California is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world. With a diverse range of academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant student life, California colleges attract students worldwide. The state boasts some of the highest-ranked public universities in the country, as well as prestigious private liberal arts colleges and research institutions.
The University of California (UC) system, which includes ten campuses across the state, is one of the world’s largest and most respected public university systems. The UC system is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with many campuses consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country. In addition to the UC system, California is also home to other highly-ranked public universities and numerous private colleges and universities.
When choosing the best college in California, many factors must be considered. Location, cost, financial aid, research opportunities, and undergraduate majors are just a few factors that students should consider. Additionally, students should consider the school’s size, its student body’s diversity, and the quality of its teaching and research programs. With so many excellent colleges and universities, students are sure to find a school that meets their needs and helps them achieve their academic and career goals.
Stanford University
Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It is known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and beautiful campus.
Annual Cost
The annual cost to attend Stanford University for the 2022-2023 academic year is $78,218. However, the university offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate students who qualify.
Enrollment
Stanford University has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,087 students and a graduate enrollment of 9,390 students. The university is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 4.4% for the Class of 2025.
SAT Range
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1460-1570. However, the university has a holistic admissions process that considers factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Stanford University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked #3 globally.
The university has strong programs in science, engineering, and humanities and is home to the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and the Stanford Humanities Center.
Stanford University is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing students access to a vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities such as cycling and surfing, and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
University of California, Berkeley
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the University of California, Berkeley is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of California system. It is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States.
Annual Cost
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the annual cost of attendance for in-state students is $37,518, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $70,020 per year.
Enrollment
As of Fall 2021, UC Berkeley has an undergraduate enrollment of 31,780 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 11,740.
SAT Range
The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1370-1540. It’s important to note that while SAT scores are a factor in the admissions process, they are not the only factor considered.
UC Berkeley has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 16.1% for the Fall 2021 incoming class. The university looks for students with a strong academic record, extracurricular involvement, and a passion for learning and positively impacting the world.
Overall, UC Berkeley is a top choice for students looking for a challenging academic environment, diverse student body, and opportunities for research and innovation.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most renowned universities in California and is recognized for its prestigious programs and research opportunities.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending USC for the 2022-2023 academic year is $64,726, including tuition and fees. However, financial aid is available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
Enrollment
USC has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,560 students and a graduate enrollment of 28,721 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows for a more personalized learning experience.
SAT Range
The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1380 and 1530. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1455. SAT scores are just one of the many factors considered in the admissions process, and USC takes a holistic approach to evaluating each applicant.
USC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 21 academic schools and units. USC’s most popular majors include Business, Communications, and Biology. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the USC Stem Cell Center.
In addition to its academic programs, USC is known for its strong athletic programs. The USC Trojans compete in the Pac-12 Conference and have won numerous national football, baseball, and other sports championships.
Overall, USC is a top-tier university with a world-class education and a vibrant campus community. Its commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation makes it a top choice for students seeking a challenging and rewarding college experience.
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is a highly-rated public university located in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and is known for its excellent academics, research programs, and athletic teams.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending UCLA varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. In-state students can expect to pay around $13,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $43,838. However, financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these costs.
Enrollment
UCLA has an enrollment of approximately 31,068 undergraduate students, making it one of the largest universities in California. The university is also highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 14%. This means that competition for admission is fierce, and students must have excellent grades and test scores to be considered.
SAT Range
The SAT range for UCLA is typically between 1370 and 1540, with the average score being around 1450. However, it is important to note that SAT scores are just one of many factors that are considered during the admissions process. Other factors, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal essays, are also considered.
In addition to its academic programs, UCLA is also known for its vibrant campus life. The university has over 1,000 student organizations, including clubs for sports, music, theater, and more. There are also several on-campus housing options available, including traditional dormitories, apartments, and suites.
Overall, UCLA is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a top-tier education in a diverse and exciting city. With its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and rich student life, it is no wonder that UCLA is consistently ranked among the best colleges in California and the United States.
Pomona College
Pomona College is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. It is ranked #3 in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category of the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by US News.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attendance at Pomona College for the academic year 2022-2023 is $78,050. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the college is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students.
Enrollment
Pomona College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,717 students. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, and the average class size is 15 students. The college has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 60 countries.
SAT Range
The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at Pomona College is 1450-1560. The college is test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if a student chooses to submit scores, they will be considered as part of the holistic admissions process.
Pomona College is strongly committed to academic excellence, with over 48 majors and 600 courses offered. The college also strongly emphasizes research and experiential learning, with opportunities for students to conduct research with faculty members, participate in internships, and study abroad. The college has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. It is known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering education and research.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Caltech is $60,864, which includes tuition and fees. However, the university is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students and offers need-based financial aid packages.
Enrollment
Caltech has a total undergraduate enrollment of 961 students, with a gender distribution of 54% male and 46% female students. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 1,277 students.
SAT Range
The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1530-1570 for the combined Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. The university also recommends that applicants take at least two SAT Subject Tests, preferably in Math and science.
Caltech is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates and other notable alumni, including physicist Richard Feynman and astronaut Sally Ride.
The university is also committed to diversity and inclusion and has several programs and initiatives to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Caltech’s small size and close-knit community make it an ideal choice for students who are looking for a highly personalized and challenging academic experience.
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, and is one of the seven members of The Claremont Colleges. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,240 students and an acceptance rate of 13%.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Claremont McKenna College is $60,715, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available, and approximately 45% of students receive need-based aid, with an average award of $52,000.
Enrollment
Claremont McKenna College has a small undergraduate enrollment of 1,240 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1. The college has a diverse student body, with students from 48 states and 37 countries.
SAT Range
The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at Claremont McKenna College are between 1440-1550. The average ACT score is 33. These scores align with other highly selective liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Overall, Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective and prestigious institution that provides a rigorous liberal arts education to its students. Its small size and low student-faculty ratio allow for personalized attention and a tight-knit community. With a diverse student body and a commitment to academic excellence, Claremont McKenna College is a top choice for many students seeking a liberal arts education in California.
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. It is one of the five undergraduate colleges of the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Annual Cost
According to the US News Best Colleges, the annual tuition and fees for Harvey Mudd College is $62,817. However, the college is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need of admitted students. In fact, 67% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Enrollment
Harvey Mudd College has a small undergraduate enrollment of 821 students. The student body is diverse, with 50% of students identifying as female and 50% identifying as male. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, which allows for personalized attention and mentoring.
SAT Range
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students at Harvey Mudd College is 1490-1570. The college is test-optional for the 2022-2023 application cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, applicants who choose to submit their test scores will not be penalized for doing so.
Harvey Mudd College is known for its strong programs in STEM fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, and mathematics. It offers 25 bachelor’s degrees in total, with majors ranging from biology to humanities. The college has a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on hands-on, experiential learning.
The college has been consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation by US News Best Colleges and Niche. In fact, it is currently ranked #29 in the US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings for 2022-2023.
Overall, Harvey Mudd College is a highly selective institution that provides a challenging and rewarding education for its students.
University of California San Diego
The University of California San Diego (UCSD) is a public research university in La Jolla, California. It is one of the top-ranked universities in California and the United States.
Annual Cost
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the annual cost of attendance for in-state students at UCSD is $15,348, while out-of-state students pay $44,402. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.
Enrollment
UCSD has a total enrollment of approximately 39,000 students, with over 30,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduate students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
SAT Range
The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at UCSD is 1370-1530. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1370, and 25% scored above 1530. The university also considers other factors in the admissions process, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
UCSD is known for its strong science, engineering, and social sciences programs. The university is home to six undergraduate colleges, each with its own unique academic programs and requirements. Students can choose from over 130 undergraduate majors and minors.
Overall, UCSD is a highly respected institution with a strong academic reputation and a commitment to research and innovation.
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a public research university located in Davis, California. It is one of the ten campuses of the University of California system and is considered one of the top public universities in the United States.
Annual Cost
According to the UC Davis website, the estimated annual cost for a California resident undergraduate student is $36,780, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. For non-resident students, the estimated annual cost is $64,692.
Enrollment
As of fall 2021, UC Davis has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,657 and a total graduate enrollment of 9,662. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
SAT Range
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1280-1500, with the average SAT score being 1402. It is important to note that UC Davis has a holistic admissions process and considers many factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Overall, UC Davis offers a wide range of academic programs, including arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering majors. It is particularly well-known for its agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science programs. The campus is also home to many research centers and institutes, including the UC Davis Medical Center and the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.
