Best Colleges in California

California is 163,696 square miles and contains the largest higher education system in the nation. Colleges in California include notable institutions such as Stanford University, CalTech, and UCLA. The Golden State is known for birthing the American film industry as well as the Internet, and its economy centers around professional and business services, educational and health services, financial activities, and leisure and hospitality. California has a largely mediterranean climate, but can range from polar to subtropical depending on region. The Golden Gate Bridge, Palm Springs, Yosemite National Park, and Universal Studios Hollywood are primary tourist spots. Lesser known hot spots in Cali include Victorville’s California Route 66 Museum, the Redwoods in Arcata, and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Preserve.

How Were the Top Schools in California Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Los Angeles City College is a public two-year community college. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the Los Angeles Community College District. LACC offers 2-year associate degree programs and transferable courses. Favored areas of...

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Great motivational teachers. You get more one on one teacher time to ask more questions. Excellent tutoring programs, which you should definitely take advantage of.

” – Dulce from Los Angeles, CA
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Established in 1985, Los Angeles ORT College-Los Angeles Campus is a private, 2-year institution located in California. As one of the many ORT colleges located throughout over 60 countries worldwide, Los Angeles ORT College’s Los Angeles Campus...

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I never thought I could get a degree after my high school diploma, it's so much money and out of my reach with my job paying little. I felt stuck doing boring work and feeling I couldn't do much with my life. Then I found ORT. I got my degree so...

” – Veronica from Los Angeles, CA
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Los Angeles ORT College-Van Nuys is a 2-year vocational school in the LA metro area and a campus of the Los Angeles ORT system. The only Jewish-affiliated career college in the western United States, LA ORT confers degrees in 10 fields of study. In...

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Established in the wake of the Watts Riots to provide educational opportunities for an underserved community, Los Angeles Southwest College is a 2-year community college offering degrees in 10 academic departments. Over 50 percent of LASC students...

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With campus a short drive from Mendocino National Forest, Mendocino College is a 2-year community college in northern California. Mendocino is home to 53 associate degree fields of study and 34 certificate-granting programs. For students interested...

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Yes I hope

” – Laura from Kelseyville, CA
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Merced College is a public, 2-year institution established in central California. The college offers over 130 associate and certificate programs, many of which can be completed online, in a hybrid format, or in a web-enhanced format. Merced’s scenic...

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The curriculum is pretty straightforward, but some can be difficult. Overall, it is important to know the materials when it comes to doing well at college.

” – Patrick from Merced, CA
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Oxnard College is a 2-year community college and a member of the Ventura County Community College District in southern California. The college features 37 associate degrees, 17 of which transfer with guaranteed admission to the California State...

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a great environment to be in and around. very easy to access all of campus and classes. offers way more programs than i would have guessed, a lot of programs.

” – Phillip from Oxnard, CA
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With a campus on the banks of the Colorado River, Palo Verde College is a 2-year community college in southeast California. Palo Verde offers 17 academic programs conferring associate degrees as well as 35 certificate-granting programs. The college...

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Porterville College is a public, 2-year institution established on an urban, 60-acre campus in Tulare County, California. The college offers over 50 associate’s degree and certificate programs, with a number of classes available in an online format...

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The teachers are pretty good for a community college. There are many teachers that are enthusiastic and willing to help if you don't understand something.

” – Meg, from Porterville, CA
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Reedley College is a public, 2-year institution established in Fresno County, California, with satellite facilities located in Madera and Oakhurst. The college offers over 70 fields of study within four academic divisions, awarding associate’s...

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reedley college is a good school to be community college. the instructors teacher very well. the instructors expect a lot from each student.

” – Hugo from Dinuba, CA
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San Bernardino Valley College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of California. Students attending SBVC have the opportunity to enroll in a large selection of associate, certificate, and transfer programs, as well as the...

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An up to date modern Community college that is a great deal for those that want to learn new skills and get an education. The student center and tutors are quite helpful in overcoming learning obstacles. The campus has a new feeling since the...

” – Darryl from Highland, CA
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Shasta College is a public, 2-year institution established in Redding, California, with satellite campuses in Red Bluff, Weaverville, and Burney. SC offers over 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs, as well as a Health Information...

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Shasta College is a great school for students who need to go to a community college before they can get into a university. The teachers and councilors are great at helping the students in order to achieve the best grades possible. If you are thinking...

” – Kenny from Red Bluff, CA
Victor Valley College

Victor Valley College is a public, 2-year institution established in Victorville, California. The campus consists of two sections separated by altitude into an Upper and Lower Campus, and features facilities such as a planetarium, dance studio, and...

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I am learning a lot at VVC. I just finished my second semester and it's easy to see that the instructors really do want their students to succeed. I have personally utilized the writing and math labs. Both have tutors to help you when you are not...

” – Krystine from Hesperia, CA
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The University of the People is an online university dedicated to bringing educational opportunities to students all over the globe regardless of location or financial status. UoPeople confers bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, Health Science...

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Founded by three rabbis, the Academy for Jewish Religion-California is a transdenominational training school for Jewish community and religious leaders in Los Angeles. AJCRA is home to Rabbinical, Cantorial, and Chaplaincy Schools holding classes...

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As the third oldest American institution of higher learning to offer a curriculum on Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences is a school of alternative health care in Oakland. The Academy offers a master’s...

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Utilizing an academic foundation in traditional Chinese medicine, the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College is a school of healthcare in Berkeley. AIMC offers a 3-year master’s degree and a 4-year doctorate in Acupuncture & Integrative...

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Established in 1969, the American Film Institute Conservatory is a private institution located in Los Angeles, California, in the hills overlooking Hollywood. AFI Conservatory’s 8-acre campus provides students with nearby access to the city’s many...

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Established in 2001, Beaumont Adult School is a small, public institution located in California. Beaumont offers courses in Vocational Nursing and Phlebotomy, with a mandatory Pre-Nursing course required for students planning to enter the VN program...