650 accredited colleges and universities in California, scored on academics, value, diversity, and outcomes. Find the campus where you'll thrive.
Ranked by our composite score across academics, value, diversity, and outcomes.
Stanford, CA · Private Non-Profit
Los Angeles, CA · Private Non-Profit
Berkeley, CA · Public
Claremont, CA · Private Non-Profit
Los Angeles, CA · Public
La Jolla, CA · Public
Claremont, CA · Private Non-Profit
Santa Clara, CA · Private Non-Profit
Lowest average net price after financial aid.
Lowest acceptance rates in the state.
San Diego, CA · For-Profit
Pasadena, CA · Private Non-Profit
San Francisco, CA · Private Non-Profit
Stanford, CA · Private Non-Profit
By undergraduate enrollment.
Fullerton, CA · Public
Long Beach, CA · Public
San Diego, CA · Public
La Jolla, CA · Public
The top public and private non-profit institutions in California.
Cities with the most colleges and universities.
California is home to 650 accredited colleges and universities, including 180 public, 168 private non-profit, and 302 for-profit institutions.
Based on average net price after financial aid, Moorpark College in Moorpark is the most affordable, with a net price of -$2,296.
Alliant International University-San Diego in San Diego is the most selective, with an acceptance rate of 0%.
California State University-Fullerton in Fullerton is the largest, enrolling 38,546 undergraduate students.
Average in-state tuition is $16,640, and average out-of-state tuition is $22,631. The graduate workforce earns a median $47,586 ten years after entry.
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Browse all 650 California colleges