Best Private Colleges in California 2025

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

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

  1. Stanford University
  2. California Institute of Technology
    +1
  3. University of Southern California
    –1
  4. Pomona College
    +3
  5. Santa Clara University
    –1
  6. Pepperdine University
  7. University of San Francisco
    –2
  8. Chapman University
  9. Loyola Marymount University
    +4
  10. Occidental College
    +4

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

  1. #1

    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
    What is Stanford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    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
    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    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
    What is University of Southern California known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    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
    What is Pomona College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA
    #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian 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
    What is Santa Clara University known for?

    Santa Clara University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of San Francisco

    San Francisco , CA
    #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian 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
    What is University of San Francisco known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Chapman University

    Orange , CA
    #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian 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
    What is Chapman University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA
    #5 Best Christian 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
  12. #10

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts 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
  13. #11

    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
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    Biola University

    La Mirada , CA
    #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $46,704
    Expenses: $16,302
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Biola University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Whittier College

    Whittier , CA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in California 2025

    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
    What is Whittier College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Redlands

    Redlands , CA
    #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: $57,614
    Expenses: $22,860
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Redlands known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Scripps College

    Claremont , CA
    #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: $63,434
    Expenses: $23,798
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Scripps College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #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

    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
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Azusa Pacific University

    Azusa , CA
    #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: $43,600
    Expenses: $14,192
    Starting Salary: $55,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Azusa Pacific University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Saint Mary's College of California

    Moraga , CA
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

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

    Cost of Degree: $56,134
    Expenses: $21,816
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Mary's College of California known for?

    Saint Mary's College of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of La Verne

    La Verne , CA
    #6 Best Online Six Sigma Certification

    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: $49,450
    Expenses: $19,454
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of La Verne known for?

    University of La Verne’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Mills College at Northeastern University

    Oakland , CA
    #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: $63,949
    Expenses: $21,590
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mills College at Northeastern University known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Dominican University of California

    San Rafael , CA
    #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    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: $50,666
    Expenses: $20,260
    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:

    Compare school
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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.

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California’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

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

  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Stanford University
  3. Pomona College
  4. Harvey Mudd College
  5. Claremont McKenna College
  6. University of Southern California
  7. Occidental College
  8. Pitzer College
  9. Pepperdine University
  10. Scripps College
  11. Santa Clara University
  12. Golden Gate University
  13. Mills College at Northeastern University
  14. Loyola Marymount University
  15. Whittier College
  16. University of Redlands
  17. University of San Diego
  18. Dominican University of California
  19. Chapman University
  20. University of San Francisco
  21. Biola University
  22. University of the Pacific
  23. Westmont College
  24. Woodbury University
  25. 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.

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