The Best California Colleges

The Best Colleges in California for 2024

These are the top ranked public and private four-year colleges in California as ranked by CollegeSimply. Leading the list for 2024 as the best overall college in California is Stanford University. The top rated public state college is University of California Los Angeles. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.


58 results

California State University Northridge
C
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

#24 Best Public Universities in California

  • 37,579enrollment
  • $8,936net price
  • 91%acceptance rate
  • 900-1110SAT range
  • 16-22ACT range
  • 3.38Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 30

California State University San Bernardino
C
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#25 Best Public Universities in California

  • 19,803enrollment
  • $8,805net price
  • 91%acceptance rate
  • 910-1080SAT range
  • 15-20ACT range
  • 3.41Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 30

Hope International University
H
Fullerton, CA

Hope International University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#32 Best Private Colleges in California

  • 1,116enrollment
  • $26,146net price
  • 32%acceptance rate
  • 1000-1180SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • 3.26Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 20

California State University Los Angeles
C
Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#26 Best Public Universities in California

  • 26,460enrollment
  • $5,801net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 870-1060SAT range
  • 15-20ACT range
  • 3.31Avg GPA

Applications Due Jan 19