Best Colleges in California 2024

Badge for BEST IN CALIFORNIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in California. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Top Colleges in California 2024

  1. University of California, Berkeley
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
  2. Stanford University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Psychology, and Biology
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Earth Sciences, and Social Work
  4. California Institute of Technology
    • Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences
  5. University of Southern California
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Engineering, and Criminal Justice
  6. University of California, San Diego
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
    • Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Earth Sciences, and Sociology
  8. University of California, Irvine
    • Most Popular Degrees: Philosophy, Computer Science, and Anthropology
  9. University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Anthropology, and Physics
  10. University of California, Davis
    • Most Popular Degrees: Biology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

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.

Best Colleges in California 2024

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the World 2024 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stanford 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    California 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.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $88,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of California, San Diego

    La Jolla , CA
    #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $14,906
    Expenses: $22,134
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of California, Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara , CA
    #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,617
    Expenses: $23,285
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of California, Irvine

    Irvine , CA
    #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $13,939
    Expenses: $23,350
    Starting Salary: $65,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz , CA
    #7 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz

    Cost of Degree: $14,240
    Expenses: $24,472
    Starting Salary: $53,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    University of California, Davis

    Davis , CA
    #24 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    43K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

    Cost of Degree: $14,858
    Expenses: $23,698
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of California, Riverside

    Riverside , CA
    #8 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside

    Cost of Degree: $13,874
    Expenses: $23,352
    Starting Salary: $55,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #12 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,524
    Expenses: $21,601
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    San 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.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #18 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $77,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pomona 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.

    Compare school
  16. #14

    San Diego State University

    San Diego , CA
    #9 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024 #17 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees #17 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,174
    Expenses: $23,936
    Starting Salary: $55,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    San 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 51-60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA
    #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Santa Clara University

    Cost of Degree: $57,534
    Expenses: $21,315
    Starting Salary: $85,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Santa 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.

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Pepperdine University

    Malibu , CA
    #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1382/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Pepperdine University

    Cost of Degree: $63,142
    Expenses: $22,060
    Starting Salary: $77,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pepperdine 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    San Jose State University

    San Jose , CA
    #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    41K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Jose State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,899
    Expenses: $22,951
    Starting Salary: $63,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    San 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.

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of San Francisco

    San Francisco , CA
    #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of San Francisco

    Cost of Degree: $55,532
    Expenses: $22,322
    Starting Salary: $74,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Chapman University

    Orange , CA
    #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Chapman University

    Cost of Degree: $60,672
    Expenses: $21,874
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Chapman 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.

    Compare school
  23. #20

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    #16 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #3 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvey Mudd College

    Cost of Degree: $62,817
    Expenses: $22,079
    Starting Salary: $104,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harvey 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.

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $93,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    California State University, Northridge

    Northridge , CA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #2 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #6 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    43K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Northridge

    Cost of Degree: $7,069
    Expenses: $16,638
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Northridge known for?

    California State University, Northridge’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    California State University, Northridge’s Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Sector Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    California State University, Fullerton

    Fullerton , CA
    #10 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    46K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fullerton

    Cost of Degree: $7,007
    Expenses: $20,824
    Starting Salary: $51,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Fullerton known for?

    California State University, Fullerton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    California State University, Fullerton’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    California State University, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $6,805
    Expenses: $23,884
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Los Angeles known for?

    California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  29. #25

    University of San Diego

    San Diego , CA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024 #18 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees #21 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $54,554
    Expenses: $21,213
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of San Diego known for?

    University of San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    University of the Pacific

    Stockton , CA
    #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #9 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024 #11 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1271/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Pacific

    Cost of Degree: $53,682
    Expenses: $18,623
    Starting Salary: $84,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of the Pacific known for?

    University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  32. #27

    California State University, Long Beach

    Long Beach , CA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    44K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Long Beach

    Cost of Degree: $6,884
    Expenses: $19,298
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Long Beach known for?

    California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola Marymount University

    Cost of Degree: $55,441
    Expenses: $20,301
    Starting Salary: $71,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola Marymount University known for?

    Loyola Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Occidental College

    Cost of Degree: $60,566
    Expenses: $20,070
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Occidental College known for?

    Occidental College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  35. #30

    California State University, Fresno

    Fresno , CA
    #7 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024 #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024 #23 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fresno

    Cost of Degree: $6,663
    Expenses: $16,226
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Fresno known for?

    California State University, Fresno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    California State University, Fresno’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accelerated Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law Enforcement
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
Back to Top

California’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Stanford University
  3. University of California, Berkeley
  4. Pomona College
  5. Harvey Mudd College
  6. Claremont McKenna College
  7. University of Southern California
  8. University of California, Los Angeles
  9. Occidental College
  10. Pitzer College
  11. University of California, San Diego
  12. Pepperdine University
  13. Scripps College
  14. University of California, Santa Barbara
  15. University of California, Santa Cruz
  16. Santa Clara University
  17. University of California, Davis
  18. Golden Gate University
  19. Mills College at Northeastern University
  20. University of California, Irvine
  21. University of California, Riverside
  22. Loyola Marymount University
  23. Whittier College
  24. University of California, Merced
  25. University of Redlands
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here