Best Public Colleges in California 2025
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in California provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Key Takeaways
- Institutions like the University of California system consistently rank among the nation’s best, providing rigorous academic programs and renowned faculty.
- The universities in our ranking boast diverse student bodies and vibrant campus cultures, fostering inclusive communities that enrich the educational experience.
- With substantial funding and state-of-the-art facilities, students at the best public colleges in California have access to extensive research opportunities across various disciplines, enhancing their academic and professional development.
10 Best Public Colleges in California in 2025
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Cruz +1
- University of California, Davis –1
- University of California, Riverside
- San Francisco State University +1
- San Diego State University –1
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 public colleges in California saw a fair amount of movement. The University of California, Santa Cruz gained one ranking position as the university is implementing several enhancements for the 2025 academic year to enrich the student experience. The Kresge Renewal Project is set to complete its second and final phase by fall 2025, restoring existing buildings and adding more space for housing and residential life.
Additionally, UCSC has released a new strategic plan, “Leading the Change,” which outlines goals and metrics to measure success in five thematic areas, guiding the campus’s work for the coming decade. These developments underscore UCSC’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art resources and a supportive environment for its students.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 47 public universities in California. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in California, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Public Colleges in California
- #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
- #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
- #2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #2 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #3 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #1 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #2 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #3 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $79,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Berkeley known for?
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
- #13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #13 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #13 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #24 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #3 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #3 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #4 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #12 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #12 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $73,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Los Angeles known for?
University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- History
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #6 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #6 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #6 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #11 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #14 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
88%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego
Cost of Degree: $15,265Expenses: $23,240Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, San Diego known for?
University of California, San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $14,965Expenses: $25,622Starting Salary: $62,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?
University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $14,237Expenses: $24,814Starting Salary: $65,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Irvine known for?
University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Biology
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in 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: $14,560Expenses: $25,746Starting Salary: $53,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Cruz known for?
University of California, Santa Cruz’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2025 #10 Best Colleges 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: $15,247Expenses: $25,808Starting Salary: $68,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Davis known for?
University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
76%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside
Cost of Degree: $14,170Expenses: $26,115Starting Salary: $55,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Riverside known for?
University of California, Riverside’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,424Expenses: $23,032Starting Salary: $54,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025 #1 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #4 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University
Cost of Degree: $8,290Expenses: $25,782Starting Salary: $55,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Diego State University known for?
San Diego State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Psychology
- Biology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #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: $7,992Expenses: $24,318Starting Salary: $63,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Jose State University known for?
San Jose State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Business
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $7,095Expenses: $17,176Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Northridge known for?
California State University, Northridge’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
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
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
51%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $6,818Expenses: $26,527Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Los Angeles known for?
California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $6,980Expenses: $16,770Starting Salary: $48,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fresno known for?
California State University, Fresno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Economics
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Engineering
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Social Work
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
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
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: $7,008Expenses: $21,408Starting Salary: $53,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #4 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #13 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
69%
Student body
46K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fullerton
Cost of Degree: $7,073Expenses: $23,567Starting Salary: $51,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fullerton known for?
California State University, Fullerton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Nursing
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
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #11 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
54%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Sacramento
Cost of Degree: $7,602Expenses: $21,816Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Sacramento known for?
California State University, Sacramento’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
66%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Cost of Degree: $7,439Expenses: $21,366Starting Salary: $58,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State Polytechnic University, Pomona known for?
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
67%
Student body
10K
What is University of California, Merced known for?
University of California, Merced’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
64%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Chico
Cost of Degree: $8,064Expenses: $19,966Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Chico known for?
California State University, Chico’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
60%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Sonoma State University
Cost of Degree: $8,190Expenses: $19,084Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sonoma State University known for?
Sonoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024 #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
46%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, East Bay
Cost of Degree: $7,055Expenses: $21,461Starting Salary: $58,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, East Bay known for?
California State University, East Bay’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
32%
Student body
34K
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Monica College
Cost of Degree: $1,156Starting Salary: $40,200What is Santa Monica College known for?
Santa Monica College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- History
- Psychology
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
Other Rankings
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
85%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cost of Degree: $11,075Expenses: $21,246Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #15 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
46%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills
Cost of Degree: $7,064Expenses: $21,706Starting Salary: $48,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Dominguez Hills known for?
California State University, Dominguez Hills’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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
California’s Best Public College in Your Area of 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.
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Merced
- San Francisco State University
- San Diego State University
- San Jose State University
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- California State University, Long Beach
- California State University, Monterey Bay
- California State University, Fullerton
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
- Sonoma State University
- California State University Maritime Academy
- California State University, East Bay
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, Fresno
- California State University, Chico