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.

Mission Viejo, CA

Saddleback College is a 2-year community college based in Mission Viejo, California, with an open admissions policy. It is part of the California Community College system and confers professional certifications and associate degrees. Eligible...

“…

This school has given me the tools and confidence to compete with any other student at any major university. For the most part the professors are great and easily accessible however there are a few exceptions. As a student who is transferring into a...

” – Chad from Dana Point, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$4,246

average net price

17,392

number of students

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San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA

San Diego Mesa College is a public community college based in San Diego, California. It is the largest community college in the city and part of the San Diego Community Colleges District. Noted programs include culinary arts and food service...

“…

The professors here at Mesa are amazing!!! The professors and students alike are very helpful here. Academics are a major aspect of this college. If you want to go to a college where the students are friendly, the professors strict but helpful, many...

” – Amy from San Diego, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$4,978

average net price

18,028

number of students

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California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA

California State University-Dominguez Hills is a 4-year public university in the greater Los Angeles area and part of the Cal State system. CSUDH hosts six colleges granting undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors. A diverse institution...

“…

I am learning many different things at Dominguez. My first year here has really built a great foundation for the rest of my scholastic career. From easy tips to taking notes and easy study tips.

” – Current Business student

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90%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$4,215

average net price

17,837

number of students

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Marymount California University

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Marymount California University is a private graduate-level Catholic institution with a variety of disciplines in the arts and sciences. The university also offers a BA-MBA program, in which students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a MBA in...

“…

Marymount College is ideal for those who don't want to get lost in the University/Larger Colleges. I have found that the smaller classrooms allow me to feel more comfortable in seeking further help from my teachers. Their study hall, as been a...

” – Megn from Big Bear City, CA

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acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$33,303

average net price

514

number of students

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Butte College

Oroville, CA

Butte College is a public, 2-year institution located in Oroville, California. Along with the main campus, which is a designated wildlife refuge, Butte also maintains three education centers in Chico and Orland. In 2011, Butte became the first...

“…

Butte College is extremely welcoming, The staff and professors are always willing to help you with making your community college experience the best.

” – Michelle from Chico, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$5,070

average net price

9,470

number of students

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Holy Names University

Oakland, CA

Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Holy Names University is a 4-year Catholic school in Oakland. Holy Names grants undergraduate degrees in 15 academic programs. As a Catholic university, Holy Names celebrates mass on...

“…

My professors know me by name and they make sure to be available when needed.

” – Janisa from Los Angeles, CA

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851

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95%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$23,430

average net price

1,015

number of students

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Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian institution based in Fresno, California. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches. All academic programs offered at FPU highlight the importance of ethics, character development, and...

“…

The student there seem to really love it, the campus is beautiful and the classes are small enough for one on one learning so you don't feel left behind. The school offers many various programs all with an underlying message of faith and God.

” – Kourinthia from Tulare, CA

average act composite

1042

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78%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$16,356

average net price

3,524

number of students

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Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA

ArtCenter College of Design is a conservatory of visual arts and design principles in the greater Los Angeles area. ArtCenter confers undergrad degrees in 11 artistic fields of study including Entertainment Design, Fine Art, and Film. To display...

“…

Art Center has provided me with not only the skills to excell in my profession, but more of a life lesson. Our school takes pride in simulating the real world. Currently working professionals to state of the art equipment, this is the place to not...

” – Daniel from La Crescenta, CA

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76%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$47,080

average net price

2,319

number of students

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Simpson University

Redding, CA

Originally founded in Seattle, Simpson University is a Christian liberal arts institution in northern California and the region’s only Christian university. Affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Simpson grants undergrad degrees in 24...

“…

Though the teachers may not be Nobel Prize winners, all the teachers are still very knowledgeable; my teacher, whom I have for my political science classes, used to be an attorney. My other professors, whether for General Ed or for my major (Social...

” – Anonymous

average act composite

1041

average sat composite

67%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$23,012

average net price

993

number of students

Save to list

Merced College

Merced, CA

Merced College is a public, 2-year institution established in central California. The college offers over 130 associate and certificate programs, many of which can be completed online, in a hybrid format, or in a web-enhanced format. Merced’s scenic...

“…

The curriculum is pretty straightforward, but some can be difficult. Overall, it is important to know the materials when it comes to doing well at college.

” – Patrick from Merced, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$10,565

average net price

9,282

number of students

Save to list

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa Junior College is a 2-year institution located in the state of California. The college maintains two campuses, with one in the city of Santa Rosa, and one in the city of Petaluma. Students of SRJC can take advantage of the college’s wide...

“…

As a college freshman I anticipated the work load to be different than that of high school. It was. But it also was doable. I liked the fact that the class I was in wasnt too big. I felt that whenever i raised my hand i would be heard. I learned a...

” – Cynthia from Sausalito, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$5,782

average net price

14,967

number of students

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College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA

College of the Desert is a public, 2-year institution established in Palm Desert, California, with satellite locations in Indio, Thermal, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs. COD is officially recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, meaning...

“…

Many of the teachers here are retirees, some of whom have previously taught at prestigious universities. I have had professors who have taught at USC, UCSB, UCR, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and even Yale. These teachers are heavily invested in educating...

” – Josiah from Palm Springs, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$9,654

average net price

10,229

number of students

Colleges in California

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