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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Golden Gate University is a 4-year private university in San Francisco. GGU’s 13 departments of academic programs are focused on business and management, with many programs available entirely online. GGU provides tutors with master’s degrees in their...
Samuel Merritt University is a school of health science with three campuses in northern California and the largest provider of physical and occupational therapists in the East Bay. SMU is home to five undergraduate degree programs and four doctorate...
Founded as a training center for civilian soldiers in World War II, American River College is a 2-year community college in California’s state capital of Sacramento. ARC confers associate degrees and certificates in over 80 academic fields of study...
I am currently studying as a music major at American River College. The teachers are excellent and push you to become a better musician. For a community college, we have teachers that are willing to help their students through the internet, office...
” – Jessica from Sacramento, CAThe San Joaquin College of Law is a law school in the Fresno metropolitan area and the only legal institution in California’s San Joaquin valley. SJCL offers its law program in both 4-year, 5-year, and accelerated 3-year options, with students in the...
Casa Loma College is an institution of higher education focusing on allied health subjects. CLC offers associate degree-granting programs in four areas: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ARRT Primary Certification, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and...
San Diego Mesa College is a public community college based in San Diego, California. It is the largest community college in the city and part of the San Diego Community Colleges District. Noted programs include culinary arts and food service...
The professors here at Mesa are amazing!!! The professors and students alike are very helpful here. Academics are a major aspect of this college. If you want to go to a college where the students are friendly, the professors strict but helpful, many...
” – Amy from San Diego, CAThe American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles opened in 1974, a sister campus to the original New York one founded in 1884. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts teaches the process and preparation of acting as a craft through “an immersive...
Yes. I will learn a whole lot about theatre arts and acting.
” – Jessica from Irvine, CA
Los Angeles Harbor College is a public, 2-year institution established in Wilmington, California. LAHC academics feature the Harbor Advantage program, which is divided into two years (the Harbor Promise year and the Harbor Success year) and provides...
I learned as much as I could depending on how well the teachers and books presented the material. The classroom environment is relaxed so there's no pressure for deadlines and stuff like that.
” – LISETTE from San Pedro, CASan Joaquin Delta College is a community institution established in Stockton, California. The school offers programs to complete a wide variety of associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, with its primary focus being STEM and the arts...
the instructors are helpful and supportive. They aren't afraid to review and give out extra credit. They are willing to meet with students outside of class but they aren't afraid to really pile on the homework.
” – Alejandra from Stockton, CAThe California Western School of Law is a legal institution and the oldest law school in San Diego. California Western features a JD degree that can be paired with master’s degrees in Business Administration and Social Work. To gain legal expertise...
Claremont Graduate University is a private, graduate institution established in the state of California. CGU is one of seven institutions included in the Claremont Colleges consortium, which provides the colleges with a central library and other...
CGU is an amazing school and they have the best faculty I have ever seen. They are always opening opportunities for students to network and meet other students as well as professionals outside of the Claremont Consortium. Their programs are top notch...
” – Nasya from Azusa, CAFoothill College is a public, 2-year institution established in Los Altos Hills, California. Foothill’s 122-acre main campus is joined by a satellite learning center located in Sunnyvale, which features its own cafe, group study area, and a miniature...
After going to De Anza College for a year and not enjoying myself at all, I decided to try Foothill College and it has been one of the greatest decisions I've made. Most of the teachers are professors and they are all very supportive, motivational...
” – Megan from Santa Clara, CAEstablished in 1895, Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health is a public, 2-year institution located in California. The college offers an associate’s degree in Nursing and a variety of Allied Health courses. With a small student...
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...
Marshall B. Ketchum University is a private educational institution for health care studies. MBKU is divided into three colleges specializing in optometry, pharmacy, and physician assistant studies. The university’s three Ketchum Health facilities in...
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey is a private, graduate education institution established in California. MIIS offers 20 master’s degree programs, 5 joint master’s and bachelor’s degree programs, and 15 certificate and...
With a campus featuring the art deco landmark Bullocks Wilshire Building, Southwestern Law School is a legal institution in Los Angeles. In addition to its full-time day and part-time evening JD programs, Southwestern is the only law school in the...
Established in 1878, the University of California, Hastings College of the Law is a public law institution located in San Francisco. Hastings offers a three-year Juris Doctor program, as well as two multiple-degree programs in collaboration with UC...
The University of California-San Francisco is a health science research institution and part of the Cal system. UCSF is home to schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. To provide a hands-on education, the university utilizes facilities...
Western University of Health Sciences is a private, graduate institution established in Pomona, California, which is also home to the WesternU Patient Care Center and the Pet Health Center. Along with the main campus, the school also maintains an...
