Best Research Universities in California 2025
Interested in attending a STEM school in California? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Key Takeaways
- A research university allows students to connect with experts in their chosen field. Researchers and professors are often in a good position to help students with networking so they can land internships and possibly job opportunities right after they graduate.
- Attending a research university provides students access to some of the latest in research. Plus, all classes are handled by recognized researchers who can help students get ahead in their chosen fields of study.
- As a student at a research university, you have an upper hand for admission into notable graduate schools or career opportunities in competitive positions.
10 Best Research Universities in California in 2025
- University of California, Berkeley +1
- Stanford University –1
- University of California, Los Angeles
- California Institute of Technology +1
- University of Southern California –1
- 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
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 our 2025 ranking update to the best research universities in California, our top ten schools remained fairly stable. The University of California, Berkeley earned the top position, as the university has expanded its academic programs in emerging fields such as climate science, AI, and sustainable technology, ensuring students are prepared for future job markets. Significant investments have been made in upgrading campus infrastructure, including new research facilities and eco-friendly, student-centered communal spaces.
Best Research Universities in California
- #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 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 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
- #2 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #3 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #2 Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #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 English Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #1 Best Online Sociology 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
- #3 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
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 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
- #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads 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
- #1 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #2 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #2 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #2 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #22 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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
- #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 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 Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #13 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #24 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #2 Best Public Colleges California 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #3 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #3 Best Grad Schools 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 Religious Studies Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #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
- #18 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #4 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #12 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #15 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #25 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #1 Best Small Colleges in California 2025
- #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #4 Best Grad Schools 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
- #10 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #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
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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #17 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #3 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #5 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #5 Best Grad Schools 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 Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #1 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
- #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #1 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #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
- #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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
- #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges California 2024
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- #6 Best Colleges in California 2025
- #6 Best Grad Schools 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 Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges California 2024
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 Grad Schools 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges California 2024
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 #7 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #9 Best Colleges 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
- #6 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools 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
- #9 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #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
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #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
- #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
89%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/31
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Clara University
Cost of Degree: $59,241Expenses: $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 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #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
- #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
74%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1310/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of San Francisco
Cost of Degree: $58,222Expenses: $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
- #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
84%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/28
Career Outlook for degree at Chapman University
Cost of Degree: $62,784Expenses: $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
- #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
- #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
- #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
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Theology 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
$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:
- #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
$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
- #9 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #5 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #6 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024 #8 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
Other Rankings
- #16 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #18 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
- #16 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Student body
16K
What is Northcentral University known for?
Northcentral University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 29 research universities in California. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
California As a Major Hub for Research Universities
Selecting a college could be one of the most challenging decisions you have to make in life. Should you go to a liberal arts college and focus on a general program? Or is a research university a better option? This option allows you to focus on more specific fields of study.
Why You Should Attend a Research University
A research university offers you a lot of exceptional academic and career opportunities. These schools, often supported by the National Science Foundation and similar agencies, focus on facilitating research studies conducted by graduate students, professors, and industry experts. This makes a research university suitable for undergraduate students who plan to pursue higher academics.
Here are some interesting reasons why attending a research university is good for you.
More Connections
You can make connections with well-known and distinguished industry experts. This allows students to be networked with key players in the industry. Many researchers take their students with them to conferences and introduce these students around. This is a helpful way to become established in your field and launch yourself well into your career.
Research universities have improved course selections. Research universities often receive alumni, business, and government funding. This is why most of these universities have relatively bigger facilities with multiple departments.
Those who attend research schools will find it easier to select from unique academic programs and classes that will allow them to fine-tune their preferred majors.
Research universities offering undergraduate programs often award the same benefits to their undergrad students. This allows these students to learn from experts and take advantage of improved educational tools.
While all schools generally differ in the way they are structured, a research university is an ultimate option for highly passionate enrollees. Since these schools have ample resources, research universities can adjust to specialized academic endeavors such as double majors.
High-level Credentials
Research universities have to live up to their role as producers of the latest innovations and technologies, which is why these schools always have widespread prestige. Thus, these schools are usually featured in the news for their projects. Major industry players even partner with research universities to help them with their academic missions.
You have an advantage in admission to professional and graduate schools. Many professional and graduate schools have this belief that students coming from research universities are better trained than those coming from smaller schools. Graduate schools put more faith in letters of recommendation coming from well-known professors at research universities.
More Choices for Majors
Research universities have more fine-grained majors. Research universities have a larger faculty, which means they have a wider range of disciplines offered. This gives students more choices of majors. For instance, the University of California-Berkeley has more than 300 majors and programs.
In a single field, you can find different fine-tuned variations. UC Berkeley’s biological sciences department gives you the option to choose either Biochemistry, Integrative Biology, Genetics, Neurobiology, Immunology, or Cell Biology.
There are also more obscure majors like Epidemiology, Demography, Media Studies, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual and Transgender Studies, Folklore, and Native American Studies. In small colleges and universities, majors usually range from 25 to 30 only. Needless to say, choices in research universities are good.
Internships
You can secure internships and work with industry experts. It’s been proven that some of the best experiences for college students happen not inside the classroom, but in the interaction they experience with professors outside the classroom, especially in shared research activities.
Through internships and collaborative projects, students will have the chance to become researchers. Sometimes, they can even coauthor published papers or co-present at conferences. Either way, these experiences are a major feather in a students’s cap.
Find the Best Research Universities in California for 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.
- California Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Southern California
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- Pepperdine University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- Santa Clara University
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Riverside
- Loyola Marymount University
- University of California, Merced
- University of San Diego
- Chapman University
- University of San Francisco
- Biola University
- University of the Pacific
- San Diego State University
- Azusa Pacific University
- California State University, Fresno
- University of La Verne
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.