Choosing to study in one of the best schools in California is a good decision any student can ever make. California’s education system offers amazing and world-class opportunities for students.
California institutions offer quite a number of courses and various programs and high professional courses both in bachelor’s degree, Master’s and Ph.D you can choose from.
Studying in one of the best schools in California will offer you the opportunity to get a high in-demand qualification, skills, and knowledge, with excellent career opportunities for a bright future.
In this article, we are going to unveil the 12 best schools in California based upon the annual survey data and according to the recent U.S. News and the World Reports collects. Read through to gain the most.
Table of Contents
Why Study In California?
Here are some reasons why studying in one of the best schools in California is best for you.
- The California system of education is the most affordable, largest, and offers quality education to students. And it has four universities among the 10 best universities in the world.
- California offers employment opportunities to students. As a matter of fact, Silicon Valley alone is a home for employment for both residents and international students. Aside from that, California creates many job offers for students who are seeking/trying to explore their careers.
- Apart from the academic works, there’s no limit to what you can do in California. From the creative art views, hiking to camping. Moreover, the exposure and fun life can intrigue you and make your stay in California more memorable.
- There is an uncountable number of programs in the California bests schools that provide great career prospects and are taught in English.
- Universities in California are listed among the best colleges in the world.
What is it like to study in the Best Schools in California?
Firstly, studying in California will give you room to network and connect to a lot of personalities. Secondly, with so many students coming from a distinct part of the world like China, India, Korea, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria and so much more, you will learn about different cultures.
In addition to that, you will also get to visit the headquarter of companies like Apple Inc., eBay, Intel, Google. Facebook, Netflix, and other top world companies in Silicon Valley.
Finally, there are a set of skills you’d develop including, time management skills, organization, note-taking, independent learning and research skills, self-awareness, and money management skills.
How to choose one of the Best schools in California
It is important to realize that the university you choose to study in has a lot of impact on you for a lifetime and this is why you need to do some research first before enrolling. To help you with that, we have compiled the 12 best schools in California in this article according to the US NEWS best schools in California.
Here are things to consider when you want to pick the best school.
- First, you need to identify your choice of program/course for study.
- Next, find out the university that best suits you and consider their cost of living and tuition fees.
- Also, check the school entry requirements. If you meet the requirements, start applying and get ready.
- Finally, prepare for the school entry exam and start preparing for your student visa.
Are there opportunities for internships?
In general, no matter your area of study, you can become an intern either when you are still in school or after your study program. Not only will the internship program give you experience but also it can lead to full-time employment. Because of California’s wide range of economy, there are so many sectors where you can serve as an intern.
For example, in the technology sector, entertainment, Education, Agriculture, manufacturing, real estate transportation, and more. You just have to plan and know the internship program that suits your lifestyle and career goals.
Also read – Best Schools In Colorado: Rankings, Tuition, Acceptance, And Graduation Rates
What are the 12 Best Schools in California?
Below are the best schools in California. Our selection criteria for these schools include their rankings, tuitions, academic reputation, acceptance, and graduation rates.
- #1. Stanford University
- #2. California Institute of Technology
- #3. University of California–Los Angeles
- #4. University of California—Berkeley
- #5. University of Southern California
- #6. University of California–Santa Barbara
- #7. University of California, Irvine
- #8. University of California–San Diego
- #9. University of California–Davis
- #10. Pepperdine University
- #11. Santa Clara University
- #12. Loyola Marymount University
#1. Stanford University
Stanford University is a university in California, listed among the best schools in the world. Leland and Jane Stanford found Stanford University in 1885 in the memory of their only son, Leland Stanford Junior, who died of typhoid fever at age 15. The school is a leading private research institution in the world.
Stanford University has a 6,996 undergraduate enrollment with a campus size of 8.180 acres, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 8,180 acres. It is ranking the First best schools in California and #6 in the Best Colleges in the National universities. It has a tuition fee of $56,169.
Ranking:
- #2 in Global school Rankings.
- #1 in school of the veteran.
- #6 in most Innovative Schools.
- #6 in National universities.
- #9 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Tuition: $56,169
Graduation rate: 94%
Acceptance rate: 4%
#2. California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is located in Pasadena, California which was founded in 1891. Caltech is one of the top colleges in California. It is one of the best private schools in California that is known for having excellent results with a good teaching structure, especially in engineering and other science focus courses.
Caltech has a total number of 938 undergraduate enrollment and is ranking #9 in the Best College in National Universities.
Ranking:
- #7 Global World University Ranking.
- #9 in National Universities.
- #18 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
- #12 in Best Value Schools.
- #7 in Most Innovative Schools.
- #340 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Tuition: $56,862
Graduation rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 6%
#3. University of California–Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research grant institution located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1919. Having 31,543 undergraduate enrollment with a campus size of 419 acres.
Los Angeles is ranking #20 in the 2021 Best National Universities. It is a highly rated University that has its out-of-state tuition to be #42, 980 and in-state tuition of $13,226.
Ranking:
- #13 in Best Global School.
- #20 in National Universities
- #5 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #124 in Best Value Schools
- #30 in Most Innovative Schools
- #13 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #1 in Top Public Schools
- #19 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $13,226 (In-state); $42,980 (out-of-state)
Graduation rate: 91%
Acceptance rate: 12%
#4. University of California—Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is a public research grant institution located in Berkeley, California which was founded in 1868. Having an undergraduate enrollment of 31, 780 with a campus size of 1232 acres.
The University of California, Berkeley is ranking #22 in the 2021 Best National Universities. It has out-of-state tuition of #43,980 and in-state tuition of $14,226.
Ranking:
- #13 in Best Global School.
- #22 in National Universities
- #6 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #154 in Best Value Schools
- #18 in Most Innovative Schools
- #76 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- #2 in Top Public Schools
- #2 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $14,226 (in-state); $43,980 (out of state)
Graduation rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 17%
#5. University of Southern California
Robert M. Widney found the University of Southern California in 1880. It is the oldest private research institution in California.
The University has over 20,351 undergraduate enrollment with a campus size of 226 acres. It is one of the best financial aid pools in the US, providing about $450 million in aid and scholarships for students from low-income earning families to attend school for free.
Rankings:
- #70 in Best Global School.
- #24 in National Universities
- #8 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #60 in Best Value Schools
- #161 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #2 in Top Public Schools
- #32 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $59,072.
Graduation rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 11%
#6. University of California–Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara, (UCSB) is one of the prestigious research institutions in the USA located in Santa Barbara, California. It was founded in 1909. And it is one of the best schools in California for international students all around the world.
USCB has a total number of 23,349 undergraduates and is ranking #30 in the best colleges in National Universities.
Rankings:
- #56 in Best Global School.
- #30 in National Universities
- #13 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #172 in Best Value Schools
- #13 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #6 in Top Public Schools
- #37 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $14,391 (in state); $44,145 (out of state)
Graduation rate: 83%
Acceptance rate: 30%
#7. University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is a top California school. UC-Irvine is a public research university located in Irvine, California. It was founded in the year 1965. UCI is one of the best schools in California that prepares students for their prospective careers.
The University of California, Irvine has an undergraduate enrollment of 30,382 with a campus size of 1,475 acres. It is ranking #35 in the Best Colleges in National Universities, with a tuition fee of $13,932 for in-state students and $43,686 for out-of-state students.
Rankings:
- #210 in Best Global School.
- #35 in National Universities
- #15 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #175 in Best Value Schools
- #13 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #8 in Top Public Schools
- #37 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $13,932 (in state); $43,686 (out of state)
Graduation rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 27%
#8.University of California–San Diego
The University of California, San Diego is located in San Diego, California. It is a public research institute established in 1960. It offers over 200 undergraduates and graduate programs.
UC San Diego celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. The school has contributed immensely through research work and has created an impact both locally and around the world.
It has a total of 30, 794 undergraduate enrollment with a campus size of 1,976 acres. The university is ranked #35 in the Best Colleges is National Universities edition. With a $14,451 tuition fee for in-state and $44,205 for our state.
Rankings:
- #21 in Best Global School.
- #35 in National Universities
- #15 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #173 in Best Value Schools
- #33 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- #58 Most innovative school.
- #8 in Top Public Schools
- #22 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $14,451 (in state); $44,205 (out of state)
Graduation rate: 86%
Acceptance rate: 32%
#9. University of California–Davis
University of California is one of the best colleges in California. The school is located in Davis, California, and was founded in the year 1905. It is known for world-leading agriculture and veterinary medicine programs.
UC-Davis is among the top public research universities in the U.S. with a good academic standard. And it has about 30,982 undergraduate enrollment and about 5,300 acres of campus size.
University of California, Davis is ranked #39 in the Best Colleges is National Universities. And the out-state tuition and fees is $44,407 and the in-state tuition and fees is $14,653
Rankings:
- #66 in Best Global School.
- #39 in National Universities
- #18 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #174 in Best Value Schools
- #15 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #50 Most innovative school.
- #11 in Top Public Schools
- #28 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Tuition: $14,653 (in-state); $44,407 (out of state)
Graduation rate: 86%
Acceptance rate: 39%
#10. Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is one of the best California schools listed in top publications like the USnesws and QS world rankings. It is a private university founded in 1937. It is popularly known for its picturesque location in Malibu, Calif.
Pepperdine is one of the best schools in California with 3,583 undergraduate enrollment with 830 acres campus size.
Pepperdine University ranked #49 in Best College in National Universities.
Rankings:
- #66 in Best Global School.
- #49 in National Universities
- #29 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #46 in Best Value Schools
- #113 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
- #50 Most innovative school.
- #15 in Study Abroad.
Tuition: $58,002
Graduation rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 32%
#11. Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private university located in Santa Clara, California, in the Silicon Valley. It was established in 1851, making it the oldest University of higher education in California, and has been in its original location since the day of its establishment.
Rankings:
- #48 in Best Global School.
- #53 in National Universities.
- #104 in Best Value Schools.
- #328 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- #132 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Tuition: $55,629
Graduation rate: 90%
Acceptance rate: 49%
#12. Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is a Catholic University founded in 1911 that is rooted in Marymount and Jesuit traditions.
The LMU is well known for its quality and powerful program in Business, Communication, and Entertainment. It has 6,778 undergraduate enrollment with a campus size of 142 acres. It has tuition and fees of $52, 577
Rankings:
- #329 in Best Global School.
- #66 in National Universities.
- #38 in Best Colleges for Veterans
- #98 in Best Value Schools.
- #209 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- #58 in Most Innovative Schools.
Tuition: $52,577
Graduation rate: 82%
Acceptance rate:44%
Best Law Schools in California
If you are going to study law in California, finding the best law schools is where to start. According to the U.S. News rankings of the top law schools in the U.S here are the top best law schools in California:
- University of California, Berkeley ranked #9 in Best National Colleges and #1 Best Law Schools in California.
- The University of California, Los Angeles ranked #14 in Best National Colleges and #2 Best Law Schools in California.
- University of Southern California ranked #19 National College and #3 in Best Law Schools in California.
- The University of California, Davis ranked #35 in National College and #4 Best Law schools in California.
Best Nursing Schools in California
California is a home for studying nursing with so many program options for both undergraduates and graduates programs. Here are the three best nursing schools in California:
- The University of California, Los Angeles
- The University of California, Irvine
- San Diego University
Best Community Colleges in California
Below is a list of community colleges in California including Los Angeles community colleges and junior colleges in California.
- De Anza College
- Orange Coast College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Diablo Valley College
- Pasadena City College
- Foothill College
- Napa Valley College
- Ohlone College
- Irvine Valley College
- Cuesta College
- Feather River Community College District
- College of the Siskiyous
Best High Schools in California
Here are the top high schools in California. These are schools are ranked based on their academic reputations, student to teacher ratios, and other relevant raking factors. Source: USnesws.com
- Oxford Academy
- Whitney High School
- California Academy of Mathematics and Science
- Riverside Stem Academy
- Mission San Jose High
- Preuss School UCSD
- Lowell High School
- Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
- University High School (Fresno)
- Pacific Collegiate Charter
Best Business School in California
Here is the list of best business schools in California.
- Stanford University
- The University of California, Berkeley.
- University of Southern California.
Conclusion
California’s education system comprises of the private, public, and also NPS schools in the United States. These schools are known for their academic excellence and provide world-class experience, training, and career prospects for the students. I hope the listing of the best schools in California helps you to make a choice of school to study in California.
Reference
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ca
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/s/california/
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colleges_and_universities_in_California
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