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.

Los Angeles, CA

Founded in Los Angeles in 1887, Occidental College is a 4-year private liberal arts college in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most creative cities in the world. As one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast, Oxy offers more than 40 majors...

“…

The professors here really care about their students and offer as much help as they can. Doors are almost always open, and since each student receives an advisor, the relationship between professor and student is on a more equal level than most...

” – Zoë from Simi Valley, CA

average act composite

1386

average sat composite

39%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$41,102

average net price

1,942

number of students

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University of California-Merced

Merced, CA

Founded in 2005, the University of California-Merced is a 4-year public research institution in northern California and the first American research university opened in the 21st century. UC Merced is home to colleges of Social Sciences, Engineering...

“…

Obviously, just like any other school, if you put your mind to it, study, and do the work, you'll learn. Putting in effort to what you want to accomplish is the key. I am currently a freshman and am about to finish my 1st semester here. I'm taking...

” – Gabriel from Hercules, CA

average act composite

1100

average sat composite

89%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$14,272

average net price

9,103

number of students

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California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

“…

I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...

” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA

average act composite

1146

average sat composite

40%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$10,568

average net price

38,973

number of students

Save to list

University of Redlands

Redlands, CA

Centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert in the heart of Southern California, the University of Redlands offers more than 40 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs. The unique combination of liberal arts, pre...

“…

I just completed my freshman year here so I have not taken many classes, however, every class I have taken has taught me quite a bit. My favorite part about the classes is the size; even introductory classes are never above 40 students. In fact, I...

” – Alaina from Portland, OR

average act composite

1186

average sat composite

82%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$30,240

average net price

3,460

number of students

Save to list

Pomona College

Claremont, CA

Founded by Congregationalists in 1887, Pomona College is a private liberal arts school in the Los Angeles area and the founding member of the Claremont Colleges. Pomona confers bachelor’s degrees in 48 academic majors in the arts, social sciences...

“…

Pomona College provides for an excellent education. Each semester there are hundreds of classes that are offered in pretty much every subject matter imaginable. The fact that Pomona is part of the five college Claremont Consortium only means that...

”

average act composite

1480

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$30,392

average net price

1,716

number of students

Save to list

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

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...

“…

The courses at APU are amazing classes that stretch your intellect. I've learned so much over the course of the past year because my professors are wonderful people who know what they're teaching and are there for their students. APU is a Christian...

” – Audrey from Azusa, CA

average act composite

1146

average sat composite

87%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$31,367

average net price

7,169

number of students

Save to list

Biola University

La Mirada, 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

average act composite

1198

average sat composite

57%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$34,713

average net price

5,387

number of students

Save to list

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA

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...

“…

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

average act composite

1251

average sat composite

93%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$32,780

average net price

6,277

number of students

Save to list

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA

The California Institute of Technology is a 4-year private science and engineering university in Pasadena. Caltech confers undergraduate degrees in 28 scientific fields of study. In addition to classroom space, Caltech is home to several research...

“…

You will learn more than you thought was possible. Sometimes it will seem impossible. It isn't.

” – Kimberly from Bloomington, IL

average act composite

1557

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$33,565

average net price

2,401

number of students

Save to list

Whittier College

Whittier, CA

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 CA

average act composite

1135

average sat composite

75%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$28,647

average net price

1,192

number of students

Save to list

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University is a public school in California’s wine country and one of the smallest campuses in the California State University system. Sonoma State grants bachelor’s degrees in 46 academic programs including the only Wine Business...

“…

I am planning to major in Criminal Justice and minor in psychology and they have really good programs for both of them. The classes are small (about only 20-30) with some classes as big as 80. I like that the classes are small enough for me to get...

” – Cassie From San Francisco, CA

average act composite

1065

average sat composite

94%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,239

average net price

6,637

number of students

Save to list

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, 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

average act composite

985

average sat composite

91%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$8,492

average net price

19,803

number of students

Colleges in California

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