2026
N
NICHE
BEST
COLLEGES

2026 Best Colleges in California

22 Universities Found

The Best Colleges in California ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.

1-22 of 22 results
#1 BEST COLLEGES

Biola University

13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada · university

Top university — Biola University programs & cost.

Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$41,976
SAT Score
1240
#2 BEST COLLEGES

Pepperdine University

24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu · university

Discover highly ranked programs & learning opportunities at Pepperdine University.

Acceptance rate
49%
Tuition
$55,640
SAT Score
1360
#3 BEST COLLEGES

Dominican University of California

50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael · university

Study at Dominican University of California — rankings, tuition & campus life.

Acceptance rate
95%
Tuition
$49,821
SAT Score
1070
#4 BEST COLLEGES

Azusa Pacific University

Office of Communiversity, 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa · university

Learn all about Azusa Pacific University — tuition, aid & more.

Acceptance rate
69%
Tuition
$40,000
SAT Score
1100
#5 BEST COLLEGES

University of La Verne

Landis Academic Center, 1950 3rd St, La Verne · university

Discover highly ranked programs & learning opportunities at University of La Verne.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
48%
Tuition
$49,470
SAT Score
1115
#6 BEST COLLEGES

Chapman University

1 University Dr, Orange · university

Discover the vibe at Chapman University — fun campus, good programs & housing.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
58%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#7 BEST COLLEGES

Stanford University

450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford · university

Thinking of applying to Stanford University? Explore tuition, aid, admissions, student life & academics.

Overall Grade
A
Acceptance rate
4%
Tuition
$56,000
SAT Score
1500
#8 BEST COLLEGES

University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego · university

Discover University of San Diego academics, cost & culture.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
49%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#9 BEST COLLEGES

San Diego State University

Administration, Hepner Hall, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego · university

Discover student life at San Diego State University — dorms, programs & culture.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
34%
Tuition
$19,000
SAT Score
1100
#10 BEST COLLEGES

West Coast University

2411 W La Palma Ave, Anaheim · university

Explore campus life, programs & costs at West Coast University, a university.

Overall Grade
B-
000
#11 BEST COLLEGES

University High School

4771 Campus Dr, Irvine · secondary_school

Explore University High School: tuition, aid, majors, admissions & student life.

Overall Grade
B+
000
#12 BEST COLLEGES

Bethesda University

730 N Euclid St, Anaheim · university

Learn how to apply to Bethesda University and explore costs, majors & student opportunities.

Overall Grade
C
000
#13 BEST COLLEGES

University of San Francisco

2130 Fulton St, San Francisco · university

Your one-stop guide to University of San Francisco — programs, admissions, life on campus & financial aid.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
68%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#14 BEST COLLEGES

University of Southern California

Los Angeles · university

Explore student life at University of Southern California — clubs, housing, academics & admissions.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
10%
Tuition
$71,647
SAT Score
1460
#15 BEST COLLEGES

San Francisco State University

1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco · university

Why choose San Francisco State University? Strong rankings, diverse majors & scholarships.

Overall Grade
B
Acceptance rate
96%
Tuition
$7,950
SAT Score
1100
#16 BEST COLLEGES

California State University, Los Angeles

5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles · university

Learn about life at California State University, Los Angeles — dorms, activities, majors, tuition & more.

Overall Grade
C+
Acceptance rate
68%
Tuition
$19,000
SAT Score
1000
#17 BEST COLLEGES

Discover key details about University of California, Berkeley — tuition, scholarships, admissions, campus life, academics & more.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
14%
Tuition
$15,000
SAT Score
1400
#18 BEST COLLEGES

San José State University

1 Washington Sq, San Jose · university

Learn about San José State University: programs, tuition, admissions & campus life.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
68%
Tuition
$19,000
SAT Score
1100
#19 BEST COLLEGES

Point Loma Nazarene University

3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego · university

Discover campus culture at Point Loma Nazarene University — activities, degrees & affordability.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
84%
Tuition
$40,000
SAT Score
1100
#20 BEST COLLEGES

Santa Clara University

500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara · university

Learn about academics at Santa Clara University — majors, student resources & admissions.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
50%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#21 BEST COLLEGES

Loyola Marymount University

1 Loyola Marymount University Dr, Los Angeles · university

A top university — Loyola Marymount University offers diverse programs & aid options.

Overall Grade
A-
000
#22 BEST COLLEGES

Fresno Pacific University

1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno · university

Explore ranking details & academic strengths of Fresno Pacific University.

Overall Grade
B
Acceptance rate
65%
Tuition
$30,000
SAT Score
1000