Colleges in California

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.
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Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College

Founded in Los Angeles in 1887, Occidental College is a 4-year private liberal arts college in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most creative cities in the world. As one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast, Oxy offers more than 40 majors...

“…

The professors here really care about their students and offer as much help as they can. Doors are almost always open, and since each student receives an advisor, the relationship between professor and student is on a more equal level than most...

” – Zoë from Simi Valley, CA
33
average act composite
1386
average sat composite
38%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Major city
campus setting
$41,102
average net price
1,964
number of students
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University of California-Merced
Merced, CA
University of California-Merced

Founded in 2005, the University of California-Merced is a 4-year public research institution in northern California and the first American research university opened in the 21st century. UC Merced is home to colleges of Social Sciences, Engineering...

“…

Obviously, just like any other school, if you put your mind to it, study, and do the work, you'll learn. Putting in effort to what you want to accomplish is the key. I am currently a freshman and am about to finish my 1st semester here. I'm taking...

” – Gabriel from Hercules, CA
20
average act composite
1100
average sat composite
85%
acceptance rate
Public
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$14,272
average net price
9,018
number of students
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California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

“…

I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...

” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
23
average act composite
1146
average sat composite
47%
acceptance rate
Public
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Major city
campus setting
$10,568
average net price
40,190
number of students
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University of Redlands
Redlands, CA
University of Redlands

Centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert in the heart of Southern California, the University of Redlands offers more than 40 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs. The unique combination of liberal arts, pre...

“…

I just completed my freshman year here so I have not taken many classes, however, every class I have taken has taught me quite a bit. My favorite part about the classes is the size; even introductory classes are never above 40 students. In fact, I...

” – Alaina from Portland, OR
26
average act composite
1186
average sat composite
83%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Small city
campus setting
$30,240
average net price
4,059
number of students
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Pomona College
Claremont, CA
Pomona College

Founded by Congregationalists in 1887, Pomona College is a private liberal arts school in the Los Angeles area and the founding member of the Claremont Colleges. Pomona confers bachelor’s degrees in 48 academic majors in the arts, social sciences...

“…

Pomona College provides for an excellent education. Each semester there are hundreds of classes that are offered in pretty much every subject matter imaginable. The fact that Pomona is part of the five college Claremont Consortium only means that...

”
35
average act composite
1480
average sat composite
7%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$30,392
average net price
1,764
number of students
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Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
Azusa Pacific University

Founded as the first west coast Bible college, Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian institution in southern California based on the Wesleyan holiness tradition. APU is home to 10 academic schools and colleges and the Azusa Pacific...

“…

The courses at APU are amazing classes that stretch your intellect. I've learned so much over the course of the past year because my professors are wonderful people who know what they're teaching and are there for their students. APU is a Christian...

” – Audrey from Azusa, CA
23
average act composite
1146
average sat composite
94%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$31,367
average net price
8,126
number of students
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Biola University
La Mirada, CA
Biola University

Founded in 1908, Biola University is an Evangelical Christian University in the Los Angeles metro area with a focus on Bible-centered education. Biola offers over 150 academic majors and programs and every student is required to complete 30 credits...

“…

I have learned more during my Freshman year at Biola than I did any other year of high school. Not only have I been challenged in my Bible, General Education, and Intercultural Studies classes, but I have learned how a college student needs to...

” – Christine
25
average act composite
1198
average sat composite
61%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$34,713
average net price
5,551
number of students
Save to list
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA
University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific is the oldest, private university in California and has admissions that are more selective. The main campus is located in Stockton, and the university operates two satellite campuses in Sacramento and San Francisco...

“…

Most universities/colleges don't allow students to get started on their majors until Sophomore or Junior year of college. As a Freshman at UOP I've already gotten a feel for what I will be doing as a sports medicine or Athletic Training major. Four...

” – Hayley from San Jose, CA
28
average act composite
1251
average sat composite
79%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Major city
campus setting
$32,780
average net price
6,066
number of students
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California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology is a 4-year private science and engineering university in Pasadena. Caltech confers undergraduate degrees in 28 scientific fields of study. In addition to classroom space, Caltech is home to several research...

“…

You will learn more than you thought was possible. Sometimes it will seem impossible. It isn't.

” – Kimberly from Bloomington, IL
36
average act composite
1557
average sat composite
4%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Small city
campus setting
$33,565
average net price
2,397
number of students
Save to list
Whittier College
Whittier, CA
Whittier College

Whittier College is a private, hispanic-serving institution is located in Whittier, CA, with a mission to "prepare students from diverse backgrounds to excel in a complex global society." The liberal arts curriculum framework is centered around the...

“…

Whittier is a small private school in the eclectic town of Whittier near Los Angeles, California. The classroom sizes are small, within the range of one teacher per 25 students. thus, there is a lot of one-on-one time with your professors. Also, this...

” – Ashley from CA
23
average act composite
1135
average sat composite
82%
acceptance rate
Private
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$28,647
average net price
1,387
number of students
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Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University is a public school in California’s wine country and one of the smallest campuses in the California State University system. Sonoma State grants bachelor’s degrees in 46 academic programs including the only Wine Business...

“…

I am planning to major in Criminal Justice and minor in psychology and they have really good programs for both of them. The classes are small (about only 20-30) with some classes as big as 80. I like that the classes are small enough for me to get...

” – Cassie From San Francisco, CA
20
average act composite
1065
average sat composite
94%
acceptance rate
Public
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Suburb or town
campus setting
$17,239
average net price
7,371
number of students
Save to list
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
California State University-San Bernardino

With a campus nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, California State University-San Bernardino is a 4-year public institution and part of the Cal State system. An Hispanic-serving institution, Cal State San Bernardino is home to...

“…

I am about to start my sophmore year in fall 2009 and cannot wait. My freshman year was amazing. I learned many things in class that I used outside of class. Professors take the time to answer questions students may have, and make convenient office...

” – Sandy from Apple Valley, CA
17
average act composite
985
average sat composite
91%
acceptance rate
Public
type of institution
4 Year
level of institution
Small city
campus setting
$8,492
average net price
19,514
number of students

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