Colleges in California

Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, hit the ski slopes, or just study hard, you may want to begin your college search in California. The Golden State is home to 301 colleges and universities! Of these California colleges, 153 are public and 145 are private. . California colleges come in all shapes and sizes; small California colleges have less than 2000 students, medium California colleges have 2000 to 5000 students, large California colleges have 5000 to 10000 students, and California colleges with greater than 10000 students are defined as very large. A number of these colleges also offer online degrees. Each California college is unique, with strengths ranging from academics to extracurriculars to athletics. So if you’re set on going to Cali, you’ve still got a long way to go until you’ve narrowed it down to one California college or university.

According to Rachel G., a student at the University of Southern California in LA, “An obvious attraction of attending college is Southern California is the weather: cloudless days, low humidity, mild winters, etc. But in addition, California offers a multitude of cultural and educational benefits. I believe that California is perhaps the one state that is truly representative of the US as a whole: it has diverse people, big cities and small towns, agriculture and industry, mountains, deserts and beaches. I'm excited to take beach trips with my dorm, go to National Parks, explore Hollywood and LA's fashion district and much more. The people I've met here are friendly, diverse and interesting--one of my suitemates is from India! It's also great to live in the middle of a thriving large city, an ideal location for getting career contacts and internships. California is a vibrant place to learn and live!"

Matt M., a student at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA said, "In one day, I can go skiing, surfing, and hiking in three different temperatures zones, and still have time to get a good night's rest."

Now comes the hard part: choosing the California college that’s right for you. If you’re looking for a California school that’s small but prestigious, you may want to consider one of the schools in the Claremont Consortium. This is a group of five very small colleges that are home to some very academically talented students. No matter what your personality, intended major or extracurricular interests, there’s a Claremont school for you.

Or maybe you want a bigger experience. The University of California consists of ten campuses, altogether housing about 222,000 students. Each campus offers a unique educational experience, and a buzzing nightlife.

If you’re interested in mathematics, science, technology, or engineering, the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) may be the school for you. This nerd haven is nestled among palm trees in Pasadena, California, and is said to be the MIT of the west coast.

Beyond that, there’s Stanford University, Occidental College, La Sierra University, and many, many more. We have all kinds of information about California colleges compiled to help you choose the California college that’s right for you. We have also listed the scholarships and grants offered by each school to help you pay for your California education. So before you dive into the application process, take a few moments to browse our extensive list of California colleges and universities , and let Cappex help you find your fit.