Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in California.
Key Takeaways
- One of the best states to study in is California. Home to so many prestigious colleges and universities, the state always remains one of the top choices of college students for their college degrees.
- Private colleges are undeniably expensive. However, there are many ways to minimize your cost of attendance—through grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid.
- Despite the hefty price tag of a private college, students can still enjoy numerous advantages to attending a top private college in California.
10 Best Private Colleges in California in 2025
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.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in California saw some shifts for various reasons. Loyola Marymount University, for example, was able to move up four ranking positions as a result of the university launching the Creativity and Innovation Hub, a collaborative space that fosters entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary projects in fields such as business, film, and engineering. The university has also expanded its sustainability initiatives, incorporating new solar energy projects and eco-friendly campus infrastructure.
Additionally, LMU has enhanced its student wellness programs, providing expanded mental health resources, fitness facilities, and holistic wellness services. These updates reflect LMU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student well-being.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 24 private universities in California. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in California, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in California
- #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #5 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #2 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #4 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #5 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2025
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: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $141,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stanford University known for?
Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #12 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #15 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #15 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #25 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #1 Best Small Colleges in California 2025
- #4 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
94%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $63,255Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $106,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Institute of Technology known for?
California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Other Rankings
- #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #17 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #5 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #5 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #5 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
- #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #2 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #5 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
- #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #16 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $68,237Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $88,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern California known for?
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- Education
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
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: $62,326Expenses: $22,974Starting Salary: $77,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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: $59,241Expenses: $23,901Starting Salary: $85,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Santa Clara University known for?
Santa Clara University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Business
- Mathematics
- Law
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #5 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #15 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
- #23 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #25 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
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: $66,742Expenses: $26,770Starting Salary: $77,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pepperdine University known for?
Pepperdine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Literature
- History
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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: $58,222Expenses: $23,204Starting Salary: $74,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of San Francisco known for?
University of San Francisco’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Law
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $62,784Expenses: $22,296Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Chapman University known for?
Chapman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $58,489Expenses: $25,629Starting Salary: $71,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola Marymount University known for?
Loyola Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Law
- Business
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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: $63,446Expenses: $21,354Starting Salary: $59,400Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Occidental College known for?
Occidental College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 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: $55,340Expenses: $21,176Starting Salary: $84,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Pacific known for?
University of the Pacific ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $66,255Expenses: $23,910Starting Salary: $104,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvey Mudd College known for?
Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $56,444Expenses: $23,000Starting Salary: $71,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of San Diego known for?
University of San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Engineering
- History
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
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: $64,150Expenses: $22,350Starting Salary: $93,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Claremont McKenna College known for?
Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #7 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
- #8 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #12 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
72%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for degree at Biola University
Cost of Degree: $46,704Expenses: $16,302Starting Salary: $50,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Biola University known for?
Biola University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Business
- Communications
- Literature
- Education
- Computer Science
- History
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Biola University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Biblical Ministries
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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: $49,864Expenses: $17,623Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whittier College known for?
Whittier College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Other Rankings
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
85%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Pitzer College
Cost of Degree: $62,692Expenses: $23,774Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pitzer College known for?
Pitzer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Physics
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #18 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
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: $57,614Expenses: $22,860Starting Salary: $57,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Redlands known for?
University of Redlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
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: $63,434Expenses: $23,798Starting Salary: $61,800Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Scripps College known for?
Scripps College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Economics
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #5 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #7 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #21 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $82,300What 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
- #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #19 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
61%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/24
Career Outlook for degree at Azusa Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $43,600Expenses: $14,192Starting Salary: $55,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Azusa Pacific University known for?
Azusa Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Education
- Business
- Political Science
- Literature
- Communications
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Azusa Pacific University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Bridge to BSN
- Required Credits: 40
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College of California
Cost of Degree: $56,134Expenses: $21,816Starting Salary: $63,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary's College of California known for?
Saint Mary's College of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
63%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1136/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of La Verne
Cost of Degree: $49,450Expenses: $19,454Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of La Verne known for?
University of La Verne’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Career Outlook for degree at Mills College at Northeastern University
Cost of Degree: $63,949Expenses: $21,590Starting Salary: $49,500Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mills College at Northeastern University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
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: $50,666Expenses: $20,260Starting Salary: $63,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dominican University of California known for?
Dominican University of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Exploring California’s Excellent Private Colleges
There are so many great reasons why California is an amazing place to study:
- World-class colleges and universities
- A welcoming attitude towards international students
- An undisputed position as a leader in the technology sector
- Something for everyone, including beaches, mountains, forests, and deserts
- An assortment of cultural riches and diversity, to name a few.
Key Point: California is a great place to attend college and pursue a career upon graduation.
California is also known for its numerous prestigious universities, including the world-famous Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, the California Institute of Technology or Caltech, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
The Advantages of Enrolling in a Private College
Attending a private university is expensive. But many college students in California still prefer to enroll in a private institution. Despite the cost, there are defintely some advantages to attending these types of schools.
Private Colleges Have Shorter Average Completion Time
On average, undergraduate students attending a private college only take roughly four and a half years to graduate, while those at a public college typically need over six years to earn their degree.
According to the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, students in private colleges enjoy other advantages like higher graduation rates and smaller class sizes.
Private Colleges Provide Personal Attention
Private colleges are often smaller institutions, which means professors and instructors are able to give more individual focus to their students.
Additionally, many private colleges focus on developing the whole student, which requires faculty to mentor students both professionally and personally, according to the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. When faculty members give personal attention to students, this will allow them to personalize their education.
More Extracurricular Opportunities
Those who attend private colleges sometimes have the chance to experience perks like the opportunity to study abroad. They are also more likely to get involved in campus organizations and have better chances of landing leadership positions and service opportunities, primarily because of lower enrollment numbers.
Additionally, students in private colleges are committed to their academic success
Financial Incentives
While the average tuition cost at private colleges is higher than at public colleges and universities, students can still qualify for incentives to help offset their total tuition.
Once you have identified which private college to enroll in, start scouting for merit-based scholarships and grants and other financial aid available at the school. Many private colleges offer generous scholarship packages to help qualified students who cannot afford to pay the full tuition on their own.
Some alum members and supporters of an institution also set up scholarships specifically for students in their school. Check these options to see if you can meet their requirements for any possible scholarships.
Also, when the college is interested in you, the financial and admission counselors can help you look for other ways to pay for school.
Tight-Knit Community
In a smaller and private college, you will experience what true college life is with campus activities and dorm living. If you wish to make the most out of your college life, get involved as much as possible. Join clubs that spark your interest, create study groups with your classmates, or develop relationships with your professors.
Are you itching to attend Stanford, the #1 private college in California? Find out how you can get into Stanford.
California’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
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.
- California Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- Pomona College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Claremont McKenna College
- University of Southern California
- Occidental College
- Pitzer College
- Pepperdine University
- Scripps College
- Santa Clara University
- Golden Gate University
- Mills College at Northeastern University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Whittier College
- University of Redlands
- University of San Diego
- Dominican University of California
- Chapman University
- University of San Francisco
- Biola University
- University of the Pacific
- Westmont College
- Woodbury University
- Pacific Union College
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.