Most Affordable Colleges & Universities California
When you think of California colleges, the word expensive inevitably comes to mind. However, this doesn’t have to be the reality of attending a California school. With all the opportunities for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, coupled with practical lifestyle choices that can drive down the cost of living, attending college in California can actually be a decent financial route to take.
Graduating without student debt is a worthy and challenging goal, but it all boils down to choices. When it comes to money, tuition is only one aspect to consider. Graduating debt-free takes careful planning, good grades, deciding what luxuries you can go without, learning which grants you qualify for, and being vigilant in your search for scholarships.
California may actually turn out to be the most financially sound choice for your post-secondary education. Schools here take part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), an initiative that grants non-resident students from 16 different western states a variety of scholarships, and even offers them in-state tuition and discounts to help them graduate with little-to-no debt. To learn more about this program, see https://www.wiche.edu/wue/.
If you make informed choices, it is possible to enjoy college in California without the high price tag or the heavy burden of student debt. Knowing beforehand which California colleges are the most affordable can get you pointed in the right direction.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Colleges & Universities in California Fast Facts
- Fall enrollment (2017) = 2,714,051
- Degrees awarded in Montana (2016) = 594,854
- Median in-state public tuition (2016) = $5,472
- Median out-of-state tuition (2016) = $16,632
- Largest schools by number of degrees awarded = 1.University of Southern California, 2. Ashford University, 3. University of California-Los Angeles
Rankings
This ranking is based solely on the average net prices of colleges and universities in California.
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top colleges in California so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Most Affordable Colleges in California for 2021-2022
1. California State University – Los Angeles
Average Net Price: $3,792
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 46%
20-year ROI: $361,000
California State University-Los Angeles was founded in 1947. The college awards 129 bachelor’s degrees, 112 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degree programs both on-campus and through their online education portal. The 175-acre campus is home to just over 27,000 students. In-state students pay just over $6,400 per semester, while out-of-state students pay rates over $16,400. U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges sets CSU-L.A. at #13 among public universities, #52 among public and private universities, and #26 among Best Value Schools. The school ranks #139 in America’s Best Value Colleges, according to Forbes Magazine. Undoubtedly, CSU-LA one of the state’s most affordable colleges in the state. Washington Monthly ranked it at #6 in Master’s University rankings. On Money Magazine’s lists of 2018’s Best Colleges, it sits at #51 in the country.
University Rankings:
– Forbes: 594
– U.S. News and World Report: 52
2. California State University – Dominguez Hills
Average Net Price: $4,655
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 43%
20-year ROI: $356,000
Founded in 1960, California State University-Dominguez Hills is a public institution that is one of 23 schools operating within the CSU system. It currently enrolls just over 14,000 students, who either choose to attend classes on-campus or via the university’s online education portal. This school graduates more African American students each year than any other university in California. Numerous graduate, undergraduate, and teaching degrees are available through its programs, including 46 undergraduate and 23 different master’s degrees. The average tuition rate per semester is just over $8,900 for in-state students, and though it is more than twice that cost for out-of-state students, more than 70% receive financial aid. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges both accredit this institution.
– Ranked 32 in ‘Top Public Schools’ by U.S. News and World Report
– #88 ‘Regional Universities West’
3. California State University – Northridge
Average Net Price: $5,703
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 51%
20-year ROI: $424,000
Founded in 1958 as what was once known as San Fernando Valley College, now California State University-Northridge is a large institution with a student enrollment of over 30,000 students. Despite its large size, the school remains one of the cheapest colleges in California. Approximately 85% of all students receive financial aid to cover the average $6,958 per semester cost. The school offers both on-campus and online degree programs. Students can choose from 134 different bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 70 fields like social work, humanities, and many more. The school has a 51% graduation rate. Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission, CSU-Northridge has the largest undergraduate population out of the 23-campus CSU system. It ranks as one of the largest comprehensive universities in the U.S.
– Ranked 29th in the nation for 2019 ‘Best Colleges’ by Money magazine
– 124th in the country in 2014 ‘Best Colleges’ by The Daily Beast
– 21st ‘Best Bang for the Buck -West ranking’ by Washington Monthly
– 92nd in the 2019 ‘America’s Best Value Colleges’ by Forbes. 300 universities were included in this roundup.
4. California State University – Fresno
Average Net Price: $5,872
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 56%
20-year ROI: $433,000
Founded on 346 acres of scenic Sierra Nevada land 1911, California State University-Fresno initially operated as a teaching school but has since expanded to accommodate around 24,449 students each year. With over 60 areas of study and 40 different master’s degree programs available, students can easily earn a degree in a field they love. The U.S. News and World Report ranks this school at #205. For in-state students, tuition averages $6,940 per semester, and just over $18,000 for out-of-state students. The four-year university offers both on-campus and online degree programs. Online degree options include psychology, business, journalism, English language & literature, computer and information services, and health services, and many others.
– #205 ‘National Universities’
– #112 ‘Top PublicSchools’
5. California State University – Stanislaus
Average Net Price: $6,295
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 55%
20-year ROI: $380,000
Ranked at #48 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, California State University-Stanislaus enrolls just over 9,000 students annually. The tuition rate for in-state students is currently $21,886 per year, while out-of-state students pay $33,766. More than 100 different degree program options make it easy for students to discover their perfect career paths in fields like accounting, anthropology, mathematics, applied behavioral science, archeology, language arts, and many more. The university was founded in 1957 in Turlock, and today it has one of the highest acceptance rates of all California colleges: a promising 71%.
– #17 ‘Best Regional Teaching’ U.S. News and World Report
– #10 ‘Top Public Schools’ U.S. News and World Report
6. California State University – San Bernardino
Average Net Price: $8,519
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 54%
20-year ROI: $342,000
California State University-San Bernardino has offered education to approximately 22,000 students every year since it first opened its doors in 1965. The campus sits on 441 scenic acres within the university district of San Bernadino. A total of 138 different degree programs are offered at the school, including accounting and finance, business administration, early education, natural sciences, nursing, and several others. A separate campus location in Palm Desert hosts CSU-SB’s graduate students. The average per-semester tuition rate for in-state students is $6,043, but more than 75% of all students receive financial aid to cover all or a portion of their tuition costs. Money magazine ranked the university #14 among 2014’s ‘Best Colleges.’
Rankings:
– Forbes: 515
– U.S. News and World Report: 54
7. California State University – Fullerton
Average Net Price: $8,737
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 64%
20-year ROI: $422,000
California State University-Fullerton is situated on 236 scenic acres of southern California’s former citrus groves. Since its founding in 19556, this school has cultivated an atmosphere of relaxation, fun, and high-level academics. It is the largest of the 23 universities within the CSU system, as well as the entire state. Annual enrollment sits at about 40,000 students. In 2016, the annual tuition rate for in-state students was $6,043 per semester. The university offers 109 different degree programs, including three doctoral degrees, 57 bachelor’s degrees, and 52 graduate-level degrees. A few of the most popular programs are American history, nursing, art, women and gender studies, sociology, information technology, and geology, as well as many others. U.S. News and World Report ranked the school’s online system at #11 among the Best Online Programs of 2011.
– Top 100 Universities in the Nation- Forbes Magazine
– Best 294 Business Schools – Princeton Review
– 2014 Best Colleges -Money Magazine
8. California State University – Long Beach
Average Net Price: $9,423
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 69%
20-year ROI: $431,000
Since its founding in 1949, CSU-Long Beach has become the third-largest of the 23 universities within the California State University system. An average of 32,740 students attend this university each year, and for in-state students, the average annual tuition rate is $6,452. With a 28% acceptance rate, it is one of the more difficult institutions to get admitted to. There are 82 different bachelor’s, 65 master’s, and four doctoral degree programs available, covering disciplines in natural science, mathematics, business administration, liberal arts, and many others. U.S. News and World Reports ranked CSU-Long Beach as the fifth most diverse school in the state.
– U.S. News and World Reports #26 ‘Best Regional Universities in the West’
– U.S. News and World Reports #2 ‘Top Public Schools’
9. California State University – San Marcos
Average Net Price: $11,029
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 53%
20-year ROI: $371,000
Founded in 1989, California State University-San Marcos is a public institution that enrolls 13,893 students annually. Tuition averages $7,714 per semester, making it among the higher-priced schools in the CSU system, but around 80% of students receive financial aid. The university consists of four schools of study and offers students over 60 different bachelor’s and15 master’s programs, an E.d.D. program, and awards 13 types of teaching credentials. Students often pursue degrees in the arts, education, business, science, health, and many other fields. More than 100 student organizations ensure student engagement with school policy, as well. With a 67% admission rate, applicants who meet the minimum requirements should have no problem claiming a spot on CSU-San Marcos’s roster.
– Niche gives CSU- San Marcos an overall grade of “B”
– #268 ‘Top Public Universities’
– #266 ‘Best College Campuses in America’
10. California State University – Monterey Bay
Average Net Price: $11,167
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 58%
20-year ROI: $301,000
California State University-Monterey Bay is situated on a former U.S. Army base in Seaside and was founded in 1994 as a mid-size four-year university. Today, it has a 53% acceptance rate and an annual enrollment rate of about 6,400 students. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Niche.com gives the school an overall grade rating of B-. The most popular areas of study focus in fields like humanities, liberal arts, business, and psychology. Tuition rates average about $9,000 per year, but around 88% of students receive financial aid. Around 60% of all students graduate and go on to earn average starting salaries of $47,640/yr within their respective fields.
– #342 ‘Best College Locations in America’
– #186 ‘Most Liberal Colleges in America’
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges Ranking
11. California State University – East Bay
Average Net Price: $11,566
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 45%
20-year ROI: $513,000
California State University-East Bay was founded in 1957. According to Niche.com, the university earned a C+ letter grade for its diversity, academics, athletes, and value. With additional off-site campuses in Hayward, Concord, and Oakland, this institution enrolls just over 11,000 students per year, upholding a 76% acceptance rate. A substantial 42% of students successfully graduate and begin careers with starting salaries that average around $40,600/yr. CSU-East Bay offers 52 different undergraduate degrees, 39 master’s degrees, and even a teacher’s education program. Business, psychology, liberal arts, computer science, and health sciences are among the most popular majors.
– #17 ‘Best Undergraduate Teaching’ U.S. News and World Report
– #117 ‘Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs’ U.S. News and World Report
12. University of California – Riverside
Average Net Price: $12,344
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 74%
20-year ROI: $469,000
Founded in 1954, the University of California Riverside is a four-year public research institution with an average annual enrollment of 20,581 undergraduate students. It is one of the largest of nine schools within the UC system. The average tuition rate is just over $13,000 per year. The U.S. News and World Report ranked it at #85 among Top Public Universities and #5 among the most ethnically diverse colleges nationwide. UC-Riverside has a 50.3% acceptance rate, and some of its most popular majors are in fields like business, psychology, and biology. Niche.com gave it an overall grade rating of B+ based on student life, academics, costs, and a variety of other factors.
– #58 ‘Most Liberal Colleges in America’
– #103 ‘Top Public Universities in America’
13. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
Average Net Price: $13,068
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 67%
20-year ROI: $590,000
Ranked #28 among Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona was founded in 1938 on more than 1,400 acres of scenic, southern California land. Annual tuition for in-state students is $7,297, while out-of-state students pay $19,111 per year. Better known as Cal Poly Pomona, the university is widely recognized for its engineering program, which is one of the best in the state. This university graduates one of every 14 engineers in California. It consists of eight different schools of study, offering 94 majors and 39 master’s degrees, 13 teaching credentials, and a doctorate program. The Department of Homeland Defense has designated Cal Poly Pomona as one of six state schools that qualify as a Center of Academic Excellence.
– #268 Money Magazine 2016 ‘Best Colleges’
– #273 Forbes 2019 ‘America’s Best Colleges’
– #159 The Daily Beast 2014 ‘Best Colleges’
14. Stanford University
Average Net Price: $13,261
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 94%
20-year ROI: $1,002,000
Stanford University is the #2 Best College in America, enrolling an average of 7,064 students per year despite maintaining a very competitive acceptance rate of 5%. Students pay averages of $16,542 per year, but approximately 60% use some form of financial alleviate costs. Approximately 94% of all Stanford students go on to graduate and work in careers that earn them starting salaries upwards of $70,500/yr. Engineering, biology, and computer science are three of the university’s most popular fields, although there are many others to choose from. The university was founded in 1885 and has grown into a prestigious, well-respected institution of higher learning. First-year students live on-campus, and housing is guaranteed to every student for all four years of their education.
– #1 Best Universities for Psychology
– #1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
– #7 National Universities
15. University of California – Irvine
Average Net Price: $13,376
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 86%
20-year ROI: $594,000
The University of California-Irvine hosts over 36,000 students each year, set conveniently between LA and San Diego, just 15 min from beautiful beaches. With an acceptance rate of 41%, this university is a bit more on the selective side. It offers over 80 different degree programs to choose from, including African American history, nursing, quantitative economics, education, and many more. In 2016, more people graduated from this school with biology degrees than any other major. Annual tuition for in-state students is just over $14,500, while out-of-state students pay around $43,353 yearly. The university has an 86% graduation rate. The university has over 222 degree programs to choose from, including African American History, Nursing, Quantitative Economics, Education, and many others. In 2019, more people graduated from school with Biology degrees than any other major. With an acceptance rate of 35%, this university is a bit more selective in the students they accept than some of the other institutions.
– #1 ‘Best Colleges’ Money
– #1 ‘Best Value Schools’ Forbes
– #3 ‘Social Mobility’ U.S. News & World Report
– #9 ‘Top Public Schools’ U.S. News & World Report
– #36 ‘National Universities’ U.S. News and World Report
– #15 ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’ U.S. News & World Report
– #2 ‘Cool Schools’ Sierra Magazine
16. San Francisco State University
Average Net Price: $13,787
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 53%
20-year ROI: $458,000
Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University was first known as the San Francisco State Normal School but changed its name in 1974. At their six campus locations, the school offers 118 bachelor’s and 94 master’s degrees, 26 teaching credentials, and five doctoral degree programs. The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities certifies the institution, and PayScale and Collegenet rank it at #12 among top universities in the US. It is also one of the only schools in the state to offer a degree in professional and technical writing. The College of Liberal Arts, Cinema Department, was named as one of the World’s Top Film Schools by Variety magazine. The university has a 70% acceptance rate and graduates 54% of its students. Biology, business, and psychology are among the most popular degrees SFSU students pursue.
– #21 ‘Most Liberal Colleges in America’
– #174 ‘Most Diverse Colleges in America’
17. San Diego State University
Average Net Price: $14,030
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 74%
20-year ROI: $453,000
At its 1897 founding, San Diego State University was dubbed the San Diego Normal School, but it was renamed officially in 1974. Today, the 288-acre campus sees about 23,000 students each year. In-state tuition averages around $7,084, and out-of-state tuition sits at $18,244. The university offers 96 different bachelor’s, 80 master’s, and 21 doctoral degrees. SDSU students take special interest in fields like aerospace engineering, aviation, finance, journalism and media studies, kinesiology, nursing, real estate, and many others. As a university, San Diego State operates primarily as a research institution, providing groundbreaking research on medical issues like autism, heart disease, and cancer. It is one of the top entrepreneurial schools in the country and is also nationally recognized for its veterans’ programs. SDSU’s campus is a place of diversity, with more than half of the student population being people of color. Over 60 Fulbright scholars have come from SDSU (a figure topped only by UC-Berkely). According to Niche.com, San Diego State University ranks #9 among California’s Top Public Universities.
18. University of California – Los Angeles
Average Net Price: $14,309
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 91%
20-year ROI: $649,000
The University of California-Los Angeles opened its doors in 1919. Today, around 45,428 students attend the university each year, making it the fourth largest of the UC campuses. The school accepts just 17% of applicants, making it one of the most competitive institutions in the state. Tuition rates for in-state students average $12,458 per year. UCLA is divided into six different undergraduate schools of study, four health science schools, and seven professional schools. Many students pursue degrees in fields like health and science, nursing, theater, biology, psychology, or journalism. The school graduates 91% of its students. Overall, the University of California-Los Angeles earned an overall grade rating of A+ based on criteria such as student life, academics, campus, location, and cost. It ranks #19 among National Universities and #1 among public universities, according to US News and World Report.
– #4 ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’
– #23 ‘Most Innovative Schools’
– #1 ‘Top Public Schools’
– #1 ‘Best College Food in America’
– #18 ‘Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
19. San Jose State University
Average Net Price: $14,627
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 59%
20-year ROI: $632,000
Established in 1857 on 154 acres of the gorgeous California coast, San Jose University is home to approximately 26,800 students. This school upholds an acceptance rate of 67%. Tuition sits around $7,749 for in-state and $17,300 for out-of-state students, but about 63% receive financial aid to help offset those costs. The school hosts over 350 student organizations and maintains a graduation rate of 57%. Marketing, Business, Economics, and Management are among the most popular degrees pursued by SJSU students, although there are 145 different bachelor’s and master’s degree options. This university is one of the top graduate suppliers in Silicon Valley. It also ranks as one of the most diverse colleges in the country. According to Niche.com, it earns an overall grade rating of B- based on academic factors, athletics, diversity, value, and other constituents. The school also sits at #33 among Regional Universities West, according to U.S. News and World Report.
– #18 ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’
– #5 ‘Top Public Schools’
– #52 ‘Best Value Schools’
20. University of California – San Diego
Average Net Price: $14,630
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 86%
20-year ROI: $716,000
The University of California-San Diego was founded in 1960 on 2,141 acres, making the campus one of the largest in the state. Currently, enrollment sits at around 25,587 students annually. In-state tuition fees sit at $14,507, while out-of-state costs linger around $42,074. Despite there being over 200 different undergraduate and graduate programs available, general biology, computer engineering, economics, psychology, and electronics are among the most popular. UCSD also hosts 19 organized research units, such as the Center for Energy Research and the Marine Physical Laboratory. This university has a 34% acceptance rate, making it a highly competitive institution, and the school graduates 85% of students. Overall, UC-San Diego sits at #31 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Top Universities in America.
– #12 ‘Top Public Schools’
– #127 ‘Best Value Schools’
– #45 ‘Most innovative Schools’
21. University of California – Davis
Average Net Price: $15,737
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 85%
20-year ROI: $587,000
Situated on 5,300 acres of northern California woodlands, the University of California-Davis is home to over 30,000 students each year. Average tuition for in-state students is around $14,046 and $43,728 for out-of-state students (including room and board). Initially established as a farm school for UC-Berkely in 1905, this institution has grown into a public research and land-grant university. It is slightly selective, with an acceptance rate of only 44%. The university graduates 85% of students who go on to careers that earn average starting salaries of $40,000/yr. Popular majors at UC-Davis include research and experimental psychology, and managerial economics, although there are 104 undergraduate and 96 different graduate programs available. The Academic Ranking of World Universities sets UC-Davis at #45 in the nation. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it sits at #30 among Top Public Universities.
– #16 ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’
– #24 ‘Best Undergraduate Teaching’
– #94 Forbes ‘ Best Colleges in the Nation’
– #5 Money magazine ‘Best Colleges for Your Money’
22. University of California – Santa Barbara
Average Net Price: $15,764
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 82%
20-year ROI: $605,000
As the third-oldest of the ten schools within the UC system, the University of California-Santa Barbara was initially an independent teachers’ college when it opened its doors in 1891. Today, it is considered a Public Ivy college and hosts five different schools of study, offering a total of 87 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs. A few of the most popular degrees are in fields like psychology, sociology, and economics. The university also hosts two different undergraduate research programs. Student enrollment sits at approximately 25,992 each year, with 33% acceptance and a graduation rate of 81%. U.S. News & World Report recognizes it as one of the most selective schools in the country and ranks it at #30 among National Universities. According to Niche.com, UCSB earned an overall grade rating of A+ based on academics, student life, athletics, value, and many other factors.
– #15 ‘Top Universities in America’
– #15 ‘Best Big Colleges in America’
– #93 ‘Best Colleges’ by Money Magazine 2013
23. Pomona College
Average Net Price: $15,840
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 95%
20-year ROI: $573,000
In 1887, the Education Committee of the Association of Congregational Churches in Southern California established Pomona College in Claremont, California. Today, it enrolls approximately 1,700 students each year, and with an acceptance rate of only 17%, admission is competitive. The school hosts 48 different programs of study and boasts much smaller class sizes than many of the state’s other universities. Physics and astronomy, art, history, biology, neuroscience, political studies, computer science, Spanish, and theater are among the most popular courses Pomona has to offer. Annual in-state tuition fees average around $52,183, but about 67% of students receive financial aid. The school’s online program options are also top-rated, and many students participate in distance learning as an alternative to campus living. Pomona College sits at #1 among the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America, earning an overall grade rating of A+ from Niche.com.
– #1 Most Diverse Colleges in America
– #1 Best Small Colleges in America
– #1 Best Liberal Arts College in America
24. University of California – Berkeley
Average Net Price: $15,859
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 91%
20-year ROI: $854,000
Established in 1868, the University of California-Berkeley offers more than 350 graduate and undergraduate programs. More than 29,000 students receive instruction at the university annually. It operates 14 different schools of study, including the School of Optometry and the colleges of engineering, chemistry, the School of Law, and the Goldman School of Public Safety. On the Academic Ranking of World Universities, UC-Berkeley placed fifth. Times’ Higher Education World Reputation Rankings consistently named it as one of the top six most prestigious universities in the world. Average in-state tuition sits at around $13,509 annually, while out-of-state averages $40,191, but approximately 46% of students receive financial aid. According to Niche.com, UC-Berkeley earned an overall grade rating of A+, placing at #6 among Top Public Universities in America.
– U.S. News & World Report #5 international universities
– The Center for World University Rankings #6 ‘Quality Education’
– World Reputation Rankings ‘Six Super Brands’ (Along with colleges such as MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge)
– U.S. News & World Reports #2 ‘Best Public Universities’
25. Fresno Pacific University
Average Net Price: $16,177
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 64%
20-year ROI: $262,000
Fresno Pacific University opened its doors in 1944, and today, with an acceptance rate of 76%, the school enrolls 2,342 students per year. Tuition costs average around $40,328 annually, but 87% of students receive some form of financial aid. The private, co-educational school works in close affiliation with the Mennonite Brethren Church, offering students a choice of degrees in 40 different fields and 100 areas of study. Some of the most popular majors are in fields like organizational behavior studies, homeland security/law enforcement, child development, and elementary education. With an impressive graduation rate of 64% and a graduation guarantee awarded to every student, the university has the highest of any school in the Central Valley area. In addition to its main 50-acre campus, FPU has four different satellite locations. It sits at #465 among the Best Colleges in America, and overall, Niche.com gave it a grade rating of B+ based on value, athletics, student life, academics, and other factors.
– #39 ‘Regional Universities West’
– #66 ‘Best Colleges for Education in America’
26. University of California – Santa Cruz
Average Net Price: $17,877
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 77%
20-year ROI: $454,000
UC-Santa Cruz was founded in 1965. Currently, the institution ranks it at #10 among top public universities in California, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Average enrollment sits at around 17,560 students in total, with a graduation rate of around 77%. In 2017, in-state tuition averaged $13,539 per year, with out-of-state tuition sitting at approximately $40,221. The UC’s active campus life keeps students fully engaged in their education, and with a campus spanning more than 2,000 acres at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Cruz students enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Activities such as hiking, biking, camping, or long drives down the beautiful California coast are readily available to campus residents. The college itself supports over 150 different student organizations and is known for graduating the highest number of engineers in the state. A wide variety of courses are offered at the university. Some of the most popular majors and degrees are in fields such as psychology, sociology, business economics, molecular biology, computer and information sciences, and sociology.
– #37 Best Colleges for Veterans
– #26 Best Undergraduate Teaching
27. California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
Average Net Price: $19,979
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 79%
20-year ROI: $722,000
Ranked #36 in top universities in America by the U.S. News & World Report, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a large institution that hosts upwards of 20,500 students per year. The university accepts 35% of applicants and graduates 79% of students. In-state tuition fees average around $9,075, and out-of-state costs sit at around $20,235. Cal Poly offers students 30 different graduate degree programs and 70 majors for undergraduate students. The school’s engineering program is one of the most popular in the state, and the school’s other popular programs span across fields like agriculture, business management, biology and biomedical sciences, marketing, management, and social sciences.
– #12 ‘Regional Universities’
– #6 ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’
– #1 ‘Most Innovative Schools’
– #8 ‘Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs’
28. Pacific Union College
Average Net Price: $20,995
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 51%
20-year ROI: $341,000
Founded in 1882, Pacific Union College was the 12th college ever founded in the state. Pacific Union College is a liberal arts institution located in Napa Valley, California, and operates as the only four-year university in the county. The private, Christian-based school enrolls approximately 1,100 students per year. With a 50% acceptance rate, there is a competitive application process — the school graduates around 55% of its students. Tuition costs are $28,439 per year. Around 43% of students attending Pacific Union college use financial aid to help cover costs. The institution offers just one master’s degree program, but there are 70 different undergraduate degree programs available. Some of the most popular programs concentrate in areas like nursing, business, wellness studies, and nutrition. Overall, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Pacific Union College at #2 among national liberal arts colleges for campus ethnic diversity, #4 in best value schools, and #10 among best regional colleges west.
– #250 Best Colleges for Communication in America
– #272 Best Colleges for Biology in America
29. California Institute of Technology
Average Net Price: $24,245
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 91%
20-year ROI: $1,036,000
Founded in 1891 in Pasadena, California, the state’s Institute of Technology (CalTech) is a private institution that emphasizes education in the fields of business and technology. Tuition fees average $52,362 per year and, although on-campus housing is available, more than 80% of students live off-campus. The relatively small institute enrolls just under 1,000 students per year. The school also maintains an extremely competitive 8% acceptance rate. Physics, mechanical engineering, and computer science are among the most popular majors and degrees offered at CalTech, although students have 24 different majors. Approximately 89% of all students graduate from CalTech.
– #9 Best Value Schools
– #2 Best Small Colleges in America
– #2 Best Colleges for Chemistry in America
30. Whittier College
Average Net Price: $25,322
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 66%
20-year ROI: $300,000
Founded in 1887, Whittier College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college that enrolls around 1,978 students each year. Tuition rates average around $44,774 for in-state students, 78% of which receive financial aid. The college has a 74% acceptance rate and is ranked #108 among best liberal arts college by the U.S. News & World Report. Whittier offers 30 majors and 30 minors in 23 different areas of discipline like business, political science, physical education, and government. Whittier maintains a graduation rate of 69%. The institution has a 12 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, which is appreciated by students who prefer smaller class sizes. The Princeton Review also includes Whittier in its list of best liberal arts colleges.
– #8 Most Liberal Colleges in America
– #143 Best Liberal Colleges in America
– #141 Best Colleges in America for Political Sciences
31. University of La Verne
Average Net Price: $25,429
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 66%
20-year ROI: $371,000
Founded in 1891 in La Verne, California, the University of La Verne is a private institution that sits at #369 among best colleges in America, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Niche.com awarded the university an overall grade rating of B+ based on the school’s high-quality academics, athletics, and campus. La Verne hosts around 3,700 students each year, and the university’s tuition rates average around $43,050 annually. The school maintains a 48% acceptance rate, which is slightly higher for early applicants. La Verne Online is a comprehensive curriculum option for students who are full-time employees. The most popular majors are in fields like business, liberal arts & humanities, and psychology. 66-percent of students graduate.
– #82 Best Colleges in America for Criminal Justice
– #112 Most Diverse Colleges in America
32. Hope International University
Average Net Price: $25,607
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 46%
20-year ROI: $111,000
Founded in 1928, Hope International University is a private Christian institution located in Fullerton, California. The school sits at #77 among regional universities west according to the U.S. News and World Report. Hope International’s annual tuition sits at around $33,033. With an acceptance rate of just 28%, the admission process is highly selective. Around 66% of students use financial aid to help mitigate costs. Approximately 1,232 students attend the university each year. Hope International consists of five schools of study that offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like the social sciences, liberal arts & sciences, business administration and management, human development, and social sciences. The university graduates 48% of its students.
– #17 Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America
– #82 Safest College Campuses in America
33. California Lutheran University
Average Net Price: $25,871
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 72%
20-year ROI: $397,000
Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University is a private liberal arts and sciences university that operates in affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The school’s main campus is located in Thousand Oaks, with several additional satellite locations across the state. It sits at #15 among best regional universities west and enrolls around 4,236 students per year with a 73% acceptance rate. Annual tuition for in-state students averages $42,696 annually. Around 75% of all students use financial aid to mitigate tuition costs. Students can choose from 36 majors and 34 different minors. Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and Exercise Science are among the most popular majors offered. The university graduates 72% of its students within six years.
– #83 Best Christian Colleges in America
– #131 Best College Dorms in America
– #134 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
34. Simpson University
Average Net Price: $26,753
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 52%
20-year ROI: $126,000
Founded in 1921, Simpson University is a small private college located in Redding, California. The school ranks at #91 among the U.S. News and World Report in best colleges and universities regional west. The small school enrolls about 619 students each year with an acceptance rate of 56%. Annual tuition is around $27,700 for in-state students, but many use financial aid to help pay the costs of college. Several undergraduate, graduate, and teaching programs are available at the university. The most popular degrees include psychology, business, and nursing. About 80% of students live on campus, and the graduation rate sits at about 57%.
– #72 Best Colleges for Religious Studies
– #265 Best College Dorms in America
– #269 Best Colleges for Nursing in America
35. Pitzer College
Average Net Price: $28,423
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 85%
20-year ROI: $254,000
Located in the scenic foothills of Claremont, California, Pitzer College sits at #39 among best liberal arts schools in America, according to the U.S. News and World Report. The college was founded in 1963, and the curriculum focuses in fields like the behavioral and social sciences, media studies, and international programs. Annual tuition rates average around $52,246 yearly, and the institution enrolls about 1,046 students each year. With only a 16% acceptance rate, the competition for admission is relatively stiff. However, if an applicant earned a GPA of 3.5 or better, the institution does not require them to submit ACT or SAT scores during the admissions process. Environmental science, communications, and psychology are three of the most popular majors offered. Pitzer graduates 83% of its students.
– #8 Best Test Optional Schools in America
– #28 Best Colleges for Anthropology & Sociology in America
– #35 Best Colleges for Communication in America
36. University of the Pacific
Average Net Price: $29,171
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 69%
20-year ROI: $513,000
Founded in 1851 in Stockton, California, the University of the Pacific is a private institution known for being the oldest chartered school in the state. The university has an annual in-state tuition cost of around $48,080, but many students use financial aid to mitigate costs. It earned an overall grade rating of A- from Niche.com based on criteria like admissions, value, social life, and athletics. The university enrolls 3,400 undergraduate students each year, maintaining an acceptance rate of around 65%. Biology, humanities, business, and liberal arts are among the most popular courses offered. The school graduates about 70% of its students every year, and the U.S. News and World Report ranked it at #106 among national universities.
– #152 Best Colleges for Biology in America
– #158 Best Value Colleges in America
– #175 Top Private Universities in America
37. University of Southern California
Average Net Price: $30,232
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 92%
20-year ROI: $608,000
Ranked at #22 in national universities by the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Southern California (USC) is a four-year private institution located in the heart of Los Angeles that was founded in 1880. With two main campuses, the school runs more than 100 different programs over a wide range of fields. The school charges $56,225 in tuition per year. Around 36,480 students attend annually, and USC enrolls more international students than any other college in California. With an acceptance rate of just 17%, USC students are highly competitive, especially in fields like biology, business, and communications. The school graduates 92% of its students, many of whom go on to earn $53,800 annually in their starting positions.
– #37 Best Value Schools
– #1 Colleges With the Best Student Life in America
– #1 Best Colleges for Design in America
– #1 Best Colleges for Film & Photography in America
38. Santa Clara University
Average Net Price: $33,738
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 89%
20-year ROI: $744,000
Santa Clara University is a Jesuit institution located just an hour from San Francisco. It offers degrees from the bachelors’ to doctorate levels through its college of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Counseling Psychology, School of Law, School of Engineering, Leavey School of Business, and the Jesuit School of Theology. Santa Clara’s student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1, and the average freshman retention rate is 95%. According to USNews.com, the school maintains an acceptance rate of 50%. Former governor Janet Napolitano and professional basketball player Steve Nash are just two names in Santa Clara’s list of notable alumni. With a variety of student activities and a staff of accomplished faculty, Santa Clara University ranks highly for its academics and campus life.
-#53 in National Universities (US News)
-#23 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
39. Pepperdine University
Average Net Price: $33,814
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 86%
20-year ROI: $449,000
The main campus of Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California that operates as a private Christian university. The school has nationally-ranked business and law programs, as well as a legacy of athletic success. It also sits at #9 in Niche.com’s list of best Christian colleges in America and #1 among best Christian colleges in California. With two-thirds of the student body studying abroad every year, Pepperdine also carries the #11 spot on USNews.com’s list of top study abroad schools.
-#50 in National Universities
-#43 in Best Value Schools
40. University of San Diego
Average Net Price: $34,752
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 80%
20-year ROI: $441,000
Founded in 1949, the University of San Diego is a private, Roman Catholic university that is known as one of America’s most beautiful college campuses by Travel+Leisure. However, the school is known for more than its good looks. In 2015, it ranked third in the world for entrepreneurship by Financial Times. The USD School of Law is also a Tier 1 law school, which places it among the top 14% in the country. Outside of academics, students enjoy a very active and balanced lifestyle, reflecting the colorful culture of San Diego.
-#91 in National Universities
-#66 in Best Value Schools
41. Chapman University
Average Net Price: $39,228
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 79%
20-year ROI: $352,000
Chapman University is a private university located in Orange, California. The town has served as the backdrop for movies like That Thing You Do! and Big Momma’s House, and Disneyland and Long Beach are just a short thirty-minute drive away. Academically, Chapman’s philosophy is to provide students with as much experience as possible during their time at the university. The Schmid College of Science and Technology provides students with a variety of research opportunities, and students are also encouraged to study abroad and collaborate with a faculty of Nobel laureates, Academy Award winners, and several published authors. Chapman is also distinguished by the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, which hosts an annual remembrance art and writing contest as part of its institutional commission.
-#63 in Most Innovative Schools
-#76 in First-Year Experiences
42. Loyola Marymount University
Average Net Price: $40,676
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%
20-year ROI: $467,000
Loyola Marymount University is a private Jesuit establishment located in Los Angeles, California, instituted during the Loyola College and Marymount College 1970 merger. LMU consists of seven different schools of study, offering 60 majors and 55 minors at the undergraduate level, 39 different masters‘ degrees, three doctorate programs, and 10 different certification programs. Loyola Marymount’s psychology and English programs both rank in the top 9% of the country. Besides academics, the university also supports a creative learning environment for students interested in media and entertainment. The school promotes a student-run television network and campus newspaper. With 93% of graduates employed two years after graduation, it’s evident that an LMU education is well worth the investment.
-#21 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
-#30 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
43. California Institute of the Arts
Average Net Price: $46,101
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 67%
20-year ROI: $227,000
The California Institute of the Arts was founded in 1962 in the L.A. suburb of Santa Clarita, very close to America’s largest movie studios. It is known for being the country’s first university dedicated solely to the visual and performance arts. The school offers bachelors’, masters’, and doctorate degrees through its six different schools of study: art, dance, film/video, music, theater, and critical studies. Like many colleges, CalArts focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to education but its primary mission has always been to prepare students for their professional artistic careers. The school’s biggest claim to fame so far may be its animation program, which claims nearly every recognizable animator in Hollywood as an alumnus, including Pixar’s John Lasseter and notable filmmaker Tim Burton. Overall, Niche.com ranks the school at #3 among the best colleges for film and photography.
-#7 Best Colleges for Design in America (Niche.com)
-#11 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
List of Colleges and Universities in California
| School Name | City | State | Setting |
| Academy for Jewish Religion-California | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences | Oakland | CA | City |
| Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College-Berkeley | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Allan Hancock College | Santa Maria | CA | City |
| American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American Baptist Seminary of the West | Berkeley | CA | City |
| American Conservatory Theater | San Francisco | CA | City |
| American Film Institute Conservatory | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American Jewish University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American River College | Sacramento | CA | Suburb |
| Annenberg School of Nursing | Reseda | CA | City |
| Antelope Valley College | Lancaster | CA | Suburb |
| Antioch University-Los Angeles | Culver City | CA | Suburb |
| Antioch University-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Art Center College of Design | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa | CA | Suburb |
| Azusa Pacific University College | San Dimas | CA | Suburb |
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield | CA | City |
| Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education | Baldwin Park | CA | Suburb |
| Barstow Community College | Barstow | CA | Town |
| Beaumont Adult School | Beaumont | CA | Suburb |
| Bergin University of Canine Studies | Rohnert Park | CA | Suburb |
| Berkeley City College | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Bethel Seminary-San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| Bethesda University | Anaheim | CA | City |
| Biola University | La Mirada | CA | Suburb |
| Brandman University | Irvine | CA | City |
| Butte College | Oroville | CA | Rural |
| Butte County Regional Occupational Program | Chico | CA | City |
| Cabrillo College | Aptos | CA | Suburb |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | CA | City |
| California Christian College | Fresno | CA | City |
| California College of the Arts | San Francisco | CA | City |
| California Institute of Advanced Management | El Monte | CA | Suburb |
| California Institute of Integral Studies | San Francisco | CA | City |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena | CA | City |
| California Institute of the Arts | Valencia | CA | Suburb |
| California International Business University | San Diego | CA | City |
| California Jazz Conservatory | Berkeley | CA | City |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks | CA | City |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | CA | Suburb |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo | CA | City |
| California State University-Bakersfield | Bakersfield | CA | City |
| California State University-Channel Islands | Camarillo | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Chico | Chico | CA | City |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | Carson | CA | City |
| California State University-East Bay | Hayward | CA | City |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno | CA | City |
| California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach | CA | City |
| California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | Seaside | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge | CA | City |
| California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | City |
| California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino | CA | City |
| California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Stanislaus | Turlock | CA | Suburb |
| California University of Management and Sciences | Anaheim | CA | City |
| California Western School of Law | San Diego | CA | City |
| Canada College | Redwood City | CA | Suburb |
| Casa Loma College-Van Nuys | Van Nuys | CA | City |
| CBD College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Cerritos College | Norwalk | CA | Suburb |
| Cerro Coso Community College | Ridgecrest | CA | Rural |
| CES College | Burbank | CA | City |
| CET-Coachella | Coachella | CA | Suburb |
| CET-Colton | Colton | CA | Suburb |
| CET-El Centro | El Centro | CA | City |
| CET-Oxnard | Oxnard | CA | City |
| CET-Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | City |
| CET-Salinas | Salinas | CA | City |
| CET-San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| CET-San Jose | San Jose | CA | City |
| CET-Santa Maria | Santa Maria | CA | City |
| CET-Soledad | Soledad | CA | Town |
| CET-Watsonville | Watsonville | CA | City |
| Chabot College | Hayward | CA | City |
| Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga | CA | Suburb |
| Chapman University | Orange | CA | City |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Church Divinity School of the Pacific | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Citrus College | Glendora | CA | Suburb |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Claremont Graduate University | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont Lincoln University | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont School of Theology | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Clovis Adult Education | Clovis | CA | Suburb |
| Clovis Community College | Fresno | CA | City |
| Coastline Community College | Fountain Valley | CA | City |
| Coleman University | San Diego | CA | City |
| College of Alameda | Alameda | CA | Suburb |
| College of Marin | Kentfield | CA | Suburb |
| College of San Mateo | San Mateo | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Desert | Palm Desert | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Redwoods | Eureka | CA | Rural |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia | CA | City |
| College of the Siskiyous | Weed | CA | Town |
| Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program | Redlands | CA | City |
| Columbia College | Sonora | CA | Rural |
| Columbia College Hollywood | Tarzana | CA | City |
| Community Christian College | Redlands | CA | City |
| Concordia University-Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| Contra Costa College | San Pablo | CA | Suburb |
| Copper Mountain Community College | Joshua Tree | CA | Rural |
| Cosumnes River College | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Crafton Hills College | Yucaipa | CA | Rural |
| Cuesta College | San Luis Obispo | CA | Suburb |
| Cuyamaca College | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Cypress College | Cypress | CA | Suburb |
| De Anza College | Cupertino | CA | City |
| Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre | Blue Lake | CA | Rural |
| Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill | CA | Suburb |
| Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael | CA | City |
| Dongguk University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Downey Adult School | Downey | CA | Suburb |
| East Los Angeles College | Monterey Park | CA | City |
| East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program | West Covina | CA | Suburb |
| El Camino College-Compton Center | Compton | CA | Suburb |
| El Camino Community College District | Torrance | CA | Suburb |
| Epic Bible College | Sacramento | CA | Suburb |
| Evergreen Valley College | San Jose | CA | City |
| Feather River Community College District | Quincy | CA | Rural |
| Fielding Graduate University | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Folsom Lake College | Folsom | CA | City |
| Foothill College | Los Altos Hills | CA | Suburb |
| Franciscan School of Theology | Oceanside | CA | Suburb |
| Fresno City College | Fresno | CA | City |
| Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | CA | City |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Fullerton College | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Gavilan College | Gilroy | CA | Suburb |
| Gemological Institute of America-Carlsbad | Carlsbad | CA | City |
| Glendale Community College | Glendale | CA | City |
| Golden Gate University-San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Golden State College of Court Reporting | Pleasanton | CA | City |
| Golden West College | Huntington Beach | CA | Suburb |
| Grace Mission University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Graduate Theological Union | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Grossmont College | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education | La Puente | CA | Suburb |
| Hartnell College | Salinas | CA | City |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| High Tech High Graduate School of Education | San Diego | CA | City |
| Holy Names University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Homestead Schools | Torrance | CA | City |
| Hope International University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Humboldt State University | Arcata | CA | Town |
| Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses | Stockton | CA | City |
| Hypnosis Motivation Institute | Tarzana | CA | City |
| Imperial Valley College | Imperial | CA | Rural |
| International Technological University | San Jose | CA | City |
| Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope | Duarte | CA | Suburb |
| Irvine Valley College | Irvine | CA | City |
| John F. Kennedy University | Pleasant Hill | CA | Suburb |
| John Paul the Great Catholic University | Escondido | CA | Suburb |
| Keck Graduate Institute | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| La Sierra University | Riverside | CA | City |
| Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach | CA | Rural |
| Lake Tahoe Community College | South Lake Tahoe | CA | Rural |
| Laney College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Las Positas College | Livermore | CA | Suburb |
| Lassen Community College | Susanville | CA | Rural |
| Life Chiropractic College West | Hayward | CA | City |
| Life Pacific College | San Dimas | CA | Suburb |
| Lincoln University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | CA | Suburb |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach | CA | City |
| Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Harbor College | Wilmington | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Mission College | Sylmar | CA | City |
| Los Angeles ORT College-Los Angeles Campus | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles ORT College-Van Nuys Campus | Van Nuys | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Pierce College | Woodland Hills | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Southwest College | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Valley College | Valley Glen | CA | City |
| Los Medanos College | Pittsburg | CA | Suburb |
| Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Marshall B Ketchum University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Marymount California University | Rancho Palos Verdes | CA | Suburb |
| Mendocino College | Ukiah | CA | Rural |
| Menlo College | Atherton | CA | Suburb |
| Merced College | Merced | CA | City |
| Merritt College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Mills College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute | Claremont | CA | City |
| MiraCosta College | Oceanside | CA | Suburb |
| Mission College | Santa Clara | CA | City |
| Modesto Junior College | Modesto | CA | City |
| Monterey Peninsula College | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Moorpark College | Moorpark | CA | Suburb |
| Moreno Valley College | Moreno Valley | CA | Suburb |
| Mount Saint Mary’s University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | CA | Suburb |
| Mt San Jacinto Community College District | San Jacinto | CA | Suburb |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD | Concord | CA | Suburb |
| Napa Valley College | Napa | CA | City |
| National University | La Jolla | CA | City |
| Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Norco College | Norco | CA | Suburb |
| Notre Dame de Namur University | Belmont | CA | Suburb |
| NTMA Training Centers of Southern California | Santa Fe Springs | CA | Suburb |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Ohlone College | Fremont | CA | Suburb |
| Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa | CA | City |
| Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Oxnard College | Oxnard | CA | City |
| Pacific Oaks College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Pacific School of Religion | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Pacific States University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin | CA | Rural |
| Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | Rural |
| Palo Verde College | Blythe | CA | Rural |
| Palomar College | San Marcos | CA | Suburb |
| Pardee RAND Graduate School | Santa Monica | CA | City |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu | CA | Suburb |
| Phillips Graduate University | Chatsworth | CA | City |
| Pitzer College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego | CA | City |
| Pomona College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| Porterville College | Porterville | CA | City |
| Presidio Graduate School | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Providence Christian College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Reedley College | Reedley | CA | Town |
| Rio Hondo College | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| Riverside City College | Riverside | CA | City |
| Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career Education | Indio | CA | City |
| Sacramento City College | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Saddleback College | Mission Viejo | CA | Suburb |
| Saint Mary’s College of California | Moraga | CA | Suburb |
| Samuel Merritt University | Oakland | CA | City |
| San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino | CA | City |
| San Diego Christian College | Santee | CA | Suburb |
| San Diego City College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego Mesa College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego Miramar College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego State University | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Francisco Art Institute | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco Theological Seminary | San Anselmo | CA | Suburb |
| San Joaquin College of Law | Clovis | CA | Suburb |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton | CA | City |
| San Jose City College | San Jose | CA | City |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | CA | City |
| Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute | La Jolla | CA | City |
| Santa Ana College | Santa Ana | CA | City |
| Santa Barbara City College | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | CA | City |
| Santa Monica College | Santa Monica | CA | City |
| Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa | CA | City |
| Santiago Canyon College | Orange | CA | City |
| Saybrook University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Scripps College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Shasta Bible College and Graduate School | Redding | CA | City |
| Shasta College | Redding | CA | Suburb |
| Shepherd University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Sierra College | Rocklin | CA | Suburb |
| Simpson University | Redding | CA | City |
| Skyline College | San Bruno | CA | Suburb |
| Soka University of America | Aliso Viejo | CA | Suburb |
| Solano Community College | Fairfield | CA | Suburb |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park | CA | Suburb |
| South Baylo University | Anaheim | CA | City |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Southern California Seminary | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| Southwestern College | Chula Vista | CA | Suburb |
| Southwestern Law School | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| St John’s Seminary | Camarillo | CA | Rural |
| Stanford University | Stanford | CA | Suburb |
| Starr King School for the Ministry | Berkeley | CA | City |
| SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary | El Dorado Hills | CA | City |
| Taft College | Taft | CA | Town |
| Teachers College of San Joaquin | Stockton | CA | City |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| The Colburn Conservatory of Music | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| The Master’s University and Seminary | Santa Clarita | CA | Suburb |
| The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law at Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law at Ventura | Ventura | CA | City |
| The University of America | Murrieta | CA | Suburb |
| The Wright Institute | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula | CA | Rural |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Law | San Diego | CA | City |
| Touro University California | Vallejo | CA | City |
| Touro University Worldwide | Los Alamitos | CA | Suburb |
| Trinity Law School | Santa Ana | CA | City |
| Ukiah Adult School | Ukiah | CA | Town |
| University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley | CA | City |
| University of California-Davis | Davis | CA | Suburb |
| University of California-Hastings College of Law | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of California-Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| University of California-Merced | Merced | CA | Rural |
| University of California-Riverside | Riverside | CA | City |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla | CA | City |
| University of California-San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | Suburb |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | CA | City |
| University of La Verne | La Verne | CA | Suburb |
| University of Redlands | Redlands | CA | City |
| University of San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton | CA | City |
| University of the People | Pasadena | CA | City |
| University of the West | Rosemead | CA | Suburb |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa | CA | City |
| Ventura Adult and Continuing Education | Ventura | CA | City |
| Ventura College | Ventura | CA | City |
| Victor Valley College | Victorville | CA | City |
| West Hills College-Coalinga | Coalinga | CA | Town |
| West Hills College-Lemoore | Lemoore | CA | Rural |
| West Los Angeles College | Culver City | CA | Suburb |
| West Valley College | Saratoga | CA | Suburb |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| WestMed College | San Jose | CA | City |
| Westminster Theological Seminary in California | Escondido | CA | Suburb |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara | CA | Suburb |
| Whittier College | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| William Jessup University | Rocklin | CA | Rural |
| Woodbury University | Burbank | CA | City |
| Woodland Community College | Woodland | CA | Suburb |
| World Mission University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Yuba College | Marysville | CA | Suburb |
| Zaytuna College | Berkeley | CA | City |
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
