2024 Best Colleges for Philosophy in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,265 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,265 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,412 reviews

Freshman: In my experience at University of California Berkeley, the blissful nature encompassing the university had me feeling included in the school. The nature is like my second home and Berkeley is covered with them. During my visit to Berkeley, my family and I went to many places such as the cities and stores that surrounded the buildings. My sibling’s dormitory had a great access to the town’s parking and coffee shops. While in Berkeley, my sibling reminded me that everybody is not here to “compete with you,” but you build a community to help everyone through troubled times. I can relate to this since my high school is competitive in sports and education. Moreover, through my sibling’s experience, I should compete against myself because I know myself, my interests, and have the ability to overcome obstacles. As the saying goes by Mandela, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” I would love to expand the university’s art programs because UC Berkeley has chances to improve!... Read 4,412 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,456 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 1,456 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,319 reviews

Freshman: I am actually an incoming Freshman, so my review is of the family/student meet and greet weekend. The University of San Francisco pulled out all the stops. The students, staff, tours, mock classes, clubs - everything was amazing and informative. The speeches given were inspiring. The food and opportunities to meet other students were fantastic. There were tours of all the buildings by students who actually live in the dorms. The walkways were filled with clubs to join and prizes to win. And everyone I encountered was extremely knowledgable and supper friendly. They even had therapy dogs, which apparently they bring out during finals week - so cool. After sitting in on a few mock classes and speaking to the professors, I knew that University of San Francisco was where I wanted to spend my next four years studying. Any doubts I had about leaving my home state of Washington to become a USF student vanished - I commited to USF that day!... Read 2,319 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Moraga, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,094 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 1,094 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,022

• SAT range 1070-1240

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  3,678 reviews

Freshman: Something that I looked for when looking for colleges is diversity which sfsu offers greatly. Every culture, belief, gender, etc. is welcome with open arms! Not to mention the great academics and BEAUTIFUL campus. Everything you need is within miles of you. Beach, nature, zoo, lake, city, its all there. I also love how the university is mindful of covid. Face masks are still required indoor to ensure the safety of students, and staff which shows great precautions. The campus itself is taken care of in a clean manner and the amount of campus security present makes it feel like a safe environment to be in. Athletics at sfsu are good as well. The only downside is that there is no football team unfortunately, but our other teams seem to makeup for that absence. Overall, SFSU is a great school to consider. Amazing campus and location, good academics and athletics, good food and dorms, and amazing professors!... Read 3,678 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $13,641

• SAT range 930-1130

• San Jose, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  4,296 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at San Jose State University has been great. The majority of staff goes beyond expectations to help their students succeed in everything and anything they may need, although responses from the College of Science can take some time. The professors put their student's best interests at heart, and I have learned valuable lessons that will benefit my life well after I graduate from University. The professors always vocalize the help that they provide their students if assistance is needed to better comprehend subjects. The students are also a joy, and most of the students I encountered are super friendly. This factor makes my time at university enjoyable, and overall SJSU is a great school and I recommend it to anyone who is thinking of becoming a future spartan!... Read 4,296 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,603

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Hayward, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,961 reviews

Senior: My Experience at California State University - East Bay was amazing! Right from the beginning, the University was supportive and informative as to what is expected of their students and how they will support your journey on and off campus. My Professors in the last 3 years try their hardest to be aware of their students and set them up for success in the class. It is clear in all courses through the University that they do not want to fail students but encourage their students to want more of their educators and the education. When looking for a University I made sure that I would end up in a spot where the transition from High School to College would be smooth and that my education would not be abandoned. CSU-East Bay has fulfilled everything I could imagine from my College Experience and has proven what their investment will bring into my academic/professional career once graduated. Thank you.... Read 1,961 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $12,631

• SAT range 800-1020

• Cupertino, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,176 reviews

Sophomore: Attending De Anza was a great experience. I received my first AA in 1999. Since then, I have taken more classes, either as a fun learning opportunity or to help me advance in my career. During the lockdown, I went back to De Anza for another AA degree, which is great segue for my current educational experience-MBA (which is another review!). As a student at De Anza, at various points over the past 20 years I feel that I have a good perspective on the school - it is worth your time and energy! The education is top notch, the instructors care, and all the staff are ready to support yo uin all stages of your academic journey!... Read 1,176 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,236

• SAT range —

• Pleasant Hill, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,167 reviews

Freshman: Man, my experience at DVC has been fun! I've had some awesome moments here and genuinely enjoy spending my time here. The classes and courses they offer are no joke. I've had the chance to explore a bunch of different subjects that I'm genuinely interested in. The professors really know their stuff and are pretty enthusiastic about teaching. Learning from someone who's passionate about what they're teaching just makes the whole experience so much better. Plus, they've got online options, which saved my schedule more than a few times! The campus itself is pretty sweet. There are spots to chill and study all around, and the library is a lifesaver during crunch times. The counseling and career services have been super helpful in guiding me through my academic and future career plans. All in all, my time at DVC has been great. The diversity, the courses, and the resources are all amazing, and I'm glad to be a part of this community and excited to see how things evolve!... Read 1,167 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,878

• SAT range —

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  506 reviews

Junior: I have been at Foothill for almost three years now and throughout these past years I feel like I am very satisfied with my education here. To begin, the professors show that they care for their students by being flexible to meet with students one on one and they are very big on advocating for diversity within their classrooms. In every class I have taken, the professors make it a point to emphasize the importance of valuing everyone in the class. Most importantly, the professors provide students with the information of almost every resource that is available to us such as tutoring, mental health services , and financial aid resources. What I also really love about the school is the campus. The style of the campus gives me an old town vibe and I completely fell in love with it. There are so many trees and open space so it is possible to study or do homework at the tables that are spread out in the quad. Overall, this school is a good choice to keep in mind!... Read 506 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,820

• SAT range —

• Fremont, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  451 reviews

Freshman: I'm only a freshman but so far, all of the staff members are excellent! They all try their best to help you achieve your goals and work with you to help you become your best self. The counseling department of the campus is also very helpful, and they do a fantastic job at helping you plan your next few years at Ohlone so you can attain the credits and degree that you may need for your career goal. This school is a very transfer friendly school and I've heard many great things from transfer alums that are now studying at four years universities.... Read 451 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,787

• SAT range —

• Pittsburg, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  747 reviews

Sophomore: Los Medanos College is such an excellent school. The student programs they offer really help with the transferring process. LMC has so many resources such as clubs, tutoring, the library/computer access, bookstore, and the professors are remarkable. Student life at the campus is very lively! With program engagement, many students stay busy and get involved with the community. LMC offers so many activities and chances to promote your education.... Read 747 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,231

• SAT range —

• Livermore, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  603 reviews

Freshman: If you're considering attending a 2-year college after high school, I would definitely look into Las Positas. To begin, the campus is beautiful, as it's clean, tranquil, spacious, and near facilities for different needs. The environment presents itself to be healthy due to the fact that most professors at this campus are caring, very patient, and passionate about helping students. Besides the professors and staff playing an important role in the atmosphere of the community at Las Positas, there are countless opportunities offered and several different types of benefits. LPC's own mini-mart was made public on campus for students who can't struggle to pay for necessary things. How amazing is that! Besides this, there is always some time of even going on that helps students on their paths to success one way or another. Las Positas is a gateway to bettering your future, especially if you plan on transferring to a 4 year!... Read 603 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,675

• SAT range —

• Saratoga, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  511 reviews

Sophomore: My experience so far at west valley has been really great. I've taken lots of asynchronous, synchronous, and in-person classes. Many professors at this school are very understanding and want to support you in every way they can. West valley also has amazing counselors that are so helpful when it comes to meeting transfer or graduation requirements. For any students considering going to a community college in the San Jose area, I would recommend West Valley!... Read 511 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,890

• SAT range —

• Oakland, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  305 reviews

Other: Laney College is a well-regarded community college located in Oakland, California. It offers a diverse range of academic and vocational programs to cater to a wide variety of student interests and career goals. Students often appreciate the supportive faculty and staff who are dedicated to their success. The campus has a vibrant atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and cultural diversity. Additionally, Laney College provides valuable resources such as counseling services, tutoring, and extracurricular activities to enhance the overall learning experience. While there may always be room for improvement, Laney College continues to be a popular choice for students seeking a quality education in a supportive environment.... Read 305 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,494

• SAT range —

• San Pablo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  430 reviews

Alum: Contra Costa College was an amazing school for guiding first time students and returning students. Students here were able to go at their own pace while still being able to hold a job and pay for school. This school should be everyone's first step/introduction to college because it was manageable and did a lot for the students. It's a smart move to do community college first. I think some things that can change in on campus would probably offering more classes, especially for the art department. They should allocate their money back into education instead of cutting down on funds.... Read 430 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,405

• SAT range —

• San Mateo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  480 reviews

Other: College of San Mateo really impressed me as a community college. I was a high school students a part of the middle college program there. The amount of resources that you have access to as a student is mind blowing. From Mental Health Resources, to Disability resources, to an abundance of interesting classes, any goal you have with going to college, CSM has got your back. As far as things that could be changed, I would say that a kind of student to administration communication line needs to be opened. While it is the nature of college that professors essentially get free reign on their classroom, when I did have a problem with a professor that they refused to work out with me, I did not have anywhere to lobby my complaint, at least, to my knowledge. Other than, I absolutely recommend CSM to basically everyone! There is something for you here, no matter what you are looking for.... Read 480 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,427

• SAT range —

• San Bruno, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  492 reviews

Junior: From my experience with being enrolled in a class at Skyline College, as a high school junior, has been very rewarding! The teacher that taught me an Early Childhood Education class was so sweet and kind. She encouraged us to think outside the box and encouraged our learning to go to another level.... Read 492 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,885

• SAT range —

• Kentfield, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  251 reviews

Other: At College of Marin, teachers and staff are genuinely interested in your success. I have been preparing to apply to nursing school over the course of the last six years, with many serious real life interruptions to my education. I was given the benefit of the doubt under many circumstances and encouraged to continue with my studies, regardless of pace. Despite the many trials and tribulations, I have felt supported continuously and have been given the chance to make up for shortcomings due to hardship. I was recently admitted to College of Marin's school of nursing with excellent scoring on my application and much that is due to the support I received at the school. I look forward to two more years and then transferring to a graduate program. Thanks for the opportunity to provide a positive review.... Read 251 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,717

• SAT range —

• Berkeley, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  400 reviews

Alum: Berkeley City College is a great community college because of the amazing professors and the resources available to help students. The professors are top-notch and really prepare you for higher learning. Because of the demand they place on students and the standard of work they expect from you, I was accepted as a transfer to UC Berkeley with a 4.0 GPA and I feel equipped and prepared for what’s up ahead. I also owe a lot to the academic counselors at BCC because they ensured I was on track to complete my IGETC for transfer and they designed my courses in a way wherein I graduated in two years with an associate degree in liberal arts, a certificate in human health services and completed the transfer requirements for Sociology. If you want to transfer to a UC or Cal State, BCC has all the resources and support to help you achieve that.... Read 400 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,556

• SAT range —

• Redwood City, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  255 reviews

Graduate Student: Dear I am glad to been here! I am Natan Assefa Abebe from Ethiopia. I have more than 13 years experience in Pharmacy Technician field. I'm have Diploma in Pharmacy Technician. In my experience I am a solution maker, inoviator or finder of ways to do and upgrade the existing work to the upgrade level and finder of new one. Through the pass of a years I want to upgrade my education and my life style. But what was the difficult to do so is money. I have not money to upgrade my education and my life also. That's why I am starting to get the opportunity of making money, searching opportunities to get money, Sponsors and scholarships. I Hope, You will Help Me until I achieve my dream and goal. Thank you So!... Read 255 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,923

• SAT range —

• Oakland, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  716 reviews

Other: I attended Mills College when it was just solely remember as a private women's liberal arts college located in Oakland, California. I was a student athlete at the time of attending it and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. The relationships and bonds I had with my peers as well as professors and administrators were beyond excellent.... Read 716 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $25,283

• SAT range 1210-1350