Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025

Badge for BEST IN CALIFORNIA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California

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  1. San Francisco State University
  2. Pomona College
  3. San Jose State University
  4. California State University, Northridge
  5. Occidental College
  6. California State University, Los Angeles
  7. Harvey Mudd College
  8. California State University, Long Beach
  9. California State University, Fullerton
  10. Claremont McKenna College
  1. San Francisco State University
  2. Pomona College
  3. San Jose State University
  4. Occidental College
  5. California State University, Northridge
  6. California State University, Los Angeles
  7. California State University, Fullerton
  8. Harvey Mudd College
  9. California State University, Long Beach
  10. Claremont McKenna College
  1. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt 98%
  2. California State University, East Bay 96%
  3. California State University, Chico 95%
  4. San Francisco State University 94%
  5. Sonoma State University 94%
  6. California State University, Sacramento 93%
  7. Dominican University of California 93%
  8. California State University, Northridge 91%
  9. California State University, San Bernardino 91%
  10. California State University, Dominguez Hills 89%
  1. Santa Monica College 26 to 1
  2. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 25 to 1
  3. Foothill College 25 to 1
  4. California State University, Sacramento 24 to 1
  5. California State University, Northridge 24 to 1
  6. California State University, Fullerton 24 to 1
  7. California State University, San Bernardino 23 to 1
  8. California State University, Dominguez Hills 22 to 1
  9. California State University, Los Angeles 22 to 1
  10. California State University, Long Beach 22 to 1
  1. Harvey Mudd College $62,817
  2. Claremont McKenna College $60,715
  3. Scripps College $60,712
  4. Pitzer College $60,578
  5. Occidental College $60,566
  6. Pomona College $59,238
  7. University of Redlands $55,678
  8. Saint Mary's College of California $53,932
  9. Whittier College $49,864
  10. Dominican University of California $49,426
  1. Claremont McKenna College $65,574
  2. Occidental College $59,970
  3. Scripps College $48,598
  4. Saint Mary's College of California $32,335
  5. University of Redlands $24,060
  6. Golden Gate University $19,620
  7. Dominican University of California $16,272
  8. National University $15,912
  9. Whittier College $14,742
  10. California State University, Chico $7,176
  1. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
  2. California State University, Dominguez Hills
  3. Dominican University of California
  4. California State University, San Bernardino
  5. National University
  6. Mills College at Northeastern University
  7. Foothill College
  8. Saint Mary's College of California
  9. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  10. Santa Monica College
  1. California State University, Dominguez Hills
  2. Dominican University of California
  3. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
  4. California State University, San Bernardino
  5. National University
  6. Foothill College
  7. Mills College at Northeastern University
  8. Saint Mary's College of California
  9. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  10. Santa Monica College
  1. Pomona College 7%
  2. Claremont McKenna College 10%
  3. Harvey Mudd College 13%
  4. Pitzer College 18%
  5. Scripps College 28%
  6. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 30%
  7. Occidental College 39%
  8. California State University, Long Beach 40%
  9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 55%
  10. California State University, Fullerton 67%
  1. Pomona College 7 to 1
  2. Claremont McKenna College 8 to 1
  3. Harvey Mudd College 8 to 1
  4. Occidental College 9 to 1
  5. Saint Mary's College of California 9 to 1
  6. Dominican University of California 9 to 1
  7. University of Redlands 10 to 1
  8. Scripps College 10 to 1
  9. Pitzer College 10 to 1
  10. Whittier College 10 to 1
  1. Santa Monica College $1,104
  2. Foothill College $1,395
  3. California State University, Chico $5,742
  4. California State University, Dominguez Hills $5,742
  5. California State University, San Bernardino $5,742
  6. California State University, Sacramento $5,742
  7. California State University, Northridge $5,742
  8. California State University, Fullerton $5,742
  9. San Francisco State University $5,742
  10. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt $5,742
  1. California State University, Chico $7,176
  2. California State University, Dominguez Hills $7,176
  3. California State University, San Bernardino $7,176
  4. California State University, Sacramento $7,176
  5. California State University, Northridge $7,176
  6. California State University, Fullerton $7,176
  7. San Francisco State University $7,176
  8. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt $7,176
  9. California State University, Los Angeles $7,176
  10. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona $7,176

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 last ground for the 2025 school year.

San Francisco State University remained in the top position for 2025. Occidental College moved up an impressive 5 positions to the number 5 position. Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna Colleges both slipped to the number 7 and number 10 positions, respectively.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 84 liberal arts colleges in California. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in California, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California

  1. #1

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    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
  2. #2

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    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
  3. 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

    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
  4. #5

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

    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
  8. #10

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Sacramento

    Cost of Degree: $7,484
    Expenses: $21,242
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    California State University, Sacramento’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Child Development
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Arts & Letters
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Career and Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AD to BNS in AD to BNS
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #12

    Whittier College

    Whittier , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Whittier College

    Cost of Degree: $49,864
    Expenses: $17,623
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

    Cost of Degree: $7,439
    Expenses: $20,670
    Starting Salary: $58,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State Polytechnic University, Pomona known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #15

    University of Redlands

    Redlands , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Redlands

    Cost of Degree: $55,678
    Expenses: $20,178
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #16

    Scripps College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Scripps College

    Cost of Degree: $60,712
    Expenses: $22,618
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Chico

    Cost of Degree: $7,972
    Expenses: $18,756
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    California State University, Chico’s Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 17 courses
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Multidisciplinary Studies Option
    • Specialization Studies Option
    • Required Credits: 36-42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  15. #18

    Sonoma State University

    Rohnert Park , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Sonoma State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,060
    Expenses: $19,292
    Starting Salary: $53,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #19

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $11,343
    Starting Salary: $82,300
    What is Golden Gate University known for?

    Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Golden Gate University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, East Bay

    Cost of Degree: $6,995
    Expenses: $20,964
    Starting Salary: $58,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    California State University, East Bay’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • General Management
    • Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior
    • Information Technology Management
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 75
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality and Tourism
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ethnic Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Comparative Ethnic Studies Concentration
    • Genders and Sexualities in Communities of Color Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Development
    Degree Concentrations
    • Adult Development and Gerontology Concentration
    • Early Childhood Development Concentration
    • Women’s Development Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #21

    Santa Monica College

    Santa Monica , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    34K

    Career Outlook for degree at Santa Monica College

    Cost of Degree: $1,150
    Starting Salary: $40,200
  19. Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College of California

    Cost of Degree: $53,572
    Expenses: $20,256
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #24

    Foothill College

    Los Altos Hills , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for degree at Foothill College

    Cost of Degree: $1,565
    Starting Salary: $58,300
  21. #26

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $13,320
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    What is National University known for?

    National University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    National University ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Digital Media Design
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Integrated Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Communications
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Pre-Law Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Early Childhood Development
    Degree Concentrations
    • Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential California
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • BAECE
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nevada Elementary Licensure
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    Degree Concentrations
    • Single Subject Matter Preparation and ITL Single Subject Credential California
    • Single Subject Matter Preparation and ITL Single Subject Credential California
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nevada Secondary Licensure
    • Nevada Secondary Licensure
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Mathematics Courses
    Degree Concentrations
    • Single Subject Credential
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Credential California
    • Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential California
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Manufacturing Design Engineering
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    22K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, San Bernardino

    Cost of Degree: $7,486
    Expenses: $18,215
    Starting Salary: $48,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, San Bernardino known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    California State University, San Bernardino’s Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    RN-BSN in RN-BSN
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  23. Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1162/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University of California

    Cost of Degree: $49,426
    Expenses: $19,763
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dominican University of California known for?

    Dominican University of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  24. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills

    Cost of Degree: $7,060
    Expenses: $20,531
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    California State University, Dominguez Hills’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Public Sector Management
    • Strategic Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    RN to BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 50-53
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Quality Assurance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Measurement Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

    Cost of Degree: $7,864
    Expenses: $16,992
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt’s Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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California’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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