2024 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

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1-25 of 33 results

Freshman: I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to apply for things or cold email people. You just need to have the personal drive. Also, I love the area, its quiet, so if you're into big massive part vibes, it may not be the place for you. I love how they have options for weekends for people who don't party. Very accommodating!... Read 1,284 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Stanford University
4 Year,
STANFORD, CA,
1284 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to....
Read 1284 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 4%,
Net Price: $18,279,
SAT Range: 1500-1580,
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Sophomore: UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution that has a lot to offer in academics and extracurriculars. To me, the people are what make the experience so great, and fortunately, with such a large class, there is a myriad of people and groups to be affiliated with which illustrates the diversity at Berkeley. Some things can be frustrating sometimes such as applying for classes, finding resources, and having intrapersonal interactions with professors and classmates due to Berkeley being such a large institution. Additionally, there are other inconveniences such as the lack of housing for students which in my opinion, needs to start being a priority for the administration. Overall, UC Berkeley has a lot to offer and it is truly what you make of it. As someone who is heavily involved in varsity athletics, extracurriculars, leadership positions, and paraprofessional organizations, I am proud to call UC Berkeley home for me and I carry that with pride and class. Go Bears!... Read 4,497 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
University of California - Berkeley
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
BERKELEY, CA,
4497 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution that has a lot to offer in academics and extracurriculars. To me, the people are what make the experience so great, and fortunately, with such a large class,....
Read 4497 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 11%,
Net Price: $19,257,
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Freshman: SCU is just perfect!!! As the oldest university in California, it offers anything you want with robust academic programs in all areas including business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, visual arts, and performing arts as well as super plentiful extracurriculars such as cultural organizations that will host plentiful annual culture shows every year and great Greek life with a combination of community services and career-focused academia. Despite white people making up the majority of SCU's student population, the school is still very diverse, everyone I met here is super friendly and enthusiastic, and they all want you to succeed. The academia here is super collaborative and passionate, almost all professors are expressing their passion for their fields through effective lectures and activities to help students feel more connected and succeed. Located in the world-famous Silicon Valley, you will definitely be able to find an internship!!!... Read 1,482 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Santa Clara University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SANTA CLARA, CA,
1482 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says SCU is just perfect!!! As the oldest university in California, it offers anything you want with robust academic programs in all areas including business, engineering, humanities, social sciences,....
Read 1482 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 52%,
Net Price: $50,551,
SAT Range: 1290-1480,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
SponsoredCollege
Radford University
4 Year·
RADFORD, VA
·
Rating 3.62 out of 5 1,666
SponsoredCommunity College
Chabot College
2 Year·
HAYWARD, CA
·
Rating 3.8 out of 5 597
SponsoredCollege
ECPI University - Newport News, VA
2 Year·
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
·
Rating 4.38 out of 5 13
Sophomore: I love my school! It is a joy to be on campus and even better to explore outside of it, the students and staff go above and beyond to keep everyone safe and to make everyone at the school feel comfortable and like they belong. There are so many different kinds of people That you are sure to find a way to fit in and find your group. The class sizes are perfect so that you can easily contact and get to know your professors and many of the professors are incredibly passionate about what they do at the school. It is an amazing experience and my only wish is that I wish it cost less to attend such a wonderful institution.... Read 2,354 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
University of San Francisco
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
2354 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I love my school! It is a joy to be on campus and even better to explore outside of it, the students and staff go above and beyond to keep everyone safe and to make everyone at the school feel....
Read 2354 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 71%,
Net Price: $42,953,
SAT Range: 1210-1410,
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#5 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
San José State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
4377 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says The School of Information has many classes that are real gems: fantastic classmates, engaging professors, stimulating and relevant curriculum. Read online reviews and talk to fellow students if you....
Read 4377 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 77%,
Net Price: $14,219,
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#6 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
California State University - Maritime Academy
4 Year,
VALLEJO, CA,
163 Niche users give it an average review of 3.1 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says My current experience is great with many opportunities to learn about engineering and maritime life. However, the majors are very unique so transferring in and out of the school is difficult. Making....
Read 163 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 96%,
Net Price: $17,566,
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Sophomore: Saint Mary’s is a very unique experience that is not a typical college experience. It is not a party school at all, yes there are occasional parties and plenty of bars to go to nearby so partying isn’t impossible you just have to put in extra effort. Plenty of good food nearby but nothing is walkable so if you don’t have a car then you’re trapped on campus. Also all classes require attendance which in my opinion is stupid but all the professors are really nice, and depending on your major classes aren’t too hard. Dining hall food can be pretty bad sometimes, a lot of our sports teams are good so that’s always entertaining.... Read 1,111 reviews
#7 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Saint Mary's College of California
Blue checkmark.
This school participates in Niche Direct Admissions
4 Year,
MORAGA, CA,
1111 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Saint Mary’s is a very unique experience that is not a typical college experience. It is not a party school at all, yes there are occasional parties and plenty of bars to go to nearby so partying....
Read 1111 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 88%,
Net Price: $32,129,
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Alum: San Francisco State University is a commuter school that caters to students living in the Bay Area. The university has several green spaces where students can relax and study in the sun. The library is spacious and beautiful, offering an excellent environment for studying. On campus, there is a pub where students can gather for study sessions while enjoying a pint. The professors are known for their progressive and accepting attitudes, making it a welcoming environment for all students. The university is known for its diverse student population, attracting students from various backgrounds. Additionally, the campus is safe and accepting, creating a comfortable atmosphere for students. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SF State.... Read 3,717 reviews
#8 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
3717 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says San Francisco State University is a commuter school that caters to students living in the Bay Area. The university has several green spaces where students can relax and study in the sun. The library....
Read 3717 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 94%,
Net Price: $13,267,
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#9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Dominican University of California
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN RAFAEL, CA,
851 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Dominican University provided a more stringent academic experience than I was expecting, but in a good way. It was not a "fluff" online education but with standards of conduct and learning. I....
Read 851 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 93%,
Net Price: $49,907,
SAT Range: 1050-1260,
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Senior: I have had a great experience at CSUEB. I got involved through the university’s housing. I transferred to East Bay & was immediately welcomed by the housing staff. I connected with so many people & got the opportunity to work as a resident assistant the following year. I would say getting involved is what gave me a great experience. Something I would like to see changed is getting more non-locals to attend East bay. CSUEB is mostly a commuter school so students don’t get to interact much after hours. If there were a sense of community through all of campus, I’m sure everyone would have a great college experience.... Read 1,986 reviews
#10 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
California State University - East Bay
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
HAYWARD, CA,
1986 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I have had a great experience at CSUEB. I got involved through the university’s housing. I transferred to East Bay & was immediately welcomed by the housing staff. I connected with so many people &....
Read 1986 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 96%,
Net Price: $11,464,
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Freshman: The counselors are approachable and all willing to help you in your plans, and if you are still unsure what to do- They'll wait and bring up events that may pique interest. The professors are engaging, down-to-earth, and ensure time for student success with office hours, flexibility, ease of communication, and opportunities for extra-credit for certain courses if students struggle more with a subject. Student life is admirable- With the exception of the tacos that taste like desolation. But there are events that help de-stress for finals such as karaoke for the students, and joint meetings that practice healthy studying methods. Yet the ambience is lively while peaceful at the same time. You could be in a party within a room, and then retreat outside of that room to rest. Staff, professors, counselors, even students are very respectful and kind- There's hardly any reservations here as the majority of the students I've met are studious and dedicated, easygoing and very perceptive.... Read 500 reviews
Skyline College - San Bruno
4 Year,
SAN BRUNO, CA,
500 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says The counselors are approachable and all willing to help you in your plans, and if you are still unsure what to do- They'll wait and bring up events that may pique interest. The professors are...Student life is admirable- With the exception of the tacos that taste like desolation. But there are events that help de-stress for finals such as karaoke for the students, and joint meetings that....
Read 500 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $5,161,
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Alum: This small college is a hidden gem! As a student here, my experience at Menlo College was nothing short of exceptional! The Professors didn't just teach from a book, they also brought real-world experience to the classes. Our lessons went beyond memorizing the "4 P's of marketing" (although we did do that as well, because, you know, fundamentals). And collaboration was a key element in most lectures, our classrooms often became mini-think tanks where we bounced ideas off each other and honed our discussion and brainstorming skills. These were especially useful during group projects. All this to say, if you want a solid foundation in the world of business, where having business acumen is just as important as being book-smart, then Menlo is the place to be!... Read 308 reviews
Menlo College
Blue checkmark.
This school participates in Niche Direct Admissions
4 Year,
ATHERTON, CA,
308 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says This small college is a hidden gem! As a student here, my experience at Menlo College was nothing short of exceptional! The Professors didn't just teach from a book, they also brought real-world....
Read 308 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Acceptance Rate: 62%,
Net Price: $29,151,
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Sophomore: It's been a balance between exciting and unpleasant. I am very grateful to be enrolled in a new institution where I can continue my path as a professional artist and animator. However, for a first semester, one of the courses was a let down. Whenever I left the class, it felt like I hadn't learned anything. As a fully online student, during lecture, I felt disengaged with the rest of the class. The semester was also stressful because several financial and academic changes hit unexpectedly and I was ready to tear my hair out! I have hopes my next term will be better, but boy did I have a difficult time.... Read 2,498 reviews
Academy of Art University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
2498 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says It's been a balance between exciting and unpleasant. I am very grateful to be enrolled in a new institution where I can continue my path as a professional artist and animator. However, for a first....
Read 2498 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $35,616,
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California College of the Arts
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
392 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says The area that the school is in is in a safe area in San Francisco, Its also near areas that college students can destress on the weekend. Their resources here provide success for their students and....
Read 392 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 76%,
Net Price: $47,862,
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Unitek College - Fremont
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
FREMONT, CA,
167 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Unitek College is a great school. I felt welcomed by my peers and professors. All the professors I had were very helpful and really care about your educational goals. They made going back to school....
Read 167 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $33,755,
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Gurnick Academy - San Jose
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
100 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says Haven’t attended but knew a lot of family/friends who attended, heard nothing but great information, I’m looking forward to attending my LVN program here this October!.
Read 100 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $28,082,
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Freshman: What I like the most about Minerva is the unique platform for the lessons. I love the sense of real-class experience it provides although it allows every student to connect to the class from anywhere. Furthermore, there is no school campus but many students say the city is the campus, and it is true! You get to know every corner of the city rather than binding to one campus, which is more incredible - the rotation city changes each semester or every year (depending on the year of study). Hence, you get to know the world around you and travel while studying.... Read 92 reviews
Minerva University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
92 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says What I like the most about Minerva is the unique platform for the lessons. I love the sense of real-class experience it provides although it allows every student to connect to the class from....
Read 92 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 1%,
Net Price: $15,215,
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San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
86 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I loved the faculty at SFCM as well as the various performing opportunities there. I also liked that all the curriculum was structured around music. I wish that there weren't as many conflicts....
Read 86 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Acceptance Rate: 43%,
Net Price: $45,726,
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Graduate Student: I had studied civil engineering at Hawassa University in Ethiopia and graduated in 2021. I am interested to improve my academic status and to surge my potential of working skill, Although to Propagate the skill that i have, and to learn and share crucial knowledge from colleagues vehemently. I sincerely like living in harmonised way with nations which have enormous cultural status by placing humanity first.meanwhile I am obviously excited to update my self in academic and bing kind person to every one who intend to resive my support in a matters that I am really good at. As a person i definitely like to see people changing there life in different aspect like academic,economic and there social status, like living in a peaceful manner.Although being independent and start making promenades for others to stand by there own and being supportive.... Read 12 reviews
Lincoln University - California
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
12 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says I had studied civil engineering at Hawassa University in Ethiopia and graduated in 2021. I am interested to improve my academic status and to surge my potential of working skill, Although to...As a person i definitely like to see people changing there life in different aspect like academic,economic and there social status, like living in a peaceful manner.Although being independent and....
Read 12 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $28,597,
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University of Silicon Valley
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
110 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says So far I've had excellent interactions with the USV team, they've been extremely kind and sincere, and I look forward to the journey ahead!.
Read 110 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 65%,
Net Price: $29,887,
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Reach University
4 Year (Online),
Acceptance Rate: 98%,
Net Price: $15,054,
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Samuel Merritt University
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
147 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Great collage expensive but well worth it. Lots of support for students. Had some issues with communication initially around registration, and financial aid but it was manageable In the end..
Read 147 reviews.
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Alum: The GGU School of Law is a perfect place for International law students. It's not big in the number of staff and students, but it is the best thing about this university. Professors are always available for individual consultation, the administraton is very carying and is always ready to help. It's more like a family. The study process is very comfortable, but at the same time deep and demanding. Most of the professors are former international students and it helps a lot in terms of adapting to new system and socialization. They are always happy to share their experience and to direct you in your career path if you wish. I believe it was the best option I could have chosen when applying for the LLM in International Legal studies.... Read 97 reviews
Golden Gate University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
97 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says The GGU School of Law is a perfect place for International law students. It's not big in the number of staff and students, but it is the best thing about this university. Professors are always...I believe it was the best option I could have chosen when applying for the LLM in International Legal studies..
Read 97 reviews.
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Graduate Student: Overall, I appreciate the education I am receiving at CIIS. I think some of the instructors lack vigor and academic follow-through and then there are others who are stellar. I love the diversity of programs and classes. The wifi at the campus is an ongoing issue, which is frustrating for people who need to zoom into a class. People who work at the school are generally nice and very helpful.... Read 124 reviews
School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
124 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall, I appreciate the education I am receiving at CIIS. I think some of the instructors lack vigor and academic follow-through and then there are others who are stellar. I love the diversity of....
Read 124 reviews.
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Oikos University
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
Acceptance Rate: 43%,
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SponsoredCollege
ECPI University
4 Year·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
·
Rating 4.05 out of 5 1,312
SponsoredCollege
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year·
MORAGA, CA
·
Rating 3.59 out of 5 1,111
SponsoredCollege
Mary Baldwin University
4 Year·
STAUNTON, VA
·
Rating 3.43 out of 5 636

2024 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

Best programs

Students

Social scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

Stanford University

University of California - Berkeley

University of California - Berkeley

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University

University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco

San José State University

San José State University

California State University - Maritime Academy

California State University - Maritime Academy

Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University

Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California

California State University - East Bay

California State University - East Bay

Skyline College - San Bruno

Skyline College - San Bruno

Menlo College

Menlo College

Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University

California College of the Arts

California College of the Arts

Unitek College - Fremont

Unitek College - Fremont

Gurnick Academy - San Jose

Gurnick Academy - San Jose

Minerva University

Minerva University

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Lincoln University - California

Lincoln University - California

University of Silicon Valley

University of Silicon Valley

Reach University

Reach University

Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University

Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University

School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies

School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies

Oikos University

Oikos University