Best Colleges in California 2026
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 schools in California meet our criteria for the best colleges and universities in the state.
- Attending one of the best colleges in California will ensure that you will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
- When choosing which California college or university you want to attend, it is important to know what academic program you are interested in and if you want to study at a research university, a liberal arts college, or a Christian university.
10 Best Colleges in California in 2026
- University of California, Berkeley
- Stanford University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- California Institute of Technology
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Davis
We’ve identified 113 colleges and universities in California that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in California below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in California.
This guide condenses those 113 institutions into a practical, comparable list for prospective students and advisers. Rankings reflect academic quality, undergraduate outcomes, admissions selectivity, and relative affordability to help you match priorities—research opportunities, career preparation, campus fit, or cost. Use the list to narrow choices quickly, then review each campus’s programs and financial aid details to determine which schools align best with your academic and professional goals.
Best Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $100,212Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Berkeley, is the founding campus of the 10-member University of California System. It is also a founding member of the Association of American Universities and is regarded as one of the country’s best Public Ivies.
What we love about the University of California, Berkeley:
Its excellence in research in many areas.
University of California, Berkeley is ideal for students who:
Welcome diversity of opinions & perspectives.
University of California, Berkeley may not be ideal for students who:
Might find its large size overwhelming.
- #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
92%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/34
Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University
Cost of Degree: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $125,340Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryStanford University is intimately connected to the Silicon Valley area, with impressive alumni and a worldwide reputation for nurturing and launching successful startups and companies.
What we love about Stanford University:
Its unique campus architecture.
Stanford University is ideal for students who:
Want the best private education in the state.
Stanford University may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer being in an equally top-notch public university.
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
93%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $88,581Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Los Angeles is the second oldest of the University of California campuses. It is one of the most applied-to universities in the country and offers 300 undergraduate and graduate programs.
What we love about the University of California, Los Angeles:
It has many cutting-edge research opportunities.
University of California, Los Angeles is ideal for students who:
Want an excellent education that can open many doors in terms of job opportunities.
University of California, Los Angeles may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer a smaller, more tight-knit university.
- #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026
Tuition + fees
$68K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
90%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $63,255Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $166,642Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCalifornia Institute of Technology is a small but highly prestigious institution with a worldwide reputation in engineering and the sciences. CalTech has also produced more Nobel Prize laureates than almost any other university in the country.
What we love about the California Institute of Technology:
It’s right at the top for the engineering and tech-related fields.
California Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:
Value a high degree of collaboration.
California Institute of Technology may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking to study in a non-engineering or science-related field.
- #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$75K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
90%
Student body
52K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California
Cost of Degree: $68,237Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $103,420Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in the state, being established in 1880. USC is known for being selective and prestigious and excels in a wide range of academic fields.
What we love about the University of Southern California:
Its film school is one of the best worldwide.
The University of Southern California is ideal for students who:
Want a school that fosters intellectual curiosity.
The University of Southern California may not be ideal for students who:
Might not like its rich-kid-school reputation, whether or not it’s true.
- #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
27%
Graduation
86%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego
Cost of Degree: $15,265Expenses: $23,240Starting Salary: $96,197Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, San Diego is the University of California’s southernmost campus, with its 2,000-acre grounds close to the Pacific coast. It also stands out for top-notch academics in many fields as one of the country’s top research universities.
What we love about the University of California, San Diego:
It is well-equipped for scientific research.
The University of California, San Diego is ideal for students who:
Are intellectually driven and curious.
The University of California, San Diego may not be ideal for students who:
Might benefit from greater student attention.
- #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
33%
Graduation
84%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost of Degree: $14,965Expenses: $25,622Starting Salary: $82,568Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Santa Barbara was initially established as a teacher’s college in 1891 before becoming part of the UC system in 1944. It offers 200 degree programs to over 26,000 students.
What we love about the University of California, Santa Barbara:
Its College of Creative Studies and its unique academic structure.
The University of California, Santa Barbara is ideal for students who:
Want an interdisciplinary approach to education.
The University of California, Santa Barbara may not be ideal for students who:
Aren’t focused and disciplined.
- #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
29%
Graduation
87%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine
Cost of Degree: $14,237Expenses: $24,814Starting Salary: $83,432Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Irvine, is located within the Greater LA metropolitan area and was first established in 1958. Biology & computer science are two of its most popular undergraduate majors.
What we love about the University of California, Irvine:
The UC Irvine Medical Center is a top-notch teaching hospital.
The University of California, Irvine is ideal for students who:
Want good academics in a safe area with good weather.
The University of California, Irvine may not be ideal for students who:
Might want to be somewhere more vibrant, i.e., the big city campuses.
- #24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
74%
Student body
21K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz
Cost of Degree: $14,560Expenses: $25,746Starting Salary: $73,362Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Santa Cruz, was founded in 1965. It is known for its strength in the marine/ocean sciences, environmental studies, film & media, computer science, and engineering fields.
What we love about the University of California, Santa Cruz:
It has a large number of resources for student research and internships.
The University of California, Santa Cruz is ideal for students who:
Love the outdoors and being in nature.
The University of California, Santa Cruz may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer somewhere with more housing and transport options.
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in California 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
86%
Student body
42K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis
Cost of Degree: $15,247Expenses: $25,808Starting Salary: $86,999Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Davis, covers a large number of fields of discipline but continues to be widely known for offering degree programs in agriculture. Its students, in fact, are known as the Aggies.
What we love about the University of California, Davis:
It is well-integrated with its host community.
The University of California, Davis is ideal for students who:
Are looking for reputable agriculture & veterinary programs.
The University of California, Davis may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer smaller class sizes.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
75%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside
Cost of Degree: $14,170Expenses: $26,115Starting Salary: $72,974Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of California, Riverside started as the UC’s Citrus Experiment Station in 1954, which is widely credited with developing the state’s agricultural industry. At present, it is a full-fledged research university with over 26,800 students.
What we love about the University of California, Riverside:
Research done here has a real & significant economic impact on the state.
The University of California, Riverside is ideal for students who:
Are focused & serious about their academics.
The University of California, Riverside may not be ideal for students who:
Don’t value a vibrant student life or community.
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
50%
Student body
27K
Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,424Expenses: $23,032Starting Salary: $73,299Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySan Francisco State University was established in 1857 and became part of the CSU System in 1960. It currently offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs and has its own set of decorated alumni.
What we love about San Francisco State University:
It is recognized as a minority-serving institution.
San Francisco State University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for good programs in communications and cinema arts.
San Francisco State University may not be ideal for students who:
Prefer a campus closer to the city center.
- #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $62,326Expenses: $22,974Starting Salary: $84,281Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryPomona College is a liberal arts college within the Greater LA metropolitan area. Over 1,600 students call its suburban campus home and are enrolled in around 48 majors across various liberal arts fields.
What we love about Pomona College:
It has an engaging & challenging academic culture.
Pomona College is ideal for students who:
Are hardworking and academically driven.
Pomona College may not be ideal for students who:
Are wanting to go to a college with more name recognition.
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2026 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2026 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
78%
Student body
43K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University
Cost of Degree: $8,290Expenses: $25,782Starting Salary: $73,494Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySan Diego State University is an active part of the California State University System (CSU). It currently has over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs and over 37,500 students.
What we love about San Diego State University:
There’s always something to do for students as the school fosters community well.
San Diego State University is ideal for students who:
Like being constantly engaged and productive.
San Diego State University may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer somewhere cooler, climate-wise.
San Diego State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 49-55
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 51-60
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #13 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
78%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/30
Career Outlook for degree at Pepperdine University
Cost of Degree: $66,742Expenses: $26,770Starting Salary: $89,410Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryPepperdine University is a private Christian research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It was founded by George Pepperdine, an entrepreneur and Christian philanthropist, and operates several international campuses.
What we love about Pepperdine University:
It has a beautiful campus and an great location.
Pepperdine University is ideal for students who:
Want a blend of spiritual development and academics.
Pepperdine University may not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for public-university-level affordability.
Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
68%
Student body
40K
Career Outlook for degree at San Jose State University
Cost of Degree: $7,992Expenses: $24,318Starting Salary: $83,493Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySan Jose State University is the founding member of the California State University (CSU) System and is the oldest public university on the West Coast. It is organized into nine component colleges, with an enrollment of over 36,000 students.
What we love about San Jose State University:
It has an ideal location, being in San Jose & Silicon Valley.
San Jose State University is ideal for students who:
Want access to great and large number of opportunities.
San Jose State University may not be ideal for students who:
Dislike the hassle of being in a large university.
- #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
87%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1420/32
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Clara University
Cost of Degree: $59,241Expenses: $23,901Starting Salary: $117,193Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySanta Clara University is the oldest operating college/university in the state (established in 1851). It is affiliated with the Catholic church and has a little over 9,100 students.
What we love about Santa Clara University:
It is an architecturally unique campus with an extensive heritage.
Santa Clara University is ideal for students who:
Value great career resources.
Santa Clara University may not be ideal for students who:
Might want to go somewhere more affordable.
- #19 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
66%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1290/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of San Francisco
Cost of Degree: $58,222Expenses: $23,204Starting Salary: $94,613Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of San Francisco was established by the Jesuits in 1855, and it remains a Catholic institution to this day. It has over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs to offer and has over 10,600 students enrolled.
What we love about the University of San Francisco:
The signature Jesuit approach to a well-rounded education.
The University of San Francisco is ideal for students who:
Want a school that is both challenging and supportive.
The University of San Francisco may not be ideal for students who:
Might not prefer going to a Catholic university.
- #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$68K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
83%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/29
Career Outlook for degree at Chapman University
Cost of Degree: $62,784Expenses: $22,296Starting Salary: $80,694Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryChapman University is a private research university, and while it has affiliations with the United Churches of Christ, it largely operates as a secular institution. It was founded in 1861 and currently has over 10,000 students enrolled.
What we love about Chapman University:
Its Dodge College of Film & Media Arts is highly reputed.
Chapman University is ideal for students who:
Want all-around good academics and research opportunities.
Chapman University may not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for a strong athletics program.
- #22 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #5 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$66K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
79%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1345/30
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola Marymount University
Cost of Degree: $58,489Expenses: $25,629Starting Salary: $86,034Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola Marymount University known for?
Loyola Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Law
- Business
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #3 Best Online Colleges in California 2026 #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #6 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
57%
Student body
42K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Northridge
Cost of Degree: $7,095Expenses: $17,176Starting Salary: $63,721Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Northridge known for?
California State University, Northridge’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Northridge’s Online Degrees
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Sector Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
44%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/32
Career Outlook for degree at Occidental College
Cost of Degree: $63,446Expenses: $21,354Starting Salary: $79,660Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Occidental College known for?
Occidental College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
73%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1331/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Pacific
Cost of Degree: $55,340Expenses: $21,176Starting Salary: $88,053Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Pacific known for?
University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
55%
Student body
27K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $6,818Expenses: $26,527Starting Salary: $62,555Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Los Angeles known for?
California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
70%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Long Beach
Cost of Degree: $7,008Expenses: $21,408Starting Salary: $69,554Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online Colleges in California 2026 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2026 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2026 #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
58%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fresno
Cost of Degree: $6,980Expenses: $16,770Starting Salary: $62,756Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fresno known for?
California State University, Fresno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Economics
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Engineering
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Fresno’s Online Degrees
BBA in Accelerated Business Administration
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminology
Degree Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
RN to BSN in Global RN to BSN Program
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
93%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/35
Career Outlook for degree at Harvey Mudd College
Cost of Degree: $66,255Expenses: $23,910Starting Salary: $164,248Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryHarvey Mudd College, a small liberal arts institution, largely focuses on engineering and science. It is named after mining engineer and entrepreneur Harvey Seeley Mudd. Harvey Mudd College is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium and has almost 1,000 students.
What we love about Harvey Mudd College:
It holds its own academically, especially in the engineering fields.
Harvey Mudd College is ideal for students who:
Can handle intense academic workloads.
Harvey Mudd College may not be ideal for students who:
Aren’t very driven and focused.
- #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #11 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #5 Best Online Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
68%
Student body
47K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fullerton
Cost of Degree: $7,073Expenses: $23,567Starting Salary: $69,015Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fullerton known for?
California State University, Fullerton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Fullerton’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 54
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Required Credits: 51
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 51
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in California 2026 #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2026 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2026 #14 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2026
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
81%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at University of San Diego
Cost of Degree: $56,444Expenses: $23,000Starting Salary: $93,069Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of San Diego known for?
University of San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$72K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
90%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1515/34
Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College
Cost of Degree: $64,150Expenses: $22,350Starting Salary: $127,532Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Claremont McKenna College known for?
Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Top Colleges in California 2025
- University of California, Berkeley
- Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
- Stanford University
- Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Psychology, and Biology
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Earth Sciences, and Social Work
- California Institute of Technology
- Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences
- University of Southern California
- Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Engineering, and Criminal Justice
- University of California, San Diego
- Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Earth Sciences, and Sociology
- University of California, Irvine
- Most Popular Degrees: Philosophy, Computer Science, and Anthropology
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Anthropology, and Physics
- University of California, Davis
- Most Popular Degrees: Biology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
