Best
Private Colleges in Pasadena in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pasadena, California, combines business knowledge and skills for organizations. Coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and entrepreneurship. Graduates pursue roles such as administrative services manager, marketing coordinator, sales representative, human resources specialist, or business analyst, gaining experience before advancing. Pasadena City College offers business administration study, while Pasadena-based University of the People provides an online business administration degree. Compare program formats, transfer pathways, and career support when choosing.

Psychology

In Pasadena, psychology study is available through an associate degree at Pasadena City College and clinical training at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. Coursework includes developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. Students learn to understand behavior, evaluate evidence, and communicate. A bachelor's degree may lead to roles such as case manager, human-services assistant, or behavioral technician; graduate study can prepare graduates for counseling or clinical psychology careers, subject to licensure requirements.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pasadena, California, combines theory and hands-on learning. Typical courses include programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Caltech and Pasadena City College are well-known local options for studying computer science. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or application developers. Projects, internships, and collaborative problem-solving can strengthen technical skills and help students prepare for entry-level roles or further study.

Counseling

Pasadena offers counseling-related study at Pacific Oaks College and Fuller Theological Seminary, including programs focused on marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health, and human development. Typical coursework covers counseling theories, ethics, assessment, lifespan development, multicultural practice, diagnosis, and supervised clinical work. Graduates may pursue roles as associate marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, case managers, or school-based support staff, depending on their degree, licensure, and employer requirements. Check offerings and accreditation before applying.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pasadena, California, combines classroom learning with clinical practice. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical, maternal-child, and mental-health nursing. Pasadena City College offers an associate-degree nursing program, while North-West College's Pasadena campus provides vocational nursing training. Graduates may work as registered nurses after meeting licensure requirements, or as licensed vocational nurses after completing an approved program and passing the exam, in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, and settings serving local communities.

Best Colleges in Pasadena, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is $34,039, compared with $58,244 at schools in the top 10%.
• An average of 93% of students receive financial aid, versus 60% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 60%. Schools receive an average of 3,170.2 applicants, compared with 8,898 at schools in the top 10%.
• The median number of applicants is 204 for men and 210 for women.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,275.17. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 56.4 and 76.6, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 44.67%, while the average for schools in the top 10% is 86.5%. Median graduation rates are 34% for men and 44.5% for women.
• Among the institutions, 3 offer associate's degrees, 7 offer bachelor's degrees, 7 offer master's degrees, and 4 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 6 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider how each school's graduation rate and aid availability align with your goals and budget.

How much does studying at a college in Pasadena, CA cost?

The average total cost of studying in Pasadena, California, is $35,036. For local students, this is a starting point; your bill depends on the school, program, housing, and financial aid. The reported average for tuition and fees is $34,528.83, while room and board averages $19,092.75 and books and supplies average $2,172.33. These figures are reported separately, so treat them as individual planning references rather than adding them to estimate one bill.

In Pasadena, you could compare Pasadena City College, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and ArtCenter College of Design. Compare current attendance costs and aid at each school, since programs and campus experiences differ. If you plan to live at home, commuting may help reduce housing expenses; renting near campus can make room and board a larger part of your budget. Scholarships, grants, and careful textbook planning can also make earning a degree feel more manageable. Start with the $35,036 average, then build a school-specific budget that fits your goals and brings your Pasadena degree within reach.

How long does it take to finish college in Pasadena, CA?

In Pasadena, CA, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two; a master's degree commonly adds one or two years. At Caltech, ArtCenter College of Design, or Pasadena City College, your timeline depends on the credential, course load, and whether you study year-round. The available graduation data show that completion is not automatic: the average graduation rate is 44.67%, compared with 86.5% among the top 10% of schools. Reported averages are 52.4% for men and 46.17% for women. These figures can help you plan support and stay encouraged, but they do not predict your individual outcome.

Possible ways to save time and plan carefully include:

• Apply eligible AP, IB, or prior-college credits toward requirements.
• Take summer courses or approved heavier course loads.
• At Pasadena City College, plan transferable classes with a target university.
• Use placement or proficiency exams if offered there.

Salary

After graduating from college in Pasadena, CA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $43,935. For graduates of top 10% schools, the median is about $79,326 - a promising benchmark if you're aiming for a strong-earning career.

Pasadena offers several paths to a degree, including Caltech, Pasadena City College, and ArtCenter College of Design. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field, degree, and work experience, but studying locally can help you build skills and connections for opportunities in the area.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Pasadena?

"Prettiest" is subjective, but many students find the California Institute of Technology's campus especially beautiful. Its landscaped grounds, mature trees, and distinctive architecture create a peaceful setting near Pasadena's lively city center. The compact campus is pleasant to explore between classes, and its gardens offer a welcome breather from demanding academic work.

What is the most selective college in Pasadena?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is generally considered Pasadena's most selective college. It is known for exceptionally strong applicants and a challenging admissions process, particularly for students interested in science, engineering, and research. If you're considering applying, look beyond grades: Caltech also emphasizes curiosity, problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for discovery.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Pasadena, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a Pasadena institution known for science and engineering education and research. With 2,369 enrolled students, it offers a comparatively small academic community. Its 94% graduation rate and 3% acceptance rate indicate strong completion outcomes and highly selective admissions. The listed total study cost is $63,402, while median alumni salary is $109,249. For a Pasadena student seeking rigorous STEM study close to home, Caltech is a prominent local option, though admission is exceptionally competitive overall.

ArtCenter College of Design is a Pasadena school centered on art, design, and creative practice. Its 2,237 enrolled students form a larger community than some specialized colleges. The reported graduation rate is 79%, and its 75% acceptance rate suggests broader access than highly selective Caltech. Total study cost is $53,086, and median alumni salary is $49,402. For Pasadena residents drawn to design education, ArtCenter offers a nearby option; compare program fit and costs carefully before choosing a course of study.

Providence Christian College is a small Christian liberal arts college in Pasadena, offering a faith-informed setting for undergraduate study. Enrollment is 173, making its student body notably smaller than those of the other listed institutions. Its 100% acceptance rate indicates open admissions in the supplied figures, while the graduation rate is 20%. Total study cost is $36,038, and median alumni salary is $35,742. Pasadena students considering it should weigh the intimate scale and religious mission alongside completion and career outcomes.

Pacific Oaks College is a Pasadena institution with a focus on human development, education, and related fields. It enrolls 1,068 students, providing a mid-sized community among the colleges listed. Its acceptance rate is 34%; graduation-rate data are unavailable, so prospective students should seek current completion information directly. Total study cost is $32,040, and median alumni salary is $47,166. For a Pasadena resident interested in people-centered or educational study, the college offers a local choice; compare specific programs, outcomes, and affordability.

Los Angeles College of Music is a Pasadena school devoted to contemporary music education and performance. It enrolls 262 students, giving it a specialized, small campus community. The reported graduation rate is 41%, and its 88% acceptance rate suggests admissions are less selective than at some nearby colleges. Total study cost is $25,650, while median alumni salary is $24,298. Pasadena students pursuing music can consider this focused local option, while examining program details, financial aid, and career pathways before enrolling.