California’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
What are the best colleges and universities in California if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.
Colleges and universities in California deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.
California’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.
How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of California’s Colleges and Universities
As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of California’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.
- Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
- Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
- We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
- Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.
Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.
Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families
The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:
- A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
- Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
- Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
- The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
- Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
California’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #16 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #3 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
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
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
- #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
Other Rankings
- #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
- #15 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #19 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #23 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #25 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #1 Best Small Colleges in California 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities in California 2024
- #5 Best Grad Schools California 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #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
- #12 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
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
- #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
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
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/33
Career Outlook for degree at Scripps College
Cost of Degree: $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
- #9 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
Other Rankings
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
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
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
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
$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
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
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:
- #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
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
$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
- #7 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in California #15 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024 #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
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
- #6 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Master's in Theology
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in California
- #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
- #8 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2024
- #12 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
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: $44,382Expenses: $15,514Starting 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
$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
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
60%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Sonoma State University
Cost of Degree: $8,060Expenses: $19,292Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sonoma State University known for?
Sonoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Cost of Degree: $7,864Expenses: $16,992Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt known for?
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Physics
- Nursing
- Communications
- Political Science
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt’s Online Degrees
BA in Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in California
- #3 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #3 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
- #6 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #11 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #23 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
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: $63,142Expenses: $22,060Starting Salary: $77,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
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: $57,534Expenses: $21,315Starting Salary: $85,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #9 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024 #11 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
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: $53,682Expenses: $18,623Starting 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
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: $47,000Expenses: $19,454Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
Tuition + fees
$2K
Graduation
57%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for degree at Foothill College
Cost of Degree: $1,565Starting Salary: $58,300What is Foothill College known for?
Foothill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Sociology
- Economics
- Engineering
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
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: $55,532Expenses: $22,322Starting 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
California’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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?
- 29 Research Universities
- 84 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 97 Graduate Schools
- 47 Public Colleges & Universities
- 66 Private Colleges & Universities
- 32 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 51 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 59 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 98 Community Colleges
- 35 Online Colleges