California Colleges with the Best Professors

Best Professors

276 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
1,176 reviews
#1 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: For lack of better words, Stanford University is a one of a kind university. The cleanliness, architecture, art, and general energy of the campus are all of positivity, engagement, and other things of that sort. Whenever I am there, interacting with the students, faculty, and employees of the various stores and cafes there, it is a very, very welcoming environment. The bookstore has an amazing selection of books, and I always love looking at the selections of readings at its various libaries. Furthermore, every single interaction with professors that I have had, I have enjoyed them and am very much of the belief that they have been for the better. I am truly glad that I will be a part of the incoming Stanford class of 2024.
Read 1,176 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
4% Acceptance Rate
$17,271 Net Price
1420-1570 SAT Range
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University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,673 reviews
#2 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
Read 3,673 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
13% Acceptance Rate
$36,161 Net Price
1350-1530 SAT Range
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Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
387 reviews
#3 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Sophomore: Pomona College is a great school with so many interesting people from all over the world! It's a very diverse group of students, and because there are 4 other colleges there, we have access to a wide range of classes, locations and experiences across the "5C's." I play softball for Pomona Pitzer, and the team spirit keeps me sane, while the support from other student-athletes from football and baseball, etc. is really cool. It's a small school, but big on ideas and things to do in and around LA area. Claremont is a cool little village we walk to from campus and its only a short drive to beach or mountains.
Read 387 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
8% Acceptance Rate
$16,988 Net Price
1400-1540 SAT Range
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Scripps College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
444 reviews
#4 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Alum: Your experience at Scripps will be what you make of it to some extent. If you become more involved on campus and fully integrate yourself within the community it'll likely be more enjoyable. I personally felt the people at Scripps were the best part of the experience. I loved being surrounded by such intelligent and thoughtful individuals. My peers were hard workers, but I personally never felt a pressure to compete with them, per se. I also loved a lot of my Scripps professors and enjoyed the classes where we were able to have discussions in small groups. The campus itself is probably the prettiest of the 5Cs and has one of the best dining halls. The bad parts: bureaucracy and the administration over looking student needs. I felt a lot of the times students would voice their opinions only to be shut down by those in the admin. It can also be a high stress environment, and the school itself lacks resources to fully assist all students, leading to greater inequity.
Read 444 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
24% Acceptance Rate
$39,070 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
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University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
5,048 reviews
#5 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Niche User: Even as a transfer student, I felt very welcomed onto the college campus! There are hundreds of student organizations for students to find their community and their passions in. There are many possibilities to get involved and they have tons of on-campus resources, such as the learning assistant program, peer learning facilitator program, and more, to help students with their academic needs, as well as for student employment opportunities. The area surrounding the school is also great for students, and very lively! There are local bars, restaurants, Halloween stores, and even weekly farmers markets down the street.
Read 5,048 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
14% Acceptance Rate
$15,002 Net Price
1290-1520 SAT Range
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University of California - Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
4,406 reviews
#6 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: UCSB has this aura surrounding it that makes it enchanted. The skies are usually clear and the weather is splendid to the point that some people could get sick of the sunny weather, but not many do! Many professors express enthusiasm for their subject; however that does not include the math department. Those professors in humanities have passions for social justice primarily, but everyone on campus believes in improvement, hence the organized demonstrations that occur quarterly. We are a united, diverse campus that voices concerns in regard to any social reform. Just recently, we joined UCSC by standing in solidarity with the graduate students fighting for COLA. This campus may have difficult courses, but the resources available to its students has made it manageable to keep up with course material. The CLAS program is especially useful in my case for chemistry and math. The extra practice and one-on-one attention keeps me motivated and productive.
Read 4,406 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
32% Acceptance Rate
$16,912 Net Price
1230-1460 SAT Range
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Claremont McKenna College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
422 reviews
#7 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Sophomore: Claremont Mckenna College is an amazing academic institution. Every student here is so passionate and loves to learn. Claremont has an incredible, close knit-community that is incredibly supportive. My professors all are so kind and involved. I love CMC! Sko nas!
Read 422 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
9% Acceptance Rate
$26,512 Net Price
1350-1500 SAT Range
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University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
4,030 reviews
#8 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
Read 4,030 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
15% Acceptance Rate
$17,862 Net Price
1320-1530 SAT Range
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Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
136 reviews
#9 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Alum: Attending Harvey Mudd College was a humbling experience. I was able to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics with peers who were similarly passionate. There are boundless opportunities to take courses both on campus or at any of the four other undergraduate Claremont Colleges that are all within a 1-mile radius, just a short walk or quick bike-ride away. I had the opportunity to pursue summer research projects and engage in a thesis project during my senior year. The campus encourages students to present their research across the nation at various conferences. It’s not uncommon for the department sponsoring your research project to also sponsor your attendance at research conferences including paying for hotel, airfare, and a food stipend! Last but most definitely not least, the advisors are passionate about your success and meet with students frequently. I personally met with my advisor on a weekly basis. I am grateful for this amazing undergraduate institution!
Read 136 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Professors
14% Acceptance Rate
$38,768 Net Price
1490-1560 SAT Range
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University of California - San Diego
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
3,505 reviews
#10 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Sophomore: The campus and students are very welcoming and interesting. My experience here exceeds all my expectations for a university that truly cares for its students, faculty and staff!
Through this coronavirus pandemic I, and my fellow students, have felt well cared for with multiple communications keeping us informed of the decision making process being developed to keep us safe, healthy and hopefully back to school in person, soon.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience.
Read 3,505 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
30% Acceptance Rate
$13,452 Net Price
1260-1470 SAT Range
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University of California - Davis
4 Year
Davis, CA
4,540 reviews
#11 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: University of California Davis is the place for me, and it just might be the place for you! It is a place characterized by students who care about learning and are eager to help out each other. The professors and TAs are consistently passionate about their research and their teaching, and want their students to succeed. The campus is a warm friendly environment, filled with trees and nature and opportunities galore. The location is ideal, with davis being a lovely college town with quick access to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco among other locations. Transportation on campus is easy, with reliable bus and train transportation and a strong bicycle culture. UC Davis is a beautiful haven of learning and passion, and is truly a gem for anyone looking at college!
Read 4,540 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
41% Acceptance Rate
$15,724 Net Price
1160-1400 SAT Range
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University of California - Riverside
4 Year
Riverside, CA
3,243 reviews
#12 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: My overall experience UCR has been great! The education the university provides helps me feel like everything has been handed out to me for success. In order for me to obtain it is to work very hard. The professors I’ve had this past year has been one of my best teachers I’ve had in education, and I’ve had no complaints about them. One of the best things about UCR is it’s campus and it’s students. The campus renovations and students make me feel like UCR is really home and is a college that is expanding to further boast its success.
Read 3,243 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
51% Acceptance Rate
$12,890 Net Price
1110-1330 SAT Range
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University of California - Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
3,792 reviews
#13 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Alum: UCI was truly an amazing experience for me! Having lived on-campus for two years and commuted my third, I felt that UCI created the atmosphere for a great college experience. My courses were challenging and supplemented by passionate professors, as well as driven colleagues. UCI provided great opportunities to expand in my academic and career goals, such as extensive research opportunities, networking with local professionals, and diverse externships. Lastly, campus life was more than what I expected! With friendly students, effervescent school spirit, supportive staff, and a plethora of local eats to check out, Irvine kept me wanting more! Overall, I would recommend UCI to incoming students! Zot zot
Read 3,792 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
29% Acceptance Rate
$15,014 Net Price
1190-1410 SAT Range
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Pitzer College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
626 reviews
#14 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Junior: The 5 Cs are arguably the best liberal arts consortium in the country and kind of like a hidden gem. I feel very lucky to be able to attend Pitzer, where the professors are engaging leaders in their fields, the student body truly wants to make the world a better place, and the entire community is intelligent, open minded, and kind. The food is incredible and mostly farm to table with many veg and organic options. Everyone is into a million things on campus, clubs are super popular, and kids are politically active and work toward social justice and environmental sustainability. We party and have fun, but academics are the priority. Some of our teams are highly ranked, like Swim & Dive which is 8th in the country. Claremont is an awesome college town. It’s just a special school - so happy to call it home. Thank you, Pitzer!
Read 626 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
13% Acceptance Rate
$30,013 Net Price
1300-1450 SAT Range
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University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,132 reviews
#15 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Freshman: USF is an amazing university! One of the things I love most about the campus is the positive environment between students. Everyone you meet genuinely wants to help you succeed and see you succeed. One thing that's great is that USF doesn't do "rank-based" grading and we have direct-entry programs, so it really fosters an environment where you don't feel like you're competing with others.

Professors really care about seeing you do well in their classes too. Many of them encourage attending office hours and the small classes means that it's not packed all the time.

The city has tons of amazing opportunities too! There's lots of options to build your career.
Read 2,132 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
65% Acceptance Rate
$34,475 Net Price
1130-1330 SAT Range
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University of California - Merced
4 Year
Merced, CA
2,015 reviews
#16 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Junior: My experience at UC Merced has been one for the books. The school is new and evolving and I thoroughly enjoy it! At first, students from your high school may look at you and ask why you would even consider going to UC Merced, but being a part of this UC campus has been one of the best decisions of my life and I would never even think about switching schools. It feels amazing to be a huge part of a school that is changing daily. The school is always looking for new and improved ways to vamp up the campus from building new dorm rooms to also building a much larger and new dining center to account for the large amount of students coming in each academic year to the school. I love the fact that most of the new buildings within the 2020 Project have dorm style buildings with classrooms and educational spaces on the bottom floor of the building. It has been nice to be able to roll out of bed, brush your teeth and go straight to class that is within less than a five minute walk to the class.
Read 2,015 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
66% Acceptance Rate
$12,390 Net Price
1020-1190 SAT Range
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University of California - Santa Cruz
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
3,735 reviews
#17 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Alum: I'm so fortunate I got to attend UCSC, learn so much, and make incredible friendships that have lasted since graduation 6 years ago. The linguistics department is one of the best in the nation, the campus is peaceful and beautiful in an otherworldly way, and the people are down to earth. I wish I could repeat my 4 years here! My only complaint is the lack of diversity, especially among black students. I hope the campus makes an earnest effort to recruit and financially support more students of color in the future!
Read 3,735 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
47% Acceptance Rate
$17,266 Net Price
1190-1400 SAT Range
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Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
454 reviews
#18 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Sophomore: Oxy has always fostered passionate and committed academics with a highly focused attention towards global and local impacts, while still maintaining an easy-going and inclusive west-coast attitude. I feel at home there. One thing that definitely needs to change, however, is their focus on the black students and black studies. The latter is a withering major and the former have suffered lack of support. Especially considering the unexpected deaths of two black students on campus this past semester, black students are feeling more desolate in the school's environment than usual. Oxy likes to parade itself around as a pillar of inclusivity, but the lack of ownership and material reparations dedicated to dismantling racist conditions of the college, such as the blackface incident from a donor of the school (who graduated in the 80s) that rose to light this past year, truly prove that Oxy thrives under a facade of progressive interests. Please change this! Our students deserve it.
Read 454 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
37% Acceptance Rate
$37,173 Net Price
1270-1450 SAT Range
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Chapman University
4 Year
Orange, CA
2,129 reviews
#19 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Junior: Chapman University is an amazing school. The admission staff are extremely helpful and excellent at communicating with students in a timely manner. The financial aid office has gone above and beyond to make sure that I am receiving as much money as possible. My major (theater) department has made my transition from community college to their university seamless. They were prompt to make sure I was able to register for the classes i wanted, and that all my classes transferred in were accepted. I am so excited to officially start school again next month!
Read 2,129 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
54% Acceptance Rate
$41,463 Net Price
1190-1370 SAT Range
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Loyola Marymount University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
1,626 reviews
#20 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Graduate Student: An incredible school and excellent professors who want to see you succeed in the real world! Great environment, which is so important when you are trying to complete a master's degree in Education. Professors and administration really care about their students and help you make connections to take on the next step of your future endeavors.
Read 1,626 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Professors
47% Acceptance Rate
$43,779 Net Price
1210-1390 SAT Range
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Mills College
4 Year
Oakland, CA
695 reviews
#21 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Junior: As a transfer student, it can be difficult to adjust and settle in. Besides the acclimation period, I've enjoyed the professors' passionate lectures and the many academic resources. The school's culture can feel isolating at times, so you really have to put yourself out there to make connections. The food is good! The advisors are willing to work with you to create your own major.
Read 695 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Professors
86% Acceptance Rate
$24,900 Net Price
1010-1240 SAT Range
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Azusa Pacific University
4 Year
Azusa, CA
2,652 reviews
#22 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Sophomore: I am currently a second year student at Azusa Pacific University and I absolutely love the school. I was always someone who didn’t really like school, but yet at APU they really make you feel welcomed and have plenty of resources to use in times of need. In addition, the students and professors are very friendly and helpful! Although the tuition can seem like a lot, but I love how Christ-centered the school is. The school itself is a small community, but it helps a lot in growth with Christ and even in our studies. Two things I would suggest is possibly offering more classes for students because enrolling for classes can be rough at times and possibly having online classes opened to commuters more because it would help those that are traveling further than local ones and for those that can not afford living on campus. I am a commuter myself and it is pretty hard going to school everyday sometimes driving for more than an hour due to traffic.
Read 2,652 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Professors
69% Acceptance Rate
$29,152 Net Price
1020-1240 SAT Range
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University of the Pacific
4 Year
Stockton, CA
1,214 reviews
#23 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Alum: A close-knit environment that allowed for constant collaboration between peers, professors, and faculty advisors. I am proud to call the University of the Pacific my home. I have developed more academically in the past two years at Pacific than my junior college and high school years combined. Pacific strives for excellence in all of its students and recognizes their abilities individually. While maintaining a positive experience on campus, the University of the Pacific additionally focuses time and energy into giving back to the Stockton Community. Plenty of volunteer opportunities provided alongside rich experiences that shape the way we view the world around us. Once a tiger, always a tiger.
Read 1,214 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Professors
63% Acceptance Rate
$29,819 Net Price
1120-1350 SAT Range
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University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
1,852 reviews
#24 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Niche User: I visited this campus over summer, and it is definitely my top choice for college! The buildings and scenery are beautiful. There is a great cafeteria and many housing options. Since this is a competitive school, the academics seem challenging yet rewarding. I also like the "change-maker" vibe of this university. Not only does USD want you to be successful in your career, it wants you to be successful in improving the world. The only downside of USD is how expensive it is. There are scholarships offered, yet you need to have a pretty high GPA and outstanding test scores in order to be considered for the merit ones. I hope that if I get accepted to and attend USD, it will be well worth my expenses; the positives of this campus definitely seem to outweigh the negatives!
Read 1,852 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Professors
53% Acceptance Rate
$35,931 Net Price
1190-1360 SAT Range
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Pepperdine University
4 Year
Malibu, CA
1,240 reviews
#25 Colleges with the Best Professors in California
Graduate Student: I love Pepperdine University! All the professors and staff are very involved in your academic learning. Every professor is very knowledgeable in their field and is always willing to help you if you have any questions.
It has been a wonderful experience. All of the classes get you engaged in the material. I’ve learned so much this past few semesters. Once you attend a few classes you become such a close knit community with your peers. Everyone is helping each other succeed. It is an opportunity for personal and academic growth. The campuses all around Malibu, Encino and West LA are all beautiful. The Malibu campus has an exceptional view! You can study or eat and look out for the breathtaking view of the ocean and sunlight.
You’re overall you’re academic experience is wonderful. Pepperdine upholds really great Christian values that coincides with my religious beliefs.
Read 1,240 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Professors
36% Acceptance Rate
$40,941 Net Price
1220-1420 SAT Range
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Soka University of America
4 Year
Aliso Viejo, CA
202 reviews
Junior: I am currently a second-year student, and so far, my experience at SUA has been great! If you are interested in liberal arts and ok with the small campus and student body, I would highly recommend attending SUA. The close contact with professors opens many doors for you, and the diversity of the school together with the guaranteed study abroad semester provides you with an open-minded and progressive education. While the city surrounding SUA is relatively small and quiet, there are many beautiful beaches and a variety of interesting communities in close proximity.
Read 202 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
39% Acceptance Rate
$14,739 Net Price
1180-1410 SAT Range
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San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia
4 Year
Visalia, CA
240 reviews
Freshman: My experience was great! My student advisor was amazing and kind. She answered all my questions, and trust me i had a lot! If she did not know the answer she would find someone who did. I got a tour of the campus and spoke to many of the staff and other students already enrolled in my program.
Read 240 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$27,643 Net Price
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Gurnick Academy - Van Nuys
2 Year
Van Nuys, CA
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1 of 12

2020 Colleges with the Best Professors in CaliforniaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

University of Southern California

Pomona College

Scripps College

University of California - Los Angeles

University of California - Santa Barbara

Claremont McKenna College

University of California - Berkeley

Harvey Mudd College

University of California - San Diego

University of California - Davis

University of California - Riverside

University of California - Irvine

Pitzer College

University of San Francisco

University of California - Merced

University of California - Santa Cruz

Occidental College

Chapman University

Loyola Marymount University

Mills College

Azusa Pacific University

University of the Pacific

University of San Diego

Pepperdine University

Soka University of America

San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia

Gurnick Academy - Van Nuys