Best Small Colleges in California 2025
Small colleges in California are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- California’s strategic location, prestigious colleges, great weather, and diverse culture are very appealing to university students.
- Attending a small college in California will appeal to students who are looking for a strong sense of community, personalized attention from the faculty and staff members, and excellent access to support services are among its benefits.
- Earning a degree from one of the top small colleges in the state could lead to a career in the state. California is one of the leading tech centers in the United States.
10 Best Small Colleges in California in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best small colleges in California saw a fair amount of movement. Whittier College gained the most ranking positions as the college launched the Whittier Community Engagement Hub, which connects students with local organizations for internships, service-learning projects, and community-based research. The college has also modernized its STEM facilities, including new labs for environmental science and biotechnology, providing students with hands-on research opportunities. Additionally, Whittier has expanded its interdisciplinary programs, blending fields like sustainability, public policy, and digital media to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in California is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 50 small colleges in California. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in California. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in California
- #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
- #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in California 2024
- #4 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities in California 2025
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #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: $60,864Expenses: $22,734Starting 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
- #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 Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $59,238Expenses: $21,958Starting Salary: $77,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
83%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for degree at Occidental College
Cost of Degree: $60,566Expenses: $20,070Starting Salary: $59,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Occidental College known for?
Occidental College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/35
Career Outlook for degree at Harvey Mudd College
Cost of Degree: $62,817Expenses: $22,079Starting Salary: $104,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvey Mudd College known for?
Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
91%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/34
Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College
Cost of Degree: $60,715Expenses: $21,412Starting Salary: $93,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Claremont McKenna College known for?
Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
66%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/27
Career Outlook for degree at Whittier College
Cost of Degree: $49,864Expenses: $17,623Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whittier College known for?
Whittier College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
85%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Pitzer College
Cost of Degree: $60,578Expenses: $22,254Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pitzer College known for?
Pitzer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Physics
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in California #15 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #16 Best Online MBAs in Finance
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
67%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Redlands
Cost of Degree: $55,678Expenses: $20,178Starting Salary: $57,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Redlands known for?
University of Redlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025 #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/33
Career Outlook for degree at Scripps College
Cost of Degree: $60,712Expenses: $22,618Starting Salary: $61,800Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Scripps College known for?
Scripps College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Economics
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #3 Best Online MBA Programs in California
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #7 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #9 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #14 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #22 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $82,300What is Golden Gate University known for?
Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Golden Gate University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
What is American Jewish University known for?
American Jewish University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College of California
Cost of Degree: $53,572Expenses: $20,256Starting Salary: $63,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary's College of California known for?
Saint Mary's College of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
74%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1369/31
Career Outlook for degree at Westmont College
Cost of Degree: $50,066Expenses: $18,760Starting Salary: $58,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Westmont College known for?
Westmont College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Physics
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Union College
Cost of Degree: $33,678Expenses: $13,476Starting Salary: $61,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific Union College known for?
Pacific Union College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
What is Mills College at Northeastern University known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
76%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Point Loma Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $41,100Expenses: $16,004Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Point Loma Nazarene University known for?
Point Loma Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Literature
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Medical
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1162/24
Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University of California
Cost of Degree: $49,426Expenses: $19,763Starting Salary: $63,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dominican University of California known for?
Dominican University of California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
54%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at La Sierra University
Cost of Degree: $34,902Expenses: $17,561Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is La Sierra University known for?
La Sierra University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
88%
Student body
<1K
What is Soka University of America known for?
Soka University of America’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
55%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Woodbury University
Cost of Degree: $44,908Expenses: $18,341Starting Salary: $52,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Woodbury University known for?
Woodbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Communications
- History
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
What is John F. Kennedy University known for?
John F. Kennedy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Sociology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
85%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1315/29
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Aquinas College
Cost of Degree: $27,000Expenses: $13,000Starting Salary: $45,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas Aquinas College known for?
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
73%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/28
Career Outlook for degree at California Lutheran University
Cost of Degree: $48,012Expenses: $19,793Starting Salary: $60,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Lutheran University known for?
California Lutheran University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025 #22 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration #25 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Irvine
Cost of Degree: $40,180Expenses: $17,240Starting Salary: $50,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Irvine known for?
Concordia University Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Sociology
- History
- Communications
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Irvine’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration and Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Townsend Institute: Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
20%
Student body
<1K
What is University of the West known for?
University of the West’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$37K
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Marymount California University
Cost of Degree: $36,908Expenses: $20,583Starting Salary: $42,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marymount California University known for?
Marymount California University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #21 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #22 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
54%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Holy Names University
Cost of Degree: $42,115Expenses: $18,477Starting Salary: $57,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Holy Names University known for?
Holy Names University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Communications
- Medical
- Biology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Holy Names University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Completion
Degree Concentrations
- Certified Personal Financial Planning
- Finance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
73%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/19
What is John Paul the Great Catholic University known for?
John Paul the Great Catholic University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #15 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
32%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hope International University
Cost of Degree: $35,700Expenses: $17,253Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hope International University known for?
Hope International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Hope International University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Teacher Preperation
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$37K
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Simpson University
Cost of Degree: $37,480Expenses: $16,100Starting Salary: $39,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Simpson University known for?
Simpson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Simpson University’s Online Degrees
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Exploring Small Colleges in the Golden State
California is notably cultural, with many cities spread across its pacific coastline. The state is also home to some of the best public university systems in the world, rivaling the Ivy Leagues of the East Coast!
The state is also known for Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Elite institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, or the University of California, Berkeley, are great options for students from across the globe, particularly through their online programs.
Study Options in California
Some of California’s small college standout features are student and population diversity, geographical advantage, numerous academic opportunities, and the presence of environmentally-conscious industries.
Situated in the Bay Area, Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the US. Most of its residents are either Hispanics, Blacks, or Asians. Oakland is home to many schools, including the California College of Arts and Mills College. Because of its proximity to San Francisco and Berkeley, students from Oakland can easily commute between these two cities.
On the other hand, San Diego has beautiful and consistently warm weather, with annual temperatures averaging 72 degrees. The city’s coastal location offers access to many fine beaches, perfect for students to chill occasionally.
Claremont, located just outside Los Angeles, is home to the Claremont Colleges, an association of seven prestigious private schools. It draws seven distinct institutions in less than a square mile. The Claremont Consortium includes Pomona College, Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, and Keck Graduate Institute
Best Green Industries: Berkeley
Best known for its progressive values, Berkeley is ranked among the top cities for green jobs. Students who are interested in pursuing green jobs can enjoy the different academic and professional opportunities UC Berkeley offers. Neighboring cities, including Hayward, Oakland, and San Francisco, also offer many green employment opportunities.
Best for Entertainment: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the cultural hub of the West Coast, offering unmatched opportunities for nightlife and entertainment. The city’s culture and economy are driven mostly by film, music, and other entertainment industries. Major colleges in LA include the University of Southern California, UCLA, and the California Institute of the Arts.
Academic Opportunities for Small Public or Private School Options in California
Some of the best schools in the US are found in California. It is home to the California State University System, with more than 485,500 enrolled students across 23 campuses. UCLA and Berkeley, two of the best public colleges in the US, are also found in California.
While the University of Southern California, Stanford, and the California Institute of Technology attract many students both nationally and internationally the more selective and smaller liberal arts colleges like Harvey Mudd and Pomona are also great options.
Those planning to enroll in vocational schools, coding boot camps, and other community and small colleges can also enjoy many options in California.
Tech Opportunities in California
California is a tech hub. This city offers many educational and professional opportunities for students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Berkeley and Stanford University are known for having top figures in the tech industry. Some of the most successful startup technology ventures also come from these schools.
Students studying in California have internships and learning opportunities at some of the country’s biggest tech companies, like Google and Apple. With these professional connections and internships, students can still land their dream jobs right after college. Coding boot camps, another route into the tech industry, are also plenty in California.
The Cost of Studying in California
California has a high cost of living. Out-of-state tuition rates are potential financial barriers, especially for students not living in California.
The state does have several top-ranked public colleges, and some institutions that are members of the UC system qualify as Public Ivies. Stanford, USC, and other private colleges add to California’s academic prestige.
While the options are varied, out-of-state students must weigh the pros and cons of attending a college in California against living and tuition costs.
California’s Best Small 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.
- California Institute of Technology
- Antioch University
- Pomona College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Occidental College
- Pitzer College
- Scripps College
- California Institute of Integral Studies
- Golden Gate University
- Mills College at Northeastern University
- American Jewish University
- Whittier College
- University of Redlands
- Dominican University of California
- University of the West
- Biola University
- Westmont College
- Woodbury University
- Thomas Aquinas College
- Pacific Union College
- San Diego Christian College
- La Sierra University
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Saint Mary's College of California
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Washington DC and Wisconsin.