Colleges in California

California is home to 469 colleges and universities, from large flagship research institutions to small liberal arts colleges and community colleges. Known for beach campuses and ski resort access, California offers a range of environments for every type of student. Use the filters below to find the right fit by campus lifestyle, safety, tuition, and more.

Top Colleges by Enrollment

469 total in California

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

91% admit · Open39K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm ClimateSafe Campus

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

46% admit · Moderate36K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownSki TownNCAA Division IWarm ClimateSafe Campus

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

36% admit · Moderate35K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm Climate

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA

27% admit · Moderate35K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownWarm Climate

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

9% admit · Selective33K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownSki TownNCAA Division IWarm Climate

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

11% admit · Selective33K students

Lifestyle

NCAA Division IWarm Climate

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA

93% admit · Open33K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm ClimateSafe Campus

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

42% admit · Moderate32K students

Lifestyle

NCAA Division IWarm Climate

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA

29% admit · Moderate30K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownSki TownNCAA Division IWarm Climate

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

94% admit · Open28K students

Lifestyle

Greek LifeNCAA Division IWarm Climate

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

85% admit · Open28K students

Lifestyle

Greek LifeNCAA Division IWarm Climate

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA

75% admit · Open25K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeWarm ClimateSafe Campus

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

33% admit · Moderate23K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownNCAA Division IWarm Climate

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA

76% admit · Open23K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownNCAA Division IWarm Climate

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

31% admit · Moderate22K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm Climate

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA

95% admit · Open22K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm ClimateSafe Campus

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

10% admit · Selective20K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IWarm Climate

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

91% admit · Open20K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IIWarm ClimateSafe Campus

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

96% admit · Open19K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownNCAA Division IIWarm Climate

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

66% admit · Open18K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownWarm Climate

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

94% admit · Open15K students

Lifestyle

Ski TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IIWarm ClimateSafe Campus

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

95% admit · Open15K students

Lifestyle

Greek LifeNCAA Division IIWarm Climate

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA

93% admit · Open14K students

Lifestyle

Greek LifeNCAA Division IIWarm ClimateSafe Campus

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA

93% admit · Open13K students

Lifestyle

Beach TownSki TownGreek LifeNCAA Division IIWarm Climate

See all 469 colleges in California

Explore by Lifestyle

Beach School Vibes

Within 10 miles of the ocean

NCAA Division I

Big games. Big energy.

HBCUs

Culture, legacy & community

Greek Life Strong

Frats, sororities & social scenes

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