Best
Colleges in Pasadena in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pasadena, California, combines foundational business knowledge with practical skills in leadership and decision-making. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or sales manager. Pasadena City College offers business-administration transfer study, while Caltech provides related business, economics, and management coursework. Students can build valuable experience through internships, projects, and local employer connections.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pasadena, California, can combine foundational coursework with opportunities at local colleges. Pasadena City College offers psychology study and transfer pathways, while Fuller Theological Seminary provides graduate psychology programs. Typical courses include developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, and social psychology. Graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral health technician, or human resources specialist; clinical counseling and psychologist positions generally require advanced degrees and professional licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pasadena, CA, combines programming fundamentals with mathematics, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, computer networks, and artificial intelligence. Students often build software projects and strengthen problem-solving skills. Popular options include the California Institute of Technology, which offers computer science degrees, and Pasadena City College, where students can pursue computer science coursework and transfer preparation. Graduates seek roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or research engineer.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Pasadena, California, typically combines psychology theory, practical helping skills, and supervised experience. Typical courses include counseling techniques, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, and group therapy. Local options include Fuller Theological Seminary and Pacific Oaks College, both offering graduate counseling-related study. Graduates may pursue work as school counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance use counselors, often after completing required supervised hours and obtaining appropriate licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pasadena, California, can lead to an associate degree and preparation for registered nurse licensure. Pasadena City College offers a nursing program with courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and medical-surgical, maternal-child, and mental-health nursing. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or community health after meeting licensing requirements. Nursing study also builds clinical judgment, communication, and patient-care skills through supervised practice and hands-on learning experiences.

Best Colleges in Pasadena, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $34,039 across the ranked colleges, compared with $58,244 at schools in the top 10%.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 93% of students overall, compared with 60% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 60%. Schools receive an average of 3,170.2 applicants overall, while top-10% schools receive an average of 8,898.
• The median number of applicants is 204 men and 210 women.
• There are an average of 8,275.17 enrolled students. The reported average numbers of enrolled men and women are 56.4 and 76.6, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 44.67%, compared with 86.5% for top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 34% for men and 44.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• Six schools are coeducational; none are schools for men or schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider whether the higher cost at top-10% schools fits your budget and whether their higher average graduation rate aligns with your priorities.

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

The average reported total cost of getting a degree in Pasadena, CA, is $35,036. For a local student, this is a useful starting point rather than a guaranteed personal bill. Your expenses can change with the college you choose, your program, housing arrangements, and financial aid. Pasadena students comparing Caltech, Pasadena City College, or ArtCenter College of Design should check each school's current cost of attendance and aid options.

Other reported averages are:

• Tuition and fees: $34,528.83.
• Room and board: $19,092.75.
• Books and supplies: $2,172.33.

These amounts do not reconcile with the $35,036 total, so treat them as separate reported averages, not a single itemized budget. Before applying, ask each Pasadena school for a personalized estimate that separates tuition from living costs, then subtract grants and scholarships. That step can make planning feel far more manageable and help you compare an affordable community-college route with specialized or research-focused programs.

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; an associate degree at Pasadena City College (PCC) often takes two, while graduate study commonly adds one or two years. At Caltech or ArtCenter College of Design, program requirements and course sequencing can affect your timeline, so review the plan for your intended major.

You may finish faster by transferring eligible credits, applying AP/IB or prior learning credits, taking summer courses, or choosing an accelerated schedule. PCC students can map transferable coursework toward a bachelor's degree; confirm requirements with the receiving university to avoid repeated classes. Full-time enrollment and meeting with an academic adviser early can make a manageable plan feel more achievable.

Graduation rates offer one measure of completion: the reported average is 44.67%, while the average for the top 10% of schools is 86.5%. Reported averages are 52.4% for men and 46.17% for women.

Salary

Graduates in Pasadena, CA, can expect a median alumni salary of about $43,935. At schools ranked among the top 10%, the median rises to roughly $79,326 - an encouraging earning potential for students planning their next step.

Pasadena offers a range of college experiences, from the science and engineering focus of Caltech to the broad programs at Pasadena City College and creative degrees at ArtCenter College of Design. Your eventual salary can vary by field, degree, experience, and employer, but these figures offer a useful starting point as you compare programs and picture your future career.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Pasadena

There is no single count because it depends on whether you include seminaries and specialized schools. A practical count is five prominent degree-granting institutions: Pasadena City College, Caltech, ArtCenter College of Design, Pacific Oaks College, and Fuller Theological Seminary. That variety gives students options ranging from community college to science, art, and graduate study.

What is the main college in Pasadena?

If you mean the city's public community college, Pasadena City College (PCC) is the clearest answer. It offers associate degrees, career programs, and routes to transfer to four-year universities. Caltech is Pasadena's best-known research university internationally, but it is much smaller and has a very different focus and student experience.

Where do college students go in Pasadena?

Students can spend time around Old Pasadena for restaurants, shops, and cafés, or explore the Playhouse District for arts and entertainment. Colorado Boulevard and nearby areas also offer places to eat and meet friends. The best spots depend on your campus and interests, but Pasadena makes it easy to mix study time with city life.

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

Located in Pasadena, the California Institute of Technology is a small, highly selective research university known for science, engineering, and close faculty-student collaboration. Its 2,369 enrolled students experience an intensive academic environment near the city's museums, transit, and local employers. Caltech reports a 94% graduation rate and a 3% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $63,402, while median alumni salary is $109,249. For Pasadena students, its local setting can make campus visits and daily commuting especially convenient for many.

ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena specializes in art and design education, with programs spanning fields such as transportation, product, visual, and entertainment design. Its 2,237 students join a creative community connected to the region's studios and design industries. The college has a 79% graduation rate and a 75% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $53,086, and median alumni salary is $49,402. For a Pasadena-based student, its campuses offer convenient access to coursework, exhibitions, and the creative scene.

Providence Christian College is a small Christian liberal arts college in Pasadena, offering an intimate campus environment and faith-centered learning. Its 173 enrolled students may find a close-knit community and access to the cultural and professional opportunities of greater Los Angeles. The reported graduation rate is 20%, while acceptance is 100%. Total study cost is $36,038, and median alumni salary is $35,742. For a Pasadena student, the location supports local study, though comparing academic programs and outcomes carefully is worthwhile.

Pacific Oaks College, based in Pasadena, focuses on education, human development, and related fields, with an approach emphasizing diverse communities and social justice. It enrolls 1,068 students, making it a larger local option than some specialized colleges nearby. The acceptance rate is 34%, and total study cost is $32,040. Graduation-rate data are unavailable. Median alumni salary is $47,166. For someone living in Pasadena, studying close to home may simplify commuting while pursuing a people-focused career in a familiar local setting.

Los Angeles College of Music is a Pasadena-based conservatory focused on contemporary music performance, production, and the music business. Its 262 enrolled students study in a specialized, hands-on environment connected to the region's recording and entertainment industries. The college reports a 41% graduation rate and an 88% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $25,650, and median alumni salary is $24,298. For Pasadena residents pursuing music, the nearby campus offers local training, but compare program fit and career costs closely first.