Best Small Colleges in California 2024

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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.

10 Best Small Colleges in California 2024

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  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Pomona College
  3. Harvey Mudd College
  4. Claremont McKenna College
  5. Occidental College
  6. Golden Gate University
  7. University of Redlands
  8. Mills College at Northeastern University
  9. Pitzer College
  10. Scripps College
  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Pomona College
  3. Occidental College
  4. Harvey Mudd College
  5. Claremont McKenna College
  6. Pitzer College
  7. University of Redlands
  8. Scripps College
  9. Whittier College
  10. Golden Gate University
  1. Holy Names University 95%
  2. Dominican University of California 93%
  3. Point Loma Nazarene University 84%
  4. University of Redlands 83%
  5. Thomas Aquinas College 83%
  6. California Lutheran University 82%
  7. Whittier College 82%
  8. Concordia University Irvine 81%
  9. Mills College at Northeastern University 80%
  10. Westmont College 79%
  1. Concordia University Irvine 20 to 1
  2. John Paul the Great Catholic University 19 to 1
  3. Marymount California University 18 to 1
  4. La Sierra University 16 to 1
  5. Point Loma Nazarene University 15 to 1
  6. California Lutheran University 14 to 1
  7. Hope International University 13 to 1
  8. Simpson University 13 to 1
  9. Pacific Union College 13 to 1
  10. University of Redlands 12 to 1
  1. Harvey Mudd College $60,703
  2. California Institute of Technology $58,680
  3. Scripps College $58,442
  4. Occidental College $58,426
  5. Claremont McKenna College $58,111
  6. Pitzer College $57,978
  7. Pomona College $56,686
  8. University of Redlands $54,066
  9. Saint Mary's College of California $51,768
  10. Whittier College $49,514
  1. Claremont McKenna College $64,288
  2. Occidental College $57,830
  3. California Institute of Technology $56,364
  4. Scripps College $46,774
  5. Woodbury University $41,924
  6. Mills College at Northeastern University $34,833
  7. Saint Mary's College of California $33,357
  8. Soka University of America $32,250
  9. American Jewish University $31,394
  10. Pacific Union College $31,101
  1. Marymount California University
  2. Simpson University
  3. Holy Names University
  4. John Paul the Great Catholic University
  5. Hope International University
  6. University of the West
  7. Thomas Aquinas College
  8. Concordia University Irvine
  9. California Lutheran University
  10. Woodbury University
  1. Simpson University
  2. John Paul the Great Catholic University
  3. Holy Names University
  4. Hope International University
  5. University of the West
  6. Concordia University Irvine
  7. Marymount California University
  8. Thomas Aquinas College
  9. California Lutheran University
  10. John F. Kennedy University
  1. California Institute of Technology 4%
  2. Pomona College 7%
  3. Harvey Mudd College 10%
  4. Claremont McKenna College 11%
  5. Pitzer College 18%
  6. Scripps College 30%
  7. Occidental College 38%
  8. Hope International University 40%
  9. Soka University of America 52%
  10. Pacific Union College 58%
  1. California Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. American Jewish University 4 to 1
  3. University of the West 5 to 1
  4. Pomona College 6 to 1
  5. Holy Names University 7 to 1
  6. Soka University of America 7 to 1
  7. Occidental College 8 to 1
  8. Mills College at Northeastern University 8 to 1
  9. Claremont McKenna College 8 to 1
  10. Harvey Mudd College 8 to 1
  1. Golden Gate University $11,088
  2. University of the West $13,604
  3. Thomas Aquinas College $26,000
  4. John Paul the Great Catholic University $28,000
  5. Mills College at Northeastern University $30,950
  6. American Jewish University $31,394
  7. Pacific Union College $32,103
  8. Soka University of America $34,166
  9. La Sierra University $34,218
  10. Hope International University $35,450
  1. Concordia University Irvine $8,564
  2. Simpson University $10,710
  3. University of the West $11,772
  4. Point Loma Nazarene University $11,880
  5. Hope International University $14,256
  6. Marymount California University $14,400
  7. Whittier College $14,742
  8. La Sierra University $15,067
  9. Dominican University of California $16,048
  10. Holy Names University $18,054

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.

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.

Colleges and Universities in California

California’s higher education institutes span across the entire state, allowing students to study by the beach, in the forest, in small towns, and in large cities. There are over 30 high quality online programs that would allow you to earn a degree from literally anywhere in California, or the world.

The state’s largest university is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA serves nearly 44,000 students and offers a tuition rate around $13,000. This isn’t the only school with a large student body though. California is home to 23 colleges and universities with student populations of over 20,000 students.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

However, more than half of the state’s schools serve smaller student populations, offering plenty of options for students who crave a more intimate campus experience. Additionally, California boasts 50 religiously affiliated schools. Many of these schools have high graduation rates. However, tuition costs can range greatly, from $8,000 at Bethesda University up to $54,000 at Pepperdine University.

Additionally, many of California’s colleges and universities boast influential faculty and alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Jerry Lewis, and Weird Al Yankovic. In addition to famous alumni and professors, California’s schools are also home to some of the country’s top degree programs, including nursing, business, religious studies, education, literature, and law. Many of these schools offer online courses and complete online programs in these same disciplines.

Though Hollywood has given us an inside look into California’s most popular landmarks and attractions, these one-of-a-kind places aren’t the only reason people flock to The Golden State. With hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as community and junior colleges, to choose from, students have countless opportunities to further their education in California.

Many of these opportunities are also accessible through online courses and online colleges. A growing number of online programs in California have received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools, which means online students have a higher level of quality assurance than ever before. It’s also worth noting that students who live in California can still get an in-state discount on their associate degree or bachelor’s degree even when completing online courses or online programs.

To learn more about earning your degree in California, check out some of the state’s top programs and career paths.


What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

California’s Best Overall

California's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Small Colleges in California 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $77,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $93,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Occidental College

    Cost of Degree: $60,566
    Expenses: $20,070
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $11,343
    Starting Salary: $82,300
    What is Golden Gate University known for?

    Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Golden Gate University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    University of Redlands

    Redlands , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Redlands

    Cost of Degree: $55,678
    Expenses: $20,178
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #10

    Scripps College

    Claremont , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Scripps College

    Cost of Degree: $60,712
    Expenses: $22,618
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    Whittier College

    Whittier , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Whittier College

    Cost of Degree: $49,864
    Expenses: $17,623
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1161/24

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

    Cost of Degree: $53,572
    Expenses: $20,256
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University of California

    Cost of Degree: $49,426
    Expenses: $19,763
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dominican University of California known for?

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

  11. #14

    American Jewish University

    Los Angeles , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is American Jewish University known for?

    American Jewish University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  12. What is John F. Kennedy University known for?

    John F. Kennedy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #16

    La Sierra University

    Riverside , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/19

    Career Outlook for degree at La Sierra University

    Cost of Degree: $34,902
    Expenses: $17,561
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is La Sierra University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #17

    Soka University of America

    Aliso Viejo , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    What is Soka University of America known for?

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

  15. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Point Loma Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $41,100
    Expenses: $16,004
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Point Loma Nazarene University known for?

    Point Loma Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #19

    Westmont College

    Santa Barbara , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Westmont College

    Cost of Degree: $50,066
    Expenses: $18,760
    Starting Salary: $58,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    Pacific Union College

    Angwin , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Union College

    Cost of Degree: $33,678
    Expenses: $13,476
    Starting Salary: $61,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #21

    Woodbury University

    Burbank , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Woodbury University

    Cost of Degree: $44,908
    Expenses: $18,341
    Starting Salary: $52,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Woodbury University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #22

    California Lutheran University

    Thousand Oaks , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for degree at California Lutheran University

    Cost of Degree: $48,012
    Expenses: $19,793
    Starting Salary: $60,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Lutheran University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $40,180
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Irvine known for?

    Concordia University Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  21. #24

    Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Aquinas College

    Cost of Degree: $27,000
    Expenses: $13,000
    Starting Salary: $45,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Thomas Aquinas College known for?
  22. #25

    University of the West

    Rosemead , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is University of the West known for?

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

  23. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Hope International University

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $17,253
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  24. Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/22

    What is John Paul the Great Catholic University known for?

    John Paul the Great Catholic University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  25. #28

    Holy Names University

    Oakland , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Names University

    Cost of Degree: $42,115
    Expenses: $18,477
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Holy Names University known for?

    Holy Names University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  26. #29

    Simpson University

    Redding , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1072/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Simpson University

    Cost of Degree: $37,480
    Expenses: $16,100
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  27. #30

    Marymount California University

    Rancho Palos Verdes , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marymount California University

    Cost of Degree: $36,908
    Expenses: $20,583
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marymount California University known for?

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

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California’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Antioch University
  3. Pomona College
  4. Harvey Mudd College
  5. Claremont McKenna College
  6. Occidental College
  7. Pitzer College
  8. Scripps College
  9. California Institute of Integral Studies
  10. Golden Gate University
  11. Mills College at Northeastern University
  12. American Jewish University
  13. Whittier College
  14. University of Redlands
  15. Dominican University of California
  16. University of the West
  17. Biola University
  18. Westmont College
  19. Woodbury University
  20. Thomas Aquinas College
  21. Pacific Union College
  22. San Diego Christian College
  23. La Sierra University
  24. Notre Dame de Namur University
  25. Saint Mary's College of California
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