Best Colleges in California 2025

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

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 2025

  1. University of California, Berkeley
  2. Stanford University
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. California Institute of Technology
  5. University of Southern California
  6. University of California, San Diego
  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
  8. University of California, Irvine
  9. University of California, Santa Cruz
  10. University of California, Davis

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

While there were no changes in the 2025 ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in California, a number of the top schools in our ranking made significant changes to their program for this school year.

UC Berkeley has launched the “L&S Futures” project, aiming to redesign general education requirements for students. The initiative focuses on integrating interdisciplinary approaches and fostering critical thinking skills.

Caltech has enhanced its liberal arts offerings by strengthening partnerships with 13 select liberal arts colleges through its 3/2 Dual Degree Program. This initiative allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in five years, combining a liberal arts education with Caltech’s rigorous science and engineering programs.

The “Dornsife Idea” at the University of Southern California reimagines the undergraduate experience by providing comprehensive advising for first-year students, encouraging exploration across diverse disciplines, and offering courses that teach valuable life and career skills, such as grant writing and personal finance management.

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 2025

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    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
    #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    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: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    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
  6. #5

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    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: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    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 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    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: $15,265
    Expenses: $23,240
    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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
    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: $14,965
    Expenses: $25,622
    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
    #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $14,237
    Expenses: $24,814
    Starting Salary: $65,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
    #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz

    Cost of Degree: $14,560
    Expenses: $25,746
    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
  12. #10

    University of California, Davis

    Davis , CA
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    43K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

    Cost of Degree: $15,247
    Expenses: $25,808
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside

    Cost of Degree: $14,170
    Expenses: $26,115
    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
    #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,424
    Expenses: $23,032
    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
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    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: $62,326
    Expenses: $22,974
    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
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,290
    Expenses: $25,782
    Starting Salary: $55,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  18. #15

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA
    #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $59,241
    Expenses: $23,901
    Starting Salary: $85,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
    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: $66,742
    Expenses: $26,770
    Starting Salary: $77,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
    #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    41K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Jose State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,992
    Expenses: $24,318
    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 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $58,222
    Expenses: $23,204
    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 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $62,784
    Expenses: $22,296
    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
  24. #20

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $58,489
    Expenses: $25,629
    Starting Salary: $71,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  25. #21

    California State University, Northridge

    Northridge , CA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #6 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    43K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Northridge

    Cost of Degree: $7,095
    Expenses: $17,176
    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
  26. #22

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in California 2025

    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: $63,446
    Expenses: $21,354
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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
  27. #23

    University of the Pacific

    Stockton , CA
    #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025

    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: $55,340
    Expenses: $21,176
    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
  28. #24

    California State University, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $6,818
    Expenses: $26,527
    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
  30. #25

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
    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: $66,255
    Expenses: $23,910
    Starting Salary: $104,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  31. #26

    California State University, Fresno

    Fresno , CA
    #7 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025 #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fresno

    Cost of Degree: $6,980
    Expenses: $16,770
    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
  33. #28

    California State University, Fullerton

    Fullerton , CA
    #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    46K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fullerton

    Cost of Degree: $7,073
    Expenses: $23,567
    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
  34. #29

    University of San Diego

    San Diego , CA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #14 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $56,444
    Expenses: $23,000
    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
  36. #30

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
    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: $64,150
    Expenses: $22,350
    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

Top Colleges in California 2025

  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
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  5. University of Southern California
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  6. University of California, San Diego
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  7. University of California, Santa Barbara
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  8. University of California, Irvine
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  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

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