for what I will be doing as a sports medicine or Athletic Training major. Four...

” – Hayley from San Jose, CA
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La Sierra University is a private nonprofit liberal arts college based in Riverside, California. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. LSU is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and its campus is a designated...

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I learned more at this school then any other I have attended. It is a great small school and I loved it!

” – Nikki from Perris, CA
Saint Mary's College of California

Founded by the local archbishop, Saint Mary’s College of California is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Bay Area administered by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Saint Mary’s is home to schools of Economics, Liberal Arts, and Science...

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The Seminar Program is eye-opening and challenging. It pushes you to develop your own ideas and beliefs and challenge other students to do the same. The professors know you by name and have abundant office hours if you need help in class or just need...

” – Julianne from Yakima, WA
The Master's University and Seminary

The Master’s University is a conservative, Christian, liberal arts university located in Santa Clarita, CA. The tree-filled, 95-acre campus offers 14 undergraduate majors and 4 graduate degrees, as well as teaching credentials and dual-enrollment...

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The Master's College has already taught me so much and I have not started my semester. Their teachings have reached me through their networking of other brothers and sisters in Christ and that is just a taste of what would happen once I finally start...

” – Vincent from Long Beach, CA
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Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian institution based in Fresno, California. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches. All academic programs offered at FPU highlight the importance of ethics, character development, and...

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The student there seem to really love it, the campus is beautiful and the classes are small enough for one on one learning so you don't feel left behind. The school offers many various programs all with an underlying message of faith and God.

” – Kourinthia from Tulare, CA
California State University-Dominguez Hills

California State University-Dominguez Hills is a 4-year public university in the greater Los Angeles area and part of the Cal State system. CSUDH hosts six colleges granting undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors. A diverse institution...

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I am learning many different things at Dominguez. My first year here has really built a great foundation for the rest of my scholastic career. From easy tips to taking notes and easy study tips.

” – Current Business student
Marymount California University

Marymount California University is a private graduate-level Catholic institution with a variety of disciplines in the arts and sciences. The university also offers a BA-MBA program, in which students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a MBA in...

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Marymount College is ideal for those who don't want to get lost in the University/Larger Colleges. I have found that the smaller classrooms allow me to feel more comfortable in seeking further help from my teachers. Their study hall, as been a...

” – Megn from Big Bear City, CA
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With two campuses in the greater Los Angeles area, American Jewish University is a graduate-level institution dedicated to researching and incorporating the history and culture of Judaism into modern day life. Degree programs at AJU are divided among...

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Glendale Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 100-acre campus in southern California, with three satellite centers throughout the region. GCC offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs, many of which are...

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Glendale Community College is one of the oldest, yet popular community college for locals living in Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank as well as for international students. They offer many courses depending on the major you plan to pursue or...

” – The Wise Student
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Founded as the first west coast Bible college, Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian institution in southern California based on the Wesleyan holiness tradition. APU is home to 10 academic schools and colleges and the Azusa Pacific...

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Antioch University in Los Angeles is a liberal arts college with a focus on social justice and community involvement. AULA confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 fields of study and features nine online degree programs for its enrolled population, which...

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This University takes pride in helping students push themselves in all areas of education and public service. The internships opportunities are fantastic and the faculty very supportive. If your looking for a University were one could skate by this...

” – Dar from Playa Vista, CA
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Merritt College is a 2-year community college in Oakland. Among Merritt’s more than 60 academic disciplines, its African American, Native American, Ethnic, and Mexican & Latin American Studies programs provide an exploration of the diverse cultures...

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I love Merritt College in Oakland, CA. It is very calm and the teachers really care about their students. It is a great school to go to if you are a motivated student.

” – Jordan from Berkeley, CA
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Sierra College is an open-admission, 2-year community college based in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Rocklin, California. Sierra is the only community college in the nation with an academic press, and it also boasts the Sierra Art and Natural...

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Sierra offers a wide variety to start off the undecided student. They will get you started and on the right path for you.

” – Robert from Roseville, CA