2024 Top Private Universities in California

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,279 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant campus culture fostered deep connections with peers and faculty, sparking countless engaging discussions and collaborations. The resources and opportunities available, from research initiatives to extracurricular activities, were unparalleled, allowing me to pursue my interests and passions fully. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring that all students feel equally supported and represented within the Stanford community. Additionally, enhancing accessibility to resources for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds would further enrich the university experience for all.... Read 1,279 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  150 reviews

Alum: The academic program and courses were very challenging, but there is a great sense of collaborative community.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  133 reviews

Alum: I was in the Class of 1996. I had such a difficult time due to personal issues. I wish someone had been able to explain to me that it is okay to take a break. That would have been better than failing out and then taking a break. Also, peer support at the counseling center would have made a difference.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  423 reviews

Junior: After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have to leave this place after next year. Pomona maintains a truly unique culture among elite higher education. Students here are bright and academically top-notch, sure, but, more importantly, they are genuinely curious about the world, open-minded, and passionate about knowledge and justice. I have been challenged academically and personally, and grown more than I could have imagined as a result. The school has its problems, of course: for one, the administration is opaque and unresponsive to student needs. But the dedicated faculty, laidback California atmosphere, and student body more than make up for them. If you are given the opportunity to study here, seriously consider it: you will grow as a student and as a person.... Read 423 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  432 reviews

Sophomore: Transferred in from a flagship state school and have no regrets. Found more welcoming communities, interesting professional/research opportunities, and more engaging classes. Facilities and the overall area (being in between LA County and San Bernardino) are somewhat underwhelming but can be made more enjoyable with a car. Food and residential life is good, and you'll find most people are friendly across the 5Cs. More specific to CMC, students love having profound conversations and engaging in multiple productive pursuits. It's definitely a grind, but a fulfilling one -- especially if you're pre-professional interested in IB/Consulting.... Read 432 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,035 reviews

Freshman: I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change and grow here. The people are really nice! What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what opportunities I have to contribute to the community or make the most of my educational experience.... Read 4,035 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  1,171 reviews

Graduate Student: I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1 class at a time and the course progresses quickly so I don’t get bored and the course requirements are reasonable, especially since most of the class participants work full time and have families. This has been a wonderful experience!... Read 1,171 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $9,966

• SAT range 750-1170

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  509 reviews

Sophomore: Like everything, there are ups and downs and days where I wish I were back home with my dogs, but I love Occidental College, and I've had such a great experience so far. I am only a sophomore and have already taken a wide diversity of courses with phenomenal professors, met incredible friends, and have had many opportunities to help professors with their research. I have an environmental science concentration with my major and have worked in my biology professor's lab since the first semester of my first year! Being at Oxy, a small school, enables me to build a great network of mentors and participate in undergraduate research throughout the school year and independent paid research over the summer. Ultimately, I have loved the experiences of being at Oxy and being able to take a comprehensive arrangement of courses and do stem research.... Read 509 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,958 reviews

Sophomore: I have really enjoyed the small classes sizes here at San Diego. It is very nice to be able to go into office hours and talk to my professors. However, at the same time, the school does not feel too small. It is a very nice balance of a small community, but not too small. I have also found it nice to be on a liberal arts campus. As an engineering student, I interact with similar people every day, so it is nice to have friends in other majors, that I had the chance to meet in my required liberals classes. University of San Diego is one of the only liberal arts schools with an engineering program. I have benefitted a lot from balancing my highly technical classes with liberal arts classes. The balanced program is truly making me a more well rounded student and person. Additionally, I have heard from potential employers and recruiters that they appreciate the fact that engineering students at the University of San Diego graduate with both an BA and BS in engineering.... Read 1,958 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  648 reviews

Alum: Pitzer in many ways is heaven to me... though perhaps that is just the effect of moving to California as an east-coaster. But really, going to Pitzer was quite a bit like going to the school from Zoey 101. The students are creative, thoughtful, attractive, and well-connected (i.e. Rich AF) and the professors are lovable, wacky, and receptive to bold ideas (and also often independently wealthy for some reason). Cool architecture on campus and the dorms are brilliant in form and function. Proximity to LA, Joshua Tree, San Diego, etc. Apparently the administration is weak, but honestly who cares? And yes, the academic standards are insanely lenient (remember: trust fund dummies are this school's bread and butter). My solution: just take a class at Pomona, CMC, or Harvey Mudd. I did about half of my classes at Pomona to feel properly educated. The drawback to this method is that off-campus professors may not treat you as a priority. Oh well. If you're in Claremont--count yourself lucky.... Read 648 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,751 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Loyola Marymount University this year has been not only different, challenging, and difficult -- but also engaging, exciting, and very eye opening to me. I am from Texas, so a completely different state was something I knew I'd be scared and hesitant to do. However, upon moving into my housing, and getting to know the people here, I've felt more at home each and every day time passes by. The academics, especially me being a Chemistry major, are difficult, but not impossible. The professors here are very engaging with us as students and truly want us to strive to reach our goals -- they want the best for us, and they push alongside us for it. I admire each and every person at my school for their talents. I, though, would like to see change towards being more involved with the community, specifically towards helping those that are in a rough area in their life and are struggling. The community is so lively, so seeing it apply that to those struggling would be amazing.... Read 1,751 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,362 reviews

Other: I am yet to get to Pepperdine cause I was just accepted recently as a transfer student, but from my communication with my admissions counsellor was the best. Madam Brooke was just a lovely lady full of patience and guided me all the way. Considering that I'll be relocating from Kenya to Malibu, I hope to get the most out of Pepperdine because it is what encouraged me to apply. I love the serene environment and that they don't experience seasons hence more time at the beach and oh my do I love the beach! The religious aspect of Pepperdine also motivates me as I come from a religious background of being affiliated with the Church of Christ. I love that come this Fall, I'll be able to be in a warm and acceptable environment to continue with my studies. Over and over again I will always choose Pepperdine!... Read 1,362 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,476 reviews

Sophomore: The school is a bit smaller, so you have a better chance to discuss with your professors, and generally more academic opportunities are available. The campus is really beautiful, and so is the weather which can be more motivating for students.... Read 1,476 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,043 reviews

Alum: I look back at my time at PLNU with gratitude and fondness. It is where I gained my education, found my lifetime friends and healed from an autoimmune disease I was battling. I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience. My professors were always so willing to help and they constantly encouraged us in our work and in our faith. They made me believe I could go out in the world as an adult and create change. I hope that prospective. students can be encouraged by this to take that leap of faith and dive in. Dive into the community at PLNU, dive into your education, and dive into yourself and find what you believe.... Read 1,043 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $34,851

• SAT range 1170-1350

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,301 reviews

Alum: There is no place quite like Biola. It is beautiful, peaceful and very safe. The professors and your peers genuinely care for your wellbeing. Biola faces issues head on through discussion and open dialogue. Diversity and free thinking are encouraged by professors and classes are so engaging. The only negative experience I have had is with admissions councillors not knowing what classes I really need to take. I recommend speaking with the head councilors every time. They are very willing to speak with you and really know what they are talking about. The food here is good most days but just okay sometimes.... Read 2,301 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  2,293 reviews

Freshman: I love chapman for their academic and opportunities, but it is seriously lacking in terms of housing, food, and accessibility. You will need a car at Chapman by Sophomore year, but Freshman year can be miserable without one. The housing has mold, electrical issues, pipes bursting, and we are crammed into triples. The party scene was better than expected, but socially it feels like high school sometimes. If you are in the film school, your academic are amazing. Great resources and professors. I can’t speak on other schools here but people seem to like them. The Honors program is very different from other schools. It focuses on interdisciplinary studies and is basically just a different way to take Gen-Ed classes.... Read 2,293 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,341 reviews

Alum: As a transfer and commuter student, I was nervous I would not be able to form connections and make the most of my two years at USF, but I feel so grateful that was not the case. I loved all of my professors, made personal relationships with them, and even was able to experience the incredible opportunity to work as a research assistant and attend a research conference to present our work. I took advantage of USF's resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services and had a great experience with everyone I interacted with who worked at the school. I was awarded significant aid which made it possible for me to attend and eventually get accepted to my dream graduate school program!... Read 2,341 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  112 reviews

Other: I understand that SSO’s are busy dealing with hundreds of students! But It would be great to actually have consistent and the same answers for example when it comes to remediation of classes, absents, tardiness, & etc! They can be very strict with attendance which is understandable, but we as students who’s paying tuition fees that we with hard to pay for, needs good consistent not all over the place answers! Reach out to me when you want more details and I’ll be happy to share all of them!... Read 112 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $36,905

• SAT range —

• Stockton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,336 reviews

Freshman: I would say being at Pacific is not as bad as it looks. Although the area can seem a little intimidating, the campus itself is very beautiful and is always patrolled with campus PD. There is always people walking around the campus and there are a variety of activities and resources that the school offers. Academic wise some of the professors are tougher than others but overall the education quality here is by far the best I have seen and the application process to get admitted here is quite simple compared to bigger campuses!... Read 1,336 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,311

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  2,901 reviews

Freshman: I am not a party person so I am enjoying it here! Outside of parties, there are plenty of things to do, and I love that the school tries to get students involved in college life! Riverside often feels a little sketchy, but I do not worry about such things on campus. I love how understanding the professors are; they are always willing to listen and give different opportunities for you to try your best. The food can get a bit repetitive but there are different options so it is always nice being able to grab something different. I love the people I have met here and I am enjoying my time here!... Read 2,901 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  476 reviews

Alum: Scripps was a fantastic place to go to college. The professors love teaching and are very keen on helping you truly learn and understand the material. In addition, you have the resources of the five other colleges, so Scripps doesn't suffer from being too small. Student life at Scripps is amazing. The friendships that form are close and the school provides an amazing living environment. It may not be a big party school (which many people love), but again, it's part of a consortium. Students can take advantage of social events and parties across the campuses and come back to any amazing place to live.... Read 476 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Azusa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,790 reviews

Alum: The faculty at Pacific University is truly amazing. They truly care about a students exhaust and go above and beyond to ensure that you succeeded. What I liked about Azusa Pacific the most was that I was just another student. It was important to them that I felt included, and that they understood me and got to know who I was as a student and as a person. my professors were always willing and able to help what I needed. Honestly it was because of my counselor and the professors attitude of Pacific university was able to finish my undergrad degree.... Read 2,790 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $27,112

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  929 reviews

Freshman: Vanguard University is a good university that has ties to the Assemblies of God denomination. As with anything, there are things that they could be better about, but being a small Christian university, they provide a lot of opportunities for their students.... Read 929 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,192 reviews

Freshman: Teachers are very student oriented due to the fact that it is a small school. They are always willing to offer additional help and have past students host tutoring sessions. Anytime you don't understand a concept or do poorly on a test, there is always someone that can help you learn to do better on the next exam. Another thing that I like about the school is that there are a lot of oportunities to get on campus jobs and the job departments help you in building your resume and don't require experience. They are also very understanding when you can't go to work because of academics.... Read 1,192 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• Santa Clarita, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  506 reviews

Junior: I chose to go to TMU for the biblical worldview and the Cinema & Digital Arts degree. It was a more diverse and exciting degree than a lot of other media degrees I had looked at. The online professors are amazing overall. They make expectations super clear and are easily available if you need help. However, some of the content is relatively old, and some professors are just "monitors" for the class. They don't actually teach it. I think this could potentially be problematic, although I've had a great experience so far.... Read 506 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $30,748

• SAT range 990-1250