Top Rated California Public Colleges

The Best Public Colleges in California for 2024

These are the top ranked public four-year colleges in California as ranked by CollegeSimply. Leading the rankings for 2024 as the best public college in California is University of California Los Angeles. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
California Public 4 year

26 results

Humboldt State University
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Arcata, CA

Humboldt State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#19 Best Public Universities in California

  • 6,025enrollment
  • $14,325net price
  • 98%acceptance rate
  • 970-1190SAT range
  • 17-25ACT range
  • 3.33Avg GPA

Applications Due Apr 30

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California State University San Marcos
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San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#20 Best Public Universities in California

  • 15,109enrollment
  • $10,463net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 950-1130SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
  • 3.32Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 30

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California State University Sacramento
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Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#21 Best Public Universities in California

  • 31,818enrollment
  • $11,596net price
  • 93%acceptance rate
  • 930-1130SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
  • 3.42Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 30

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California State University Monterey Bay
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Seaside, CA

California State University Monterey Bay

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#22 Best Public Universities in California

  • 7,045enrollment
  • $11,435net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 960-1160SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
  • 3.45Avg GPA

Applications Due Jan 15

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California State University Fresno
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Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

#23 Best Public Universities in California

  • 23,999enrollment
  • $7,507net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 890-1100SAT range
  • 16-21ACT range
  • 3.12Estimated Avg GPA

Applications Due Dec 15

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California State University Northridge
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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

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California State University San Bernardino
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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

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California State University Los Angeles
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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

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