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Home to some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, California attracts nearly 300,000 international students who seek high-quality education, innovation, and diverse opportunities. California’s universities, from the elite Stanford University to the University of California, have consistently dominated world rankings, fostering innovation, groundbreaking research, and academic excellence. In this blog, we will take you through the 10 best universities in California.
Why Study in California?
There are so many reasons as to why one should study in California. The state offers a unique blend of educational excellence, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. You can choose from some of the top places to live in California when you move here. It is also a global innovation hub, especially in Silicon Valley. This gives students access to internships and job opportunities with world-leading companies in the technology, entertainment, biotechnology, and renewable energy sectors. Plus, the state’s Mediterranean climate and beautiful landscapes are not to be missed! What’s more? California also features some of the best universities, offering cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences. All we can say is that studying at the best universities in California is the best decision you will make!
10 Best Universities in California
The top universities in California showcase an impressive array of strengths, from world-renowned research facilities to groundbreaking technological innovations. Did you know the combined research expenditure of these best California universities exceeds $7 billion annually? The institutions also boast impressive student success rates, with average graduation rates above 90% and remarkable employment rates. Let’s now explore the 10 best universities in California.
1. Stanford University
Location: 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
QS Ranking: #6
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Courses Offered: Oral Communication, Writing & Rhetoric, Applied Physics, and Computer Science
Scholarships Offered: Cargill Scholarship & Hass Center Public Service Fellowships
Alumni: Ben Savage, Rishi Sunak, & Sterling K. Brown
To promote the public welfare by exercising influence on behalf of humanity and civilization, California senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane laid the foundation of Stanford in 1885. One of the best universities in California, Stanford not only nurtures students academically but also creates the next generation of leaders and problem solvers. The university is home to over 9,688 matriculated graduate students, 411 Master’s professionals, 2,323 faculty members, and nearly 200 graduate fields of study. Stanford, one of the top universities in California, is also at the forefront of groundbreaking research. It has 15 research institutes, 20 libraries with over 12 million items, and a $1.98 billion sponsored research budget. Besides academics, you will also get to be part of the many student clubs.
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
QS Ranking: #42
Acceptance Rate: 8.6%
Courses Offered: Architecture, Biostatistics, & Electrical Engineering
Scholarships Offered: Global Bruins Scholarship & Shirley and Walter Wang Study Abroad Scholarship
Alumni: John Williams, James Franco, & Carol Burnett
What began as a teachers’ training institution in 1882 soon transformed into a national powerhouse of research and academia spread across 419 acres of land in 1927. This best university in California features 10 general and special-subject libraries, 7 major performance venues, 2 museums, and 3 gardens. UCLA also has more than 660,000 alumni, 60,000 students, and 4,500 courses across diverse disciplines. Sprawling across the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and south into the Los Angeles basin, every path in UCLA has a story to tell. Here, you will also be part of campus events like cultural festivals, speaker series, and athletic showdowns, and student clubs exploring the arts, sports & recreation, and volunteering. Also, we presume you must have heard discussions around UCLA vs UC Berkeley; well both universities have their unique offerings.
3. California Institute of Technology
Location: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States
QS Ranking: #10
Acceptance Rate: 3%
Courses Offered: Science, Engineering, & Philosophy
Scholarships Offered: Caltech Scholarships & Outside Scholarships
Alumni: Arnold Beckman, Chester Carlson, & Gordon Moore
Home to some of the world’s brightest minds, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is not just a world-renowned science and engineering institute but also one of the best California universities. Established in 1891, Caltech has over 1,023 undergraduate students, 1,440 graduate students, 323 professorial faculty, and 558 postdoctoral scholars, and has won 46 Nobel prizes. Talking about research, around 90% of students at Caltech participate in research projects. Plus, this best university in California has 50+ research centers, including 5 NASA facilities on campus. At California Institute of Technology, you can even enjoy athletics & recreation activities, events, and wellness services.
4. University of Southern California (USC)
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
QS Ranking: #125
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Courses Offered: Chemistry, Data Science, & English
Scholarships Offered: National Merit Finalist & Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Alumni: John Wayne, Steven Speilberg, & Reggie Bush
Next on our list of the best nursing schools in California is the University of Southern California (USC). When it first opened in 1880, there were only 53 students and 10 teachers. Currently, USC has over 48,000 students and more than 4,400 full-time faculty members. You can pursue a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degrees here. With over 1,000 student groups, 120 volunteer events, and 3,000 student events, there’s so much happening on campus. Be it film screenings, research showcases, open mic nights, outdoor yoga, or pop-up shops, you will never run out of activities to do on campus. USC is truly one of the good universities in California!
5. Claremont McKenna College (CMC)
Location: 888 N Columbia Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
QS Ranking: #51
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Courses Offered: Literature, Mathematical Sciences, & History
Scholarships Offered: The Kravis Opportunity Fund & Army ROTC Scholarships
Alumni: Renee Perper, Adam Nemer, & David Drier
In the fall of 1946, 86 students and seven faculty members inaugurated a novel ‘undergraduate school for men.’ CMC was well established as a top national liberal arts college by the start of the 21st century. Today, Claremont McKenna College is considered one of the top colleges in California. Situated in a picturesque setting 30 miles from the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, CMC stands as a distinguished member of The Claremont Colleges, an academic collaboration of seven institutions. CMC not only features 11 research institutes but also offers 41 academic areas of interest and 33 academic majors, including Economics, Psychology, and Data Science. Also, you don’t have to worry about your career as you will get plenty of exceptional internships and job opportunities at Claremont, one of the good colleges in California.
6. Santa Clara University (SCU)
Location: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, United States
QS Ranking: #101
Acceptance Rate: 52.1%
Courses Offered: MBA, Marketing, & Engineering
Scholarships Offered: SCU Transfer Scholarship & Johnson Scholars Award
Alumni: Max Baer, Mary Bitterman, & Frank Cepollina
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley is one of the best universities in California for international students, Santa Clara University, was founded in 1851. It started as an all-boys preparatory school, but soon it admitted 75 female undergraduate students in 1961. SCU has over 6,115 enrolments with a retention rate of 93%, more than 3,063 graduate enrolments, 618 full-time faculty, 367 part-time faculty, and 111,161 alumni. No matter what your interest is, be it sports, arts, or farming, you will get your place at SCU.
7. California State University (CSU)
Location: 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States
QS Ranking: #1401
Acceptance Rate: 86.9%
Courses Offered: Business Administration, Education, & Public Health
Scholarships Offered: Gregson Bautzer Scholarship & Glenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship
Alumni: Lauren Ridloff, Earl, Gales Jr., & Elnaz Sarraf
Next up is California State University, the premier comprehensive public university and one of the best schools in California. Established in 1947, CSU is ranked #1 in upward mobility for students. It hosts around 26,000 students, 1,700 faculty members, and 250,000 alumni. The university library gives you access to over a million volumes and extensive digital resources. The vibrant campus community, with over 100 diverse student clubs and organizations, is where you are sure to thrive! Want to be a voice for change? Then, Associated Students, Inc. is right for you. Champion wellness initiatives with WellBeingU and the Student Health Advisory Committee. At Golden Eagle Ratio, you can let your creative juices flow!
8. San Diego State University (SDSU)
Location: 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
QS Ranking: #1001
Acceptance Rate: 39.3%
Courses Offered: Leadership Studies, Aerospace Engineering, & Biology
Scholarships Offered: SDSU Aztec Scholarships & Presidential Scholars Program
Alumni: Greg Chew, Dan Denham, & Tom Karlo
Established in 1897, San Diego State University is also one of the best universities in California. Home to more than 38,000 students, 6,890 faculty members, and 18 athletic teams, SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 97 areas, 90 master’s degrees in 80 fields, and 25 doctoral degrees. Recently, this best university in California celebrated the milestone of reaching 500,000 alumni with the spring graduating class. There’s so much happening at SDSU, from concerts and air theater to sports and yoga. Additionally, the university arranges field trips to explore San Diego and beyond. Students get the opportunity to do so much, such as playing Padres games, visiting the zoo and amusement parks, and witnessing theater performances. Choosing SDSU, one of the best universities in California is the best decision you will make!
9. Pomona College
Location: 333 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
US College Ranking: #25
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Courses Offered: Economics, Media Studies, & Cognitive Science
Scholarships Offered: Ebell Scholarship Program & The Gates Scholarship
Alumni: Kris Kristofferson, Marianne Williamson, & Jason Beghe
Pomona College is next on our list of the best California colleges, starting on October 14, 1887. The institute’s educational venture reached a significant milestone in 1894 when it celebrated its first graduating class. The college has nearly 1,747 enrolments each year and has 198 full-time professors, 650 courses, 25,000+ alumni, 14 residence halls, three dining halls, and 250+ clubs and organizations. If you want to participate in Pomona’s off-campus study program, the college offers 69 programs in 39 countries. Whether you’re interested in theater productions, art exhibitions, musical ensembles, or sports, Pomona has it all!
10. Pepperdine University
Location: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263, United States
QS Ranking: #131
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Courses Offered: Law, Business, & Public Policy
Scholarships Offered: George Pepperdine Achievement & Christian Leadership Award
Alumni: Michelle Monaghan, Chace Crawford, & Kelly Hu
One of the best California universities and the most beautiful places to study is Pepperdine University, which opened in 1937. This best university in California has 5 separate graduate and undergraduate schools, 87 degree programs, 3 theaters, and 1 museum. Talking about sports, the university has won 26 national championships and 8 Olympic Gold Medals. One of the standout features of Pepperdine is its strong focus on every individual’s spiritual growth. The school integrates programs, training, and resources to help students grow spiritually. So, if you want to excel both academically and spiritually, don’t forget to add Pepperdine, one of the best top universities in California.
So this was our detailed insights into the top 10 universities in California. The state’s educational landscape stands as a testament to academic excellence, innovation, and transformative opportunities. From historic halls of centuries-old institutions to cutting-edge research facilities, these top universities in California have consistently shaped global leaders, pioneered groundbreaking discoveries, and fostered dynamic environments for students’ growth.