2023 Best Catholic Colleges in California

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,444 reviews

Alum: I had an amazing time at SCU and am proud to be a BRONCO! There are tons of job opportunities in the Bay Area because there are thousands of successful companies in the area, classes are small, education is impressive, the campus is beautiful, and people are so friendly. Santa Clara is not only a great university; the statistical information speaks for itself, but it is more than the numbers. Everyone is happy and proud to study here. The numbers are just getting better each year.... Read 1,444 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,714 reviews

Alum: I believe LMU has the potential to be an oasis in the mega city of Los Angeles, CA. Minutes away from LAX, the beach, shopping, entertainment and food from all over the world. University leadership is certainly putting investments into physical campus improvements. Sports programs are improving and facilities are getting better and better. Most students join Greek or service orgs to find community. Otherwise, at least for me it didn't feel like the most diverse or welcoming-for-all type of place. My hope for the future is for LMU to carve itself out as an up & coming entertainer and entrepreneur's dream, and pour more into growing sports programs so that LMU is the destination for athletes, trainer's, coaches and staff. Beautiful campus. Needs greater sense of belonging and community for students. Rating a 5 for my hope for the future. Go Lions!... Read 1,714 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,920 reviews

Sophomore: University of San Diego is an amazing school and I am so glad I chose to attend it. Going to college for the first time is a scary experience, but USD made it an easy transition. Because it is a small school, it is easy to make friends quickly because you see them around all the time and the opportunity to make good times is always there. The learning environment is also great, the professors are all very open and welcoming to the students. The class sizes range between 20-30 kids on average making it very easy to develop a strong relationship with your professors. The professors give themselves easy access to their students through email and office hours where you can easily meet with them for private help. Outside of the academic standpoint, the food and campus is amazing. There are great food options for everyone around the school to enjoy and not to mention the school is located in the beautiful city of San Diego where there is plenty of things to do to keep you on your toes!... Read 1,920 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,297 reviews

Freshman: I love the University of San Francisco's campus and the surrounding city! While the campus is smaller than other universities, do not worry because you will undoubtedly be getting your steps in. I have heard the steps may be inconvenient, but it gradually becomes easier over a few days. The professors are nice, which makes classes enjoyable. I would say the campus food is pretty average. Another thing I love about the university is its diversity. Originally, I applied because I was interested in the academics and diversity, and they did not disappoint! The university's basketball team is exceptional, which makes attending games worthwhile! While I enjoy this school very much, the dorms and housing are a bit subpar. Something to consider is that the freshman dorms are small because it is in San Francisco, and freshman dorms are old. Another thing to consider is that it is a relatively expensive school. They do offer financial aid, but it is still pretty expensive.... Read 2,297 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,155 reviews

Freshman: It’s a beautiful campus with really pretty views of the sunset and the Santa Monica ocean! I love how staff is attentive and caring for/with students, it’s nice to know someone is supporting you along the way while achieving your academic future. There’s many majors and minors to choose from and many activities throughout the semester to help your stressful mind be at ease.... Read 1,155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• Moraga, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,083 reviews

Freshman: Saint Mary’s has a unique energy unlike any other campus. The students are positive, inclusive, connected and yet very serious about their studies. There is a lot of fun on campus. There is not much drinking since you have to be over 21 and really there is more for us to do. Greek life is non existent. But that just means we create our fun by way of pool parties, BBQs, games, day trips, etc. There is a “party” scene here but a very safe and clean one - which is fantastic. I cannot thank Saint Mary’s enough, I love it! They check all the boxes of a fantastic school and a home away from home.... Read 1,083 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,022

• SAT range 1070-1240

• Oakland, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  351 reviews

Junior: My experience at Holy Names University has been very special and is an experience I will always hold dear to my heart. This University is facing some financial struggles of its own, so I wouldn't recommend any future freshman to enroll due to the instability of the university's future. If I knew for a fact that Holy Names was safe and would be around for a while longer, then this school would be on the top of my list for recommendations. The professors care about their students, dorm life allows you to create a chosen family, and the atmosphere feels motivating and encouraging. I never feel alone here and it's just what I needed to thrive.... Read 351 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $21,515

• SAT range 720-880

• Santa Paula, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  42 reviews

Freshman: Excellent liberal arts education. 10/10 would recommend. Every class is an in-depth and thought provoking discussion about our reading. I found myself captivated by questions and ideas I had never before considered. Each part of the curriculum is heavily integrated into all the other parts, and every day you get to see more of the big picture. In my freshman year I made several really good friendships that will last a lifetime, and got to know everyone to some extent. Everyone is really nice, outgoing and fun. Two campuses are available: one in Santa Paula, CA and another (newer) one in Northfield, MA. I haven't been to CA but the one in MA is extremely beautiful. It's right next to the Connecticut River, and there's a delicious Northfield Creamie down the road, with award winning homemade ice cream.... Read 42 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $22,631

• SAT range 1180-1370

• Escondido, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  73 reviews

Junior: As someone who is half introverted and half extroverted, I love this school with a passion. It is pretty small, but in my opinion that makes it a plus. Every professor I have had has given feedback on my work and has had conversations with me and others. Each professor knows each students' name and actively engages each one to help them achieve their fullest potential in whatever field/major they are pursuing. As someone who is Catholic, it has been a grace to be here, because surrounding me are a bunch of other loving people who have God as their basis in their life. Even if you are not a person of your faith, the school does not shove it down your throat and you can get just as great an education as everyone else. I am a post-production major and I have learned so much with the time I've been here at JPCatholic, it even has gotten me an internship with my dream job! Everyone cares about each other and everyone is very welcoming and inclusive. I am happy to call this place my home!... Read 73 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $28,787

• SAT range 1050-1200

• Belmont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  496 reviews

Senior: Great university if you love small and intimate class sizes. The university is a catholic university but as well a commuter school which means many of the students are commuters. The university does a lot of community work which is really amazing helping and giving back to the community. NDNU is located in Belmont CA, which is a very low-key area but it has easy access to San Francisco and San Jose. The school has a good sports program, men and women's soccer are wonderful to watch as well as men and women's basketball and men's lacrosse. Men's and women's cross country always does well, the university has added men and women track and field so the sports scene has grown which makes student life better.... Read 496 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,243

• SAT range 890-1080