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.

San Francisco, CA

Founded by Jesuits in the mid-nineteenth century, the University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university and the first university established in the city. The 55-acre urban campus located near Golden Gate Park is home to 49 academic majors...

“…

Considering the fact that USF has different types of students from different areas, I feel strong to say that I will definitely learn a lot throughout ethnicity, religion, and culture.

” – Laura from Tustin, CA

average act composite

1236

average sat composite

71%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$42,801

average net price

9,688

number of students

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California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in southern California and one of two polytechnic institutions in the Cal State system. Cal Poly Pomona is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. In...

“…

CPP's staff is unmatched in many ways. Being an architecture major, I've met some of the best in the field and have been taught by professors who have been in the business a long time. Some classes can be frustrating if you have a teacher who doesn't...

” – Beau from Napa, CA

average act composite

1143

average sat composite

55%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$14,457

average net price

27,503

number of students

Save to list

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

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...

“…

- 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

average act composite

1370

average sat composite

26%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,223

average net price

26,420

number of students

Save to list

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

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...

“…

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

average act composite

1342

average sat composite

30%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$20,491

average net price

22,000

number of students

Save to list

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA

The University of California-Riverside is a public institution on 1,200 acres of land in Southern California’s Inland Empire. A part of the UC system, UCR is home to colleges of Humanities, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring undergraduate...

“…

Academics at UCR is fast paced because it is on the quarter system, but that doesn't make it easier. Students are expected to learn the material and learn it fast. There are several ways to get help and to further understanding in a subject...

” – Kimberley from Tracy, CA

average act composite

1239

average sat composite

69%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$11,948

average net price

26,809

number of students

Save to list

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...

“…

I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...

” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA

average act composite

1139

average sat composite

77%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$15,995

average net price

35,751

number of students

Save to list

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...

“…

After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...

” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA

average act composite

1306

average sat composite

47%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$17,842

average net price

19,478

number of students

Save to list

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, 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

average act composite

1046

average sat composite

94%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$14,757

average net price

25,282

number of students

Save to list

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, 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

average act composite

1030

average sat composite

95%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$6,906

average net price

23,999

number of students

Save to list

Chapman University

Orange, CA

Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...

“…

Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...

” – theCollegeKid

average act composite

1296

average sat composite

73%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$44,327

average net price

10,014

number of students

Save to list

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA

Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Santa Clara University is a Jesuit Catholic university in Silicon Valley and the oldest institution of higher education in California. SCU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 academic majors and...

“…

The faculty offer much more than what textbooks can do. Not only that, but just seeing all different types of people from different backgrounds builds the social aspect as well as the classroom aspect. It's also very easy to get to know people since...

” – Bao from San Jose, CA

average act composite

1368

average sat composite

52%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$48,284

average net price

9,178

number of students

Save to list

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Formed by a merger between Marymount College and Loyola University, Loyola Marymount University is a private school affiliated with the Jesuit religion and one of the largest Roman Catholic universities on the West Coast. Spread across 142 acres in...

“…

The professors are all very down to earth. Professors here understand what information and knowledge is needed in the real world and wont try to fill your head up with unnecessary jargon.

” – Maribel from Los Angeles, CA

average act composite

1331

average sat composite

41%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$48,758

average net price

10,165

number of students

Colleges in California

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