California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, as it is home to both Disneyland and Hollywood. However, this state also has some of the world’s most prestigious universities, from Stanford to CalTech. It’s not surprising that many people choose to start their college journey in this state.
With so many top colleges, deciding which ones to apply to can be difficult. So, what are the best universities in California? We have compiled a list of the top 10 universities in this state. This list includes important information about each school and will assist you in selecting some of the best universities to apply to for your college degree.
How We Defined California University Rankings
Choosing the top 10 universities from a long list of excellent institutions can be difficult. Our rankings are based on academic quality, student-faculty ratio, graduation and retention rates, social mobility, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, financial resources for students, graduate indebtedness, and average alumni giving rates.
The schools on our list outperformed others because they scored higher in each determining factor, making them the best educational options for aspiring students. This list is only limited to a few of the top schools in California.
California Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in California
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- Claremont McKenna College
- Santa Clara University
The Best Colleges and Universities in California, Explained
This section gives brief but relevant information on the top 10 universities in California. These descriptions outline why each school stands out and is on this list. All the information has been sourced directly from each school’s official website.
1. Stanford University
- US News National Ranking: #6
- Campus Location: Stanford
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,994
- Graduation Rate: 95%
Stanford university is one of the most prestigious universities in California and is one of the most highly recognized higher institutions in the world. It was founded in 1891 and has 35 Nobel Prize award-winning faculty and 20 Nobel laureates in its faculty and surrounding community. This dream school offers 69 majors to its student body with a student-to-faculty ratio of five to one.
2. California Institute of Technology
- US News National Ranking: #9
- Campus Location: Pasadena
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 938
- Graduation Rate: 86%
California Institute of Technology, popularly known as Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that offers 28 undergraduate degree options and 30 graduate degree options. With a student-to-faculty ratio of three to one, Caltech is the alma mater of many Nobel prize winners.
3. University of California, Berkeley
- US News National Ranking: #22
- Campus Location: Berkeley
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,814
- Graduation Rate: 92%
University of California, Berkeley is a public university established in 1868. It is California’s first land-grant university and the first campus in the University of California System. The school has 184 academic departments, over 350 academic programs, and challenges students with boundless opportunities. This institution is one of the most recognized institutions in the world.
4. University of California, Los Angeles
- US News National Ranking: #20
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,636
- Graduation Rate: 85.2%
Popularly known as UCLA, this public land-grant research university was founded in 1882. It is one of the most reputable schools in California. The school offers over 250 degree programs in various fields of study and active student life. 34 percent of UCLA undergraduate students receive Pell grants, which help makes tuition more affordable.
5. University of Southern California
- US News National Ranking: #27
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,000
- Graduation Rate: 92%
University of Southern California, also known as USC, is a private research university founded in 1880. USC offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 23 schools and divisions. The school also offers graduate degree programs online. The distance education format reduces students’ time on campus and helps them avoid common college obstacles.
6. University of California, San Diego
- US News National Ranking: #34
- Campus Location: San Diego, California
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,842
- Graduation Rate: 87%
University of California, San Diego is a public research university in San Diego, California. The school has 12 divisions and schools that offer over 130 undergraduate majors and a 19 to one student-to-faculty ratio. This institution offers plenty of educational opportunities and prides itself on cutting-edge research and award-winning education experts, with 20 Nobel prize winners.
7. University of California, Davis
- US News National Ranking: #38
- Campus Location(s): Davis
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,772
- Graduation Rate: 86%
University of California, Davis is a public land-grant research university. It was established in 1908 and is one of the 10 campuses in the University of California System. It offers 104 majors and 101 programs, many of which are top-ranked, including the agriculture and veterinary medicine programs.
8. University of California, Irvine
- US News National Ranking: #36
- Campus Location(s): Irvine
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,638
- Graduation Rate: 85%
The University of California, Irvine is a public land-grant research university founded in 1965. UCI, as it is commonly called, is another one of the top schools in America. It offers over 85 majors and 75 minors in various fields of study. One of UCI’s points of pride is the three Nobel prizes, one in physics and two in chemistry.
9. University of California, Santa Barbara
- US News National Ranking: #28
- Campus Location: Santa Barbara-Isla Vista
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,196
- Graduation Rate: 89%
University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, California, founded in 1891. It is known for its research and scholarship opportunities. It offers over 200 program options ranging from certificate programs to graduate programs. It has six Nobel prizes in chemistry, physics, and economics.
10. Santa Clara University
- US News National Ranking: #55
- Campus Location(s): Santa Clara
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,571
- Graduation Rate: 91%
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1851. It is one of the universities with the highest salary potential in the world, according to PayScale. This institution blends high-tech with social consciousness and offers over 50 programs, including programs for graduate students and special programs in law, medicine, and teaching.
Is a University in California Right for You?
Yes, a university in California is a good option for you. California is one of the states with the highest number of reputable colleges, making it the best choice for anyone looking to get a top-notch education. By choosing any of the top schools in the state, you are guaranteed to get a quality education in terms of research, teaching, and academic environment.
Graduating from an excellent school with a strong reputation sets you up for opportunities in the job market. Supplemental elective classes and participation in organizations on campus will further add to your resume. However, if traditional education doesn’t interest you, consider attending a coding bootcamp for fast-paced tech education.
Best Universities in California FAQ
The number one university in California is Stanford University. This school stands as one of the top three schools in the world which earns it its spot as the number one Californian university.
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (SLO), more commonly known as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is the best California state university, according to US News. Cal Poly is known for its academic excellence and emphasis on lifelong learning.
Yes, California has some of the best universities in the world. They offer supportive atmospheres for students to take dynamic classes, pursue their career goals, take on cutting-edge academic research projects, be a part of organizations on campus, and have vibrant social lives.
Academically, California is known for having some of the most prestigious universities in the world. The high-ranking schools offer competitive and rewarding academic programs to distinctive students.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
