Best Colleges in California

California is 163,696 square miles and contains the largest higher education system in the nation. Colleges in California include notable institutions such as Stanford University, CalTech, and UCLA. The Golden State is known for birthing the American film industry as well as the Internet, and its economy centers around professional and business services, educational and health services, financial activities, and leisure and hospitality. California has a largely mediterranean climate, but can range from polar to subtropical depending on region. The Golden Gate Bridge, Palm Springs, Yosemite National Park, and Universal Studios Hollywood are primary tourist spots. Lesser known hot spots in Cali include Victorville’s California Route 66 Museum, the Redwoods in Arcata, and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Preserve.

How Were the Top Schools in California Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Modesto Junior College

Modesto Junior College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of California. While the college primarily awards associate’s degrees and certificates, it also offers Skills Recognitions options and a singular bachelor’s degree program...

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Had some of the best teachers here!

” – Elizabeth from Tracy, CA
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Touro University Worldwide is an online institution with programs ranging in level from undergraduate to doctorate. The college has six different enrollment periods throughout the year, with each class period lasting eight weeks. Students attending...

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With a campus located in Berkeley, Zaytuna College is a Muslim liberal arts college and the first Islamic undergraduate institution of higher learning in the United States. Zaytuna confers a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Law and Theology featuring...

Cerritos College

Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is a 2-year community college in the greater Los Angeles area and one of the five largest community colleges in LA County. Cerritos is home to 87 associate degree and certificate-granting programs in over 180...

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Cerritos is a great place to start off if you dont really know where you want to go or what you want to do for your future. The professors are nice and help you as much as they can, they want you to learn and will not make you feel dumb. They treat...

” – Gloria from Maywood, CA
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Alliant International University is a private for-profit institution based in San Diego, California. Alliant operates multiple campuses around the state. Students can opt for the “Fast-Track” and take graduate level courses during their last year of...

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I have great professors and they are very invested in you being able to understand. They want you to learn

” – Dorothy from Anaheim, CA
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With two campuses in the greater Los Angeles area, American Jewish University is a graduate-level institution dedicated to researching and incorporating the history and culture of Judaism into modern day life. Degree programs at AJU are divided among...

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Founded by the leader of one of the largest Buddhist organizations on the planet, the University of the West is a liberal arts college that blends western-style education with Buddhist wisdom. UWest offers four undergraduate programs in Liberal Arts...

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Everyone is very helpful and welcoming. Culture diversity is valued and honored. Excellent parking, variety of clubs, reasonable tuition fees, classroom population is small, and they have well-qualified professors.

” – MARIA from LOS ANGELES, CA
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SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is a Pentecostal/Charismatic Christian institution with a focus on hands-on ministry. All students at SUM are enrolled in a 3-year bachelor’s degree program in Biblical Studies and have the option of...

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Love the teachers. Everyone is like family. Strong presence of God.

” – Arturo from Stockton, CA
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From its campus in downtown Oakland, California, Lincoln University is a private institution with an emphasis on education for working adults. Lincoln offers two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Diagnostic Imaging as well as two...

Shiloh University
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
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Established in 2006, Shiloh University is an online, Christ-centered institution based in Kalona, Iowa. The college offers eight undergraduate and seven postgraduate degree and certificate programs, as well as two feature areas: Chaplain Education...

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a graduate institution, with campuses in Chicago, Grayslake, Irvine, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. Academics at The Chicago School are focused on service learning and hands-on experience, allowing...

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Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary is a Hasidic Jewish institution and the largest yeshiva in the western United States. Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad offers a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Rabbinical Studies. The...

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The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts

Located in Corona, CA, The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts is the educational division of The Young Americans, Inc. The Young Americans College was founded in 1962 with a mission to promote goodwill and understanding around the world...

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Glendale Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 100-acre campus in southern California, with three satellite centers throughout the region. GCC offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs, many of which are...

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Glendale Community College is one of the oldest, yet popular community college for locals living in Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank as well as for international students. They offer many courses depending on the major you plan to pursue or...

” – The Wise Student
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Humphreys University is a private school with two main campuses in Stockton and Modesto, California. HU offers nine academic programs conferring associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a master’s degree program in Business Administration. The...

Moorpark College

Moorpark College is a 2-year community college with open admissions based in Ventura County, California. The school operates an on-site zoo for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, the only one in the nation, and is also home to the...

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Great teachers! Most of whom have been in the professional world. There are tons of interesting classes as well!

” – Zachary from Moorpark, CA
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Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Redding, California. Shasta offers 16 on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs between its Education and Bible & Theology departments, as well as...

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Those who are seeking a life in ministry, this would be a great start for you. You learn the basics you need such as New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Hermeneutics, and Spiritual Life. These will mark out the foundation you need to advance...

” – Mark from Epsom, NH
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Cuesta College is a public 2-year community college based in San Luis Obispo County and serves the Central Coast of California. Cuesta offers associate degrees as well as technical and professional certifications. Noted programs include health...

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Cuesta College is one of the top community colleges in California, located just outside of Beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. If you are interested in Nursing, Music and the Arts, History, or Engineering, Cuesta college is a great great place to start...

” – Jacob from Atascadero, CA
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Stanbridge University is a for-profit college of health and veterinary sciences in the greater Los Angeles area. With two LA-based campus locations, Stanbridge offers degrees in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Science...