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.
Explore the Best Universities in California with Appily!
Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.
Founded as a teachers college in 1887, California State University-Chico is a 4-year public school in northern California and the second oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State is home to 10 colleges and schools...
Every class that I have taken at Chico State has taught me something I am able to refer to in other classes. The professors teach you above and beyond the class subject you picked including subject material and how that material can be applied to...
” – Jessica from Victorville, CA
Founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. PLU offers undergraduate degrees in over 60 fields of study and the university’s Office of Strengths and Vocation provides...
The school has a great academic atmosphere. Because of the policy prohibiting drugs or alcohol on campus, students can focus on learning and enjoy their studies in a healthy environment. The school provides great opportunities for extra-curricular...
” – Adam Corfman from San Diego, CA
University of La Verne is a nonprofit private school committed to supporting students as they pursue their passions and prepare for a lifetime of success. Founded in 1891, the university offers a distinctive learning experience in more than 40 majors...
The professors at ULV are amazing and so knowledgeable. All of my professors have been really approachable and helpful. They really want you to succeed in your academics.
” – Korynn from LA Puente, CA
With a campus nestled in the San Joaquin Valley, California State University-Bakersfield is a 4-year public school in southern California and part of the CSU system. CSUB is home to schools of Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Business, and Social...
This university is very small which is extremely beneficial, because it allows the professors to be able to work very closely, and often on a one-on-one basis, with their students. All of the professors that I've had know me by name, and this has...
” – Carolina
Whittier College is a private, hispanic-serving institution is located in Whittier, CA, with a mission to "prepare students from diverse backgrounds to excel in a complex global society." The liberal arts curriculum framework is centered around the...
Whittier is a small private school in the eclectic town of Whittier near Los Angeles, California. The classroom sizes are small, within the range of one teacher per 25 students. thus, there is a lot of one-on-one time with your professors. Also, this...
” – Ashley from CALa 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...
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
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...
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 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...
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
Founded in 1908, Biola University is an Evangelical Christian University in the Los Angeles metro area with a focus on Bible-centered education. Biola offers over 150 academic majors and programs and every student is required to complete 30 credits...
I have learned more during my Freshman year at Biola than I did any other year of high school. Not only have I been challenged in my Bible, General Education, and Intercultural Studies classes, but I have learned how a college student needs to...
” – Christine
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University Irvine is a school of liberal arts in southern California. CUI is home to five colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 26 academic majors and 50 specializations...
The ratio of student to Professor at Concordia is about 15:1. This means that each student receives personal attention. The Professors and other faculty really get to know each student. When it comes time to ask for a Professors Recommendation Letter...
” – Bianca from Irvine, CAWilliam Jessup University is a Christian, liberal arts university located in Rocklin, California. The university’s newly rebuilt campus received the Best Rebuild/Renovation Award from the Sacramento Business Journal, and features modern architecture...
William Jessup does a great job of making all students feel welcomed and apart of the small school community. This is a great school if you are looking for a Christian education with students and professors that actually care about you and your...
” – Chris from Orangevale, CAFounded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The private university is located at the base of San Pedro Mountain and operates a...
At Dominican, class sizes are, at most, twenty students per teacher; however, if you plan to major in nursing (a competitive major), be sure to expect classes of at least fifty students. All the teachers I have encountered have been easy to get along...
” – Amber from El Sobrante, CA
California State University-Los Angeles is a 4-year public university and part of the CSU System. Cal State LA is home to seven colleges granting undergraduate degrees in 57 academic majors. A federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, Cal...
I am learning a lot. Many of teachers are helpful and enjoy having students take advantage of their office hours.
” – Ivette from Los Angeles, CA
California State University-Fresno is a 4-year public school and the second largest university in the Cal State system. Fresno State encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees. In addition, Fresno State has been designated...
Even when taking my general ed. classes, I've learned more than what I've expected. The teachers that I've had this semester all seem thrilled about teaching and hearing student responses.
” – Zachary from Fresno, CA
With a campus nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, California State University-San Bernardino is a 4-year public institution and part of the Cal State system. An Hispanic-serving institution, Cal State San Bernardino is home to...
I am about to start my sophmore year in fall 2009 and cannot wait. My freshman year was amazing. I learned many things in class that I used outside of class. Professors take the time to answer questions students may have, and make convenient office...
” – Sandy from Apple Valley, CA
With campus situated on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding community, California State University-San Marcos is a 4-year public institution in southern California and part of the Cal State system. CSUSM is home to colleges of Humanities, Business...
This is my second year at CSUSM and I'm love with my school. Ever since the orientation day the staff and student organization made me feel welcome. They showed me the school, the library, the cafeteria, the bookstore, the labs and the buildings...
” – Luis from San Diego, CA
California State University, Monterey Bay is changing the way students experience college! Featuring a diverse student body on a campus located just one mile from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. California State University, Monterey Bay offers students...
The classes are not too large so the teachers have more one-on-one time with their students. The only problem are furlough days that take away more time to learn.
” – Pauline from Whittier, CA
Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...
I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.
” – Liza from Bolinas, CA
California State University-Sacramento is a 4-year public institution and a member of the Cal State system in California’s state capital. A Native American Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Hispanic-Serving institution, Sac State is home to seven...
You can say I've learned quite a lot since I've been here.
” – Judy from Sacramento, CAThe San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a music school in the heart of the Bay Area. In addition to departments specializing in voice and instrumental instruction, SFCM also features classes on conducting, music theory, humanities, and sciences...
