2024 Best Colleges for Physics in California

• 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

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,426 reviews

Senior: It's a big school so it was a little difficult to transition into my freshman year, but once I looked at the different resources and organizations the university offered, I loved it! It's really important to get involved while you're there. I was involved in different pre-law organizations, ASUC, Cal Cheerleading, and others and it was a great experience. It's a little difficult getting classes especially in your first or second year, but once you declare your major it's a lot easier. My major advisor Lauri is the best. She's super helpful and has made my time at Berkeley a lot easier. I would like to see an easier way for students to enroll to classes they need easier. I would also like for the university to recognize cheer as a sport so cheerleaders can have access to academic accommodations, as they are at all the sports events and have hours of practice per week.... Read 4,426 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,530 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 5,530 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  421 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 421 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,693 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 4,693 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,925 reviews

Sophomore: So far UCSD has been an amazing second home, with so many resources available to me. I have ventured out of my comfort zone by joining clubs and meeting new people! The professors are always striving to help us students learn better and willing to lend a helping hand whenever we need further explanation. I have grown comfortable with my new environment and the school itself, and cannot wait to spend the rest of my undergraduate years here at UCSD.... Read 3,925 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,069 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 5,069 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Santa Cruz, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  4,007 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UC Santa Cruz has been fantastic! The campus is stunning, surrounded by nature, and I love exploring the redwood forests. The sense of community is strong, with approachable faculty and small class sizes for personalized attention. The diverse student body creates an inclusive learning environment. The academic programs offer a wide range of courses, allowing me to tailor my education. I appreciate the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities. While I'd like to see more resources for mental health and career support, overall, UCSC has contributed greatly to my growth.... Read 4,007 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $19,615

• SAT range 1160-1360

• 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

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• 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

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,831 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 4,831 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• San Luis Obispo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,963 reviews

Alum: My experience at Cal Poly was overall amazing! My major was liberal studies, which was an amazing program. I feel more prepared and excited than ever to go into education, especially with the variety of classes Cal Poly has within each of their majors. Cal Poly also has a HUGE amount of clubs that were incredibly fun and engaging, especially in my first couple of years before the pandemic! Although I had an amazing time, there are absolutely some systemic issues in Cal Poly; racism and microaggressions, misogyny and homophobia (especially experienced by women in STEM majors), food quality, underfunding of campus mental health support, etc. Although in the past five years I have seen campus legislation attempt to address some of these problems, cal poly has a very far way to go to create fully accessible and safe learning environments for all of their students to thrive. However, all of this being said, Cal Poly is a spectacular school and I am proud to be a mustang!... Read 3,963 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $20,708

• SAT range 1240-1440

• Merced, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,212 reviews

Freshman: In terms of people, it's just as diverse as any other campus. We're all pretty friendly and keep a tight knit community since our campus is still pretty small. I've made some INCREDIBLY smart friends here, and it's pretty much who you decide to surround yourself with. Some of them denied schools like USC, Cal, and UCSD to come here. In terms of campus, yeah, it's pretty much brand new. Lots of nature as we are in the rural area...it might be boring for some people but in time, everyone agrees it just grows on you. We're opening 3 new buildings this fall (and pretty much every year until 2021), all ranging from housing, education, labs, dining, and recreational services. We're expanding at a rapid rate, which is something I find pretty cool!... Read 2,212 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $11,586

• SAT range 960-1140

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,346 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 5,346 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,459 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 1,459 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,741 reviews

Senior: This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive, namely, cause of not only my own achievements, but my family and siblings to come as well. As a first time generation student who was not exposed to diverse environments, independent environments; LMU has created a comfortable, easily accessible environment for us! I am thrilled that my siblings will be attending LMU next year, and joining the summer program this summer, 2023! Thank you LMU for being extremely welcoming, having positively supporting staff and support groups!... Read 1,741 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Stockton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,324 reviews

Sophomore: University of the Pacific in Stockton is a gem! I love the unwavering support I receive, making it feel like a second home. Being located in Stockton adds an extra layer of comfort, and the university's integration with the community is awesome. You can receive discounts from local restaurants! The friendly atmosphere creates a welcoming environment where I've made great connections. Pacific isn't just a campus; it feels like an amazing community to be part of. From the support to the tight-knit relationships formed, this university goes beyond academics, making it a comforting experience. Grateful to call Pacific and Stockton my academic and home haven!... Read 1,324 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,311

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,350 reviews

Alum: Pepperdine University is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there - I loved my professors, loved the location, and loved the stunning campus. Everyone there was remarkably friendly, and when I switched my major to Art History, I felt very welcomed by the department and encouraged in the pursuit of my goals. My professors were eager to offer help and advice, and it was clear that they enjoyed their careers and loved teaching and mentoring students. The other classes that I took outside of my major (as part of Pepperdine's liberal arts curriculum) were also excellent. I found my religion classes (three required) especially fascinating; given that I was not a Christian student, all the material was new for me and quite enlightening. The classes I took for my minor - Creative Writing - were also fantastic, particularly my Spiritual Writing class (taught by an outstanding professor). I had an amazing time at Pepperdine, and in all honesty, wish I could go back!... Read 1,350 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440