Best
Colleges in California in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in California offers access to diverse industries, entrepreneurial networks, and major employers. Programs typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, operations, and data analysis, often alongside internships or team projects. Popular choices include the University of Southern California, University of California campuses at Berkeley and Irvine, San Diego State University, and California State University, Long Beach. Graduates commonly pursue roles in marketing, human resources, sales, project coordination, or business analysis.

Psychology

Studying psychology in California offers access to diverse communities and research opportunities. Typical coursework includes developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, statistics, research methods, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students may explore counseling, neuroscience, and culturally responsive practice. Popular options include UCLA, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, San Diego State University, and the University of Southern California. Graduates pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, research assistant, or human resources specialist. Clinical licensure typically requires graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in California offers access to programs and technology hubs. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students often build skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular options include Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, University of Southern California, and California Institute of Technology. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, data analyst, systems engineer, cybersecurity analyst, or machine learning engineer.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in California combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and research methods. Students complete supervised practicum or internship experiences. Popular colleges include San Diego State University, California State University, Fullerton, Sacramento State, Pepperdine University, and the University of San Francisco. Graduates may pursue licensure pathways and work as school counselors, mental health counselors, college advisers, career counselors, or community program coordinators, depending on licensure requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in California combines learning, simulation, and supervised clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community and maternal-child health. Graduates of associate or bachelor's programs commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and public health; some begin as licensed vocational nurses after programs. Popular California schools include UCLA, UCSF, San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and California State University, Long Beach.

Best Colleges in California Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,684, compared with 57,709 at schools in the top 10% - a substantially higher median cost among those schools.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 66.52% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 66.52%. Schools receive an average of 16,216 applicants, while top-10% schools average 55,819.2 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 848, compared with 1,802 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,277.94 and 27.87, respectively.
• Schools have an average of 7,557.22 enrolled students. Average enrollment is 549.34 men and 702.41 women.
• The average graduation rate is 58.87%, while the average for top-10% schools is 92%. The median graduation rate is 57% for men and 62.5% for women.
• There are 95 institutions offering associate's degrees, 215 offering bachelor's degrees, 204 offering master's degrees, and 91 offering doctor's degrees.
• Of the institutions, 198 are coeducational; 0 are schools for men and 0 are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, applicant competition, and SAT and ACT averages. Also consider enrollment and degree offerings, and weigh overall and gender-specific graduation rates against your academic goals and preferred learning environment.

How much does studying at a college in California cost?

The average reported cost of studying in California is $27,242.38. For a student planning a degree, treat this as a useful statewide benchmark rather than a guaranteed bill: your actual expenses depend on the college, program, housing, and financial aid. California offers options ranging from public campuses such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, and San Diego State to private universities such as USC, so comparing each school's net price can help you find a path that feels affordable.

Reported averages by category:

• Tuition and fees: $25,091.58.
• Room and board: $19,195.76.
• Books and supplies: $1,246.22.

These category averages are separate figures; don't assume they add up to the total. Compare tuition, housing, and aid at UCLA, UC Berkeley, San Diego State, or USC. Ask each financial-aid office for a net-price estimate and scholarship options; this can make budgeting clearer and your degree feel more achievable financially, too.

How long does it take to finish college in California?

In California, a full-time bachelor's degree usually takes four years; an associate degree at a community college commonly takes two. Students may need longer if they study part-time, change majors, or balance work and family, so planning early can make the path feel manageable.

Graduation figures offer a reality check: the average graduation rate is 58.87%, while schools in the top 10% average 92%. The average is 55.82% for men and 61.03% for women. These rates suggest many students do finish, and choosing a school with strong support can help you stay on track.

To finish sooner, California students can:

• Earn AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits before college.
• Use summer terms and meet an adviser to map required courses.
• Start at a community college, then transfer to a UC or CSU; check articulation agreements so credits count.
• At UCLA, UC Berkeley, or CSU Long Beach, verify transfer policies and major requirements early and carefully.

Salary

After graduating from college in California, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $45,814. At schools in the top 10%, the median rises to roughly $79,781 - a difference that can make a degree feel especially rewarding as you plan your next steps.

Your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and school. Students considering California institutions such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, Stanford, or community colleges can use these figures as a broad benchmark, then compare programs and career outcomes in their area of interest. With the right fit, your degree can be a positive investment in the opportunities ahead.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in California?

By total student enrollment, three of California's largest institutions are the University of Southern California, UCLA, and the University of California, Berkeley. Recent fall enrollment figures put each at roughly 45,000-50,000 students. Their size means broad academic offerings and active campus communities, though the feel of each campus is distinct.

How many colleges are there in California?

The total depends on what counts as a college. The National Center for Education Statistics counted about 644 degree-granting institutions in California in 2022-23. Separately, the California Community Colleges system includes 116 colleges, offering students many local options and pathways to transfer or career training.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in California Ranking in 2026-2027

California Institute of Technology is a small, research-focused university in Pasadena, offering California students an intense academic environment with close access to Los Angeles. It enrolls 2,369 students, so its scale is notably smaller than the other schools listed. Caltech reports a 94% graduation rate and a highly selective 3% acceptance rate. The total annual study cost is $63,402, while median alumni salary is $109,249. For students prioritizing rigorous science and strong reported earnings, these figures merit consideration before applying.

Stanford University, located in California's Bay Area, combines a globally recognized research setting with access to the region's technology and entrepreneurial communities. Its 18,121 enrolled students make it substantially larger than Caltech, while its 92% graduation rate indicates strong completion outcomes. Admission remains highly competitive, with a 4% acceptance rate. The total cost of studying is $65,127, and median alumni salary is $71,958. California applicants weighing campus scale, selectivity, and cost can use these figures to compare fit and decide.

The University of California, Los Angeles, is a large public research university in Los Angeles, giving California students an urban campus and broad academic community. It enrolls 47,432 students and posts a 93% graduation rate. Its 9% acceptance rate reflects competitive admission. The listed total cost of studying is $44,148, below the totals for Caltech, Stanford, and USC, while median alumni salary is $43,810. Applicants comparing affordability, size, and location can consider UCLA's combination of scale and California access here.

The University of California, San Diego offers California students a coastal location in La Jolla and a large public university experience. Its enrollment of 45,087 places it among the biggest institutions. UC San Diego's graduation rate is 86%, and its acceptance rate is 27%, making admission less restrictive than at the listed schools. The total cost of studying is $44,148, and median alumni salary is $47,332. Students may compare these figures with location and campus size when planning their California studies.

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, giving students a California-based option near the city's cultural and professional opportunities. USC enrolls 46,645 students and has a 92% graduation rate. Its acceptance rate is 10%, making admission selective. The total cost of studying is $69,904, the highest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $62,697. Prospective students can weigh its urban setting and outcomes against the substantial listed cost for California degree seekers.