2024 Best College Food in California

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,528 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,528 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,876 reviews

Junior: All throughout high school my teachers would try to hammer this perception that in college, I would be truly independent and nothing more than a number in a classroom. This couldn't be further from the truth regarding CBU. The professors here generally care for their students and show teaching is their passion. Professors remind us on the regular that they're available during their office hours and are even willing to make themselves available for us whenever we had questions. Every Professor I've had thus far has prayed for us before we take an exam, this helped me feel less stressed. Campus life is fun. Dorm life is a great way to make connections. If you're an incoming freshman, I recommend you try and live in Smith/Simmons hall. Campus always has a lot of events going on all the time. Make sure you get involved! The on-campus food is fantastic. I highly recommend El Monte. If you want something different than on-campus food, there's a great selection of food nearby campus.... Read 2,876 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,943 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at USD has been positive so far! The campus is so pretty, so it's definitely a nice environment to learn within. I love how unique and consistent the architecture is, even with new buildings, and the view of Mission Bay is fun to see every day. My first-year housing experience (in Camino) was good. The bathrooms were recently renovated, so that was appreciated, and there were a lot of private bathroom spaces. All of my professors were so nice as well!... Read 1,943 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• Rocklin, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  435 reviews

Junior: I'm an online student, but even though I'm not on campus, I feel very much a part of the school. It's about a two hour drive, so I was able to go and visit and attend some events on campus and felt so comfortable and welcome there. The professors are very available and present in the online forum and are ready to answer questions and just pray over each individual. The success coach is awesome and I feel so supported, encouraged and lifted up. The education received is at such a high standard as well and I feel ready to go into my career with the tools and skills I need. I feel very encouraged in my Christian life and spiritual walk with God. I 100% recommend this school!... Read 435 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $27,823

• SAT range 950-1210

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  501 reviews

Junior: I think one thing that sets Oxy apart from other schools is the relationship you will build with your professors and peers in a class setting. My professors are always really accessible and encourage everyone to go to office hours and ask questions. Because of the small class size and collaborative setting where I am able to talk to my classmates, I've met some of my closest friends in my classes at Oxy. Everyone here is super involved and passionate about something they do on campus. This creates a really fun and supportive culture where we all go to everyone's club events, music performances, and sports games. Oxy really takes advantage of its location in Los Angeles. I've had field trips to Downtown LA and City Hall, and there are lots of opportunities to get off campus like free tickets to the Kings game last week! I chose Oxy because I wanted to be a part of a community that cares about what they are doing and that is exactly what I've found here.... Read 501 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,826 reviews

Alum: This school is full of wonderful people. There a lot of students from all over the world with a brilliant personalities. If you don’t fit in, they will help you to fit in and succeed. A lot of students from economically successful social groups in the third college generation. I witnessed freshmen who drive Maserati and Tesla. Some professors are incredible, polite and have a tendency to like all of their students and treat them like if they were their kids. The parking lots are great. You be late for 30 minutes before classes and always find a free spot. I’m so glad I graduated from that place. Beaches are nearby and it’s a beach life. If I will ever have kids, I will send them to CSULB instead of sending them to an expensive private college where they can experience bad influence from spoiled classmates or toxic environment of faculty and administration. Don’t hesitate and Go Beach!... Read 4,826 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,344 reviews

Freshman: Beyond the excellent academics, SDSU has a great social and school spirit atmosphere with amazing athletics and clubs. As an out-of-state freshman, the transition to college has been tough; however, the many welcoming communities between fun or academic clubs, intramural, club, and D1 sports, and various other excellent programs. There are countless wonderful opportunities, including those at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC). Students (and others) can take classes for surfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and more! So far, the surfing class has been a major highlight for me. Getting around is also extremely easy, which is a big deal as a freshman without a car. The trolley and bus system is free to students under 20, which is a major bonus for getting around San Diego, going to the MBAC, and getting other important places in SoCal (like the airport)! I also feel that SDSU is a very safe campus, and has overall been a wonderful experience filled with growth and learning. Go Tecs!... Read 5,344 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,067 reviews

Senior: Davis has been an extraordinary experience as a pre-med student! The faculty's expertise and genuine care for students have been remarkable. They provide engaging lectures, one-on-one guidance, and research opportunities. The pre-med advising team is accessible and immensely helpful, supporting me in every aspect of my journey. The campus is beautiful, offering study spaces and research facilities with cutting-edge resources. The inclusive environment fosters collaboration with like-minded peers, making it feel like a family. Davis also provides numerous healthcare and medicine-related clubs and organizations, enhancing networking opportunities. The university's ties to local hospitals and medical centers have opened doors for internships and clinical experiences, giving me invaluable exposure to the medical field. My time at Davis has been transformative and inspiring, preparing me for medical school and beyond. I highly recommend Davis to any aspiring pre-med student.... Read 5,067 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• Northridge, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  5,017 reviews

Alum: What I enjoyed from California State University, Northridge is that a lot of the professors are very considerate of the students and they also know how to teach the subject pretty well, whether it be kinesiology classes, or general education classes. The diversity in this school helps you feel like you belong in a higher education school. I also appreciate the amenities that come with paying your tuition, such as the Student Recreational Center, the Oasis Center, and the Oviatt Library. The Student Recreational Center is a gym with 3 floors, indoor rock-climbing, indoor basketball, indoor volleyball, indoor soccer, indoor track and even has a recreational pool! The Library was four floors and very resourceful. The rest of my 5 years there were mostly online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the school was very supportive throughout this time. The only change I would like to see would be to have more consistency with Canvas for some professors, otherwise my experience at CSUN was amazing.... Read 5,017 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,708

• SAT range 900-1110

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  420 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 420 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Turlock, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,223 reviews

Senior: I love the school. The staff, teachers, and everything about their Turlock campus was amazing! The campus was beautiful and everyone I had encountered with was very nice and helpful. If I hadn't had to move away further from the campus due to person reasons, I would still attend classes in person because of the energy and atmosphere it provided.... Read 1,223 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $7,230

• SAT range 810-1030

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,227 reviews

Junior: The campus community thrives on inclusivity and support, with individuals eager to engage in meaningful conversations and lend a helping hand. UCI has a myriad of club opportunities available. No matter your interests, there is an organization that caters to your passions that provide avenues for personal development and also serve as platforms for making lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals! The campus boasts a wide array of support resources aimed at ensuring the success and well-being of every student. Academic support centers, tutoring programs, and career services are readily available, empowering students to excel in their studies and prepare for their future endeavors. A big plus is that within a short walking distance there is a lot of dining options. Additionally, the convenience of nearby grocery stores and transportation to them ensures that students can easily access the essentials they need, making life on campus incredibly convenient.... Read 4,227 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,267 reviews

Alum: The first year at Stanford was incredibly enjoyable, especially for those with intellectual curiosity, given the abundance of opportunities across various interests. While the engineering school is popular, Stanford isn't solely focused on engineering, as confirmed by others not in that field. I particularly appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from engaging extracurriculars and sports to vibrant parties and valuable work opportunities. Personally, I regularly enjoyed activities like surfing at the excellent spots in Santa Cruz, about an hour off-campus, and hiking in the picturesque hills nearby. Questions about controversial topics like the "prohibited words list" did come up, but, in reality, it had and continues to have no impact on campus life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Stanford to anyone and everyone.... Read 1,267 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,182 reviews

Senior: MSMU has been my home away from home. As a first-generation college student, transitioning from high school to a university was challenging. Yet, through an ISAE program I joined as a freshman, I have stayed on track with my academics while being involved with school events. ISAE is a program dedicated to helping first-generation college students fulfill their academic goals! This program has been vital to my success as it offers regular checkups regarding student progress and opportunities to connect with faculty and other students. Additionally, what makes the Mount special is that all the professors I have encountered throughout my college career have always cared exceptionally about my success and are willing to answer any questions. As far as something I would change, that would be increasing the acceptance rate for nursing school; seeing first-hand the nursing shortage, we need to offer more students the opportunity to pursue a nursing profession.... Read 1,182 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,248 reviews

Senior: My first year was all online due to COVID. I had extremely supportive and accommodating professors. The workload was very doable, just make sure to communicate with your professors whenever you miss something or do not understand. In my second year, I lived in the on-campus apartments. It is fairly regulated on campus, and people can be shy but is a very safe and healthy environment. Everyone loved their RA's because they were so sweet. My third year was living in campus-affiliated apartments, which was amazing. You have more freedom, but can still walk to school. The campus is very large which means there are endless opportunities for students. We have some of the best departments regarded in the state with some of the most reputable professors. Join clubs as well! Being part of clubs with your interests and meeting new people that way completely changes your college experience. It is the easiest way to connect with people! There are several food places on campus and the gym is big!... Read 5,248 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• San Bernardino, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,776 reviews

Graduate Student: I went into Cal State San Bernardino as an undergrad in 2019 and I majored in Kinesiology and minored in Psyc. In the beginning, I was upset about going here because I'd never seen the campus, and growing up I would hear bad reviews about it. On my orientation day, I was so surprised walking on campus because the campus was just mouth-dropping! I could not believe that the campus was so beautiful. The staff is amazing and the professors for the kinesiology apartment go above and beyond. They say in college that no one holds your hand and that it's your responsibility to push yourself. And yes that is true but here my professors hold my hand and guided me to be a better student and a better studied. I enjoyed every minute of my college life here. When covid hit, it was a challenge but once again the staff just went above and beyond to still make it the best experience. I enjoyed the campus so much that I became a student mentor for incoming freshman and transfer students.... Read 2,776 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $3,254

• SAT range 910-1080

• Sacramento, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  3,875 reviews

Junior: Being a transfer student, I was scared of being a new university student. But, the family here at Sacramento state has welcomed me with open arms. There are many resources on campus for those from all walks of life. There are over 1,000 clubs on campus, many resources, and professors who want you to succeed. A crucial backbone any student needs when pursuing a higher education. All of my professors have been very helpful and support me like no other. Sacramento state provides students with many off campus resources as well. For example, my nursing professor connected me to a volunteering opportunity at a local hospital! A lush green environment makes me feel cozy and safe. One critical fact about Sacramento state is that the on-campus police is available 24/7 to walk you to your class, car, etc. A major factor to consider when choosing a college. Student life is also very welcoming with happy and engaging classmates everywhere you turn. Great mental health resources also available!... Read 3,875 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $7,778

• SAT range 930-1130

• Camarillo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,100 reviews

Senior: My experience with Channel Islands Business School has been incredible. I've been going to online school for a couple of years and couldn't be happier about attending this college. Not only have my classes been supportive, but the faculty at the school has continuously shown they care about each student. I feel confident that I can get my degree and continue striving with whatever I set my mind to. One thing I would like to see change is more students attending online school as it's proof that it can cater to different types of learning abilities. Thank you!... Read 1,100 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $14,493

• SAT range 850-1060

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,660 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCR has been great so far. First, I love the diversity we have here on campus! I was able to meet people from everywhere, and everyone is very friendly, so it was really easy to make a few friends along the way. Most of my professors have been great, and I could tell that they were really passionate about what they were teaching. Although I am not the biggest fan when it comes to long lectures, I feel like I am actually learning something, rather than when I was in high school. I also love the abundance of events that occur daily. The organizations/clubs are really awesome too, with most of them sounding very interesting to join. I am currently in two clubs and they are really fun. My only critique would probably have to be some professors not actually teaching, making it a less fun experience. But overall, I am happy I chose to be a student here, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!... Read 3,660 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Fresno, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,851 reviews

Freshman: Despite numerous challenges I had with transcripts, classes, and technology errors, Fresno State's Kremen academic advising team was extremely helpful and worked dilligently to help me enroll this last semester. Now that the fall semester has begun, I enjoy all of my classes thoroughly. I have never been more confident that elementary education is what I want to do! Pouring into their students, the professors actually care about the material they are teaching. When a professor is as passionate about the subject as the students, it becomes contagious! Fresno State has successfully cultivated a community of students and professors where I know I am supported on my academic journey. A greater education does not come without its challenges, but at Fresno State, I know that I will be able to prevail with my degree and a hope for the future.... Read 2,851 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $6,336

• SAT range 890-1100

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  148 reviews

Alum: My relationship with Harvey Mudd is quite messy and convoluted. No single experience will suffice to describe in its entirety; however, hopefully there is something helpful to you in my description! Let's begin. One thing I will say, Harvey Mudd is very difficult. I assume you already know this if you are looking into it, but I want to stress that you will most definitely be challenged. There are many classes to get through, and they are very rigorous. There were a lot sleepless nights, several of which spent in the engineering basement. The constant flow of problem sets, quizzes, midterms and projects will keep you busy to say the least! That being said, there is a wonderful support system at Mudd. Being in graduate school now, I really miss the accessibility to professors and student tutors. Mudd does a really amazing job of fostering collaboration with fellow peers and you guys will grow very close from all the shared struggle. I miss spending every night with them studying!... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  429 reviews

Freshman: People at CMC are welcoming, driven, intelligent, and fun to be around. There are a variety of social communities present on campus from kids that went to prep school, international school, charter schools, and public schools. Professors make themselves so accessible, and for many of my freshmen courses I am required to meet with them 1 on 1 before writing an essay. Everyone agrees that the professors truly care about their students. The social life can be really fun—Monte Carlo, Oktoberfest, and 601 are all a blast (especially because cmc is a wet campus and half the student body is part of a varsity sport). The campus is gorgeous being in the mountains with brand new facilities with much more on the way that is expected to be finished between 2024 and 2027. Not to mention it’s connected to a great college town with access to golf courses, beaches, and parks. Ultimately, you get all the benefits of a small and mid sized school in one… as long as you can manage a ton of work.... Read 429 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  469 reviews

Junior: I'm mostly writing this because my experience of Scripps feels incongruent with my experience here, and I want perspective students to know that Scripps can be a really lovely place. A lot of reviews talk about Scripps as a really cliquey school, which could be true to some people's experience, but I've found that everyone here is so friendly and welcoming if you make an effort to get to know them--I feel like it's easy to find community here, especially if you join clubs/have a job/talk to people in your classes. Also, a lot of the reviews said you need to find friends right away--but not true. I didn't find my main friend group until my second semester, and friends and such naturally change over time. I've also found such community in my major--I'm in a smaller, humanities department here, and all the profs are lovely--but I know some of my stem friends have had similar experiences. Scripps is by no means devoid of problems, but I definitely think things are improving post-pandemic.... Read 469 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,007 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 4,007 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,692 reviews

Junior: My experience at the University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB) was truly incredible! From the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful coastal campus, I knew I was in for an amazing adventure. The combination of fun and learning at UCSB was beyond comparison. Academically, UCSB exceeded my expectations. The university is renowned for its rigorous programs across various disciplines, and the faculty members are top-notch. The courses were intellectually stimulating, challenging me to expand my knowledge and think critically.... Read 4,692 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460