2024 Best Colleges for Public Health Studies in California

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  3,993 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 3,993 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,217 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 4,217 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• 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

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,915 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 3,915 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  1,154 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Narional has been good overall! The classes are set at a really good pace. The professors are super helpful and invested in the students. The only feedback for change that I have is the administration/financial aid side of things is kind of tricky once you are a student. I’ve been at National for 7 months now and still haven’t received my financial aid. Granted the school hasn’t been demanding I pay for my classes right now, I just have Large bill. And advisors don’t know much about that. They did just recently do something where they cross trained the admin team so that they are able to help with everything so that should be really helpful. I love Narional university and I would recommend them to anyone!... Read 1,154 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $9,966

• SAT range 750-1170

• 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 Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,320 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 5,320 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  5,229 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 5,229 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Merced, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,206 reviews

Sophomore: I love the environment that the University of California, Merced, creates. It's such a vibrant and lively experience. Along with its knit tight community, there are plenty of things you are able to do. From going to the gym, swimming in its public lake not 20 mins away from its campus, to going to jazz clubs and thrift stores. There are also plenty of opportunities that you are able to take, such as becoming a financial advisor, to job shadowing engineers, and even being your own engineer. There are multiple clubs and fraternity's that you can become a part of if that's your thing! Such as the AIAA club; a club based around engineers. In this club, you are able to build your own aviation creation from complete scratch! An awesome experience if you ask me. Other than that, Merced, as I said before, is a lively school. Everybody is friendly and nice, including the professors!... Read 2,206 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $11,586

• SAT range 960-1140

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,865 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 2,865 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• San Jose, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  4,298 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 4,298 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,603

• SAT range 1010-1240

• San Luis Obispo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,950 reviews

Sophomore: Cal Poly SLO has an excellent academic program. This college strives for "Learn By Doing" and is seen within every major. Students are expected to learn hands-on in their field of choice. For example, for animal science majors there are fields of land where horses, cows, pigs, and more live. This is for the purpose of undergrads to gain experience. Cal Poly has well has a preschool located in front of the library to support students who have an interest in education. Child development majors participate in this preschool by being an observer and staff to the children. The preschool not only is able to make the "Learn By Doing" slogan true but as well brings in citizens to the school. Thus creating a closer community. The location of Cal Poly is beautiful as well. The school is surrounded by mountains with the ocean only being 10 minutes away! Downtown can be reached within walking distance from Cal Poly. Overall, great school.... Read 3,950 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $20,708

• SAT range 1240-1440

• San Rafael, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  842 reviews

Sophomore: Dominican is the most supportive college I have ever had the pleasure of attending. There are endless clubs for all sorts of interests and social justice rights. The students, faculty, and staff are something out of a dream. The student to teacher ratio is incredibly helpful when it comes to having a 1 on 1 connection and getting extra assistance in classes. The campus is nothing short of gorgeous, and the on campus living is phenomenal. The dorms and Edgehill Villeage are both conveniently located on the small campus, surrounded by beautiful trees. It almost feels like I get to live at summer camp every day. The classes have wonderfully passionate teachers, and not only that, but the counselors here are amazing as well. The school spirit is not as big as you would see it at other Universities, but it's intimate and more special in that way. There are endless opportunities here! It is a great place to be.... Read 842 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $45,001

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,176 reviews

Freshman: My experience in going to CSULA was completely eye-opening and definitely gave me a change of heart. When getting rejected and waitlisted by my other options, it became detrimental to my mental state and discouraged me because I did not get into my top five schools. My first day of school was so exhilarating because of how welcoming students and faculty were; suddenly it changed my aspect of this school. I absolutely love the environment of CSULA, it gives a sense of individuality, simplicity, and diversity; it gives a physical sense of belonging. What I love most about campus is when the farmers market is stationed right at the main walkway along with canopy's that preview what El Mercadito would look like. Overall, this school is my home now, Go Eagles!... Read 3,176 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $2,695

• SAT range 870-1060

• Northridge, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,991 reviews

Freshman: Walking into Cal state Northridge brought me out with so many levels of confidence. Everybody here is so nice, and they really care about you. I can tell. Also, when I walk into the classrooms the teachers are kind. If a student in the class does not get something they will say "Please let me know if you have any questions, there are no right and wrong question to ask" which I loved and made me comfortable. I am doing well in classes because most of my teachers are taking the time to go step by step to make sure we are understanding the lecture because they know were transioning from high school to college. So, they are sharing different ways and their experience on what helped them, which helped me tremendously! I love it here in Cal State Northridge. It just makes me so happy! Especially with all the events they put out here to make every gender, race, religion feel welcome! That what I truly love because where I used to live none of this stuff, I am talking about was existent.... Read 4,991 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,708

• SAT range 900-1110

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  755 reviews

Freshman: La Sierra University has a very peaceful campus, it’s very beautiful! The counselors at La Sierra University make you feel like they are friends more then they are counselors. It’s nice to always have someone to go to.... Read 755 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $25,230

• SAT range 880-1140

• Sacramento, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  3,862 reviews

Alum: The campus at CSUS is gorgeous. So many beautiful trees and lush nature to get lost in and relax from the stress of studying. The theatre program is by far one of most prestigious programs in California. The professors teach with such detail that it's hard NOT to pay attention. I left with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts and I could not be happier with the level of education, student involvement and community I experienced while attending. The only negative remark I have is the parking situation... PLEASE build more efficient and spacious parking structures!... Read 3,862 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $7,778

• SAT range 930-1130

• Chico, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,547 reviews

Freshman: Chico State is an experience like no other. Enrolling here, I've made meaningful relationships, and met many people I am proud to say are my friends. The dorm life is lively, it always seems like people are always busy with something. Chico State also offers great on campus recourses, whatever you can think of, there's probably a building or office dedicated to it. The campus does a great job at not only advocating for successful students, and high marking grades. But also makes sure to put mental health and individual well-being right alongside that in terms of importance. I do not regret enrolling in Chico State, and I'm confident that my following years at this school will uphold the same praises that I have expressed so far!... Read 2,547 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,749

• SAT range 970-1170

• Turlock, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,213 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 1,213 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $7,230

• SAT range 810-1030

• San Bernardino, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  2,766 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 2,766 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $3,254

• SAT range 910-1080

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  1,646 reviews

Junior: UoPeople provides a flexible and accessible learning environment that allows students to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments. The university's faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey and helping them achieve their goals. UoPeople's peer-to-peer learning model encourages collaboration and community engagement, which helps students develop valuable skills and prepare for success in their chosen fields. The university has a supportive global network of alumni who can provide guidance and mentorship to current students. UoPeople is a unique and innovative institution that provides a quality education to students from around the world. I definitely recommend UoPeople!... Read 1,646 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $1,634

• SAT range —

• Stockton, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,389 reviews

Freshman: As a first generation college student , my experience is very good. I was always hesitant on starting college and I did Put it off for a few years after I graduated in 2019. Seeing Friends and family members in school just made me gain that confidence to over come my fear and apply . Its never too late to get into college to start your path to a good future. Counselors were super helpful to me to choose classes and to also make sure I am comfortable with the timing schedule . I will be majoring in Psychology & have a minor in Gerontology. I'm genuinely happy and relived that I never gave up on school , I cant wait to get my future started! There are so many opportunities out there just waiting.... Read 1,389 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,503

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,013 reviews

Junior: City College of San Francisco was such a grounding and fulfilling experience as a community college student. I enjoyed every course taken because of the in-depth teaching and open-mindedness of professors. Growing up in the Bay Area, it was very comforting to know that there are educators out there who are willing to go above and beyond for their students as well as the institution itself that is close to home. Much heart, passion, and hard work has gone into CCSF, and I hope the administration is able to continue working with such great faculty in the future. I will always remember and cherish my time at City!... Read 1,013 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,261

• SAT range —

• Santa Rosa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,318 reviews

Junior: I love Santa Rosa Junior College! From the beginning, I immediately fell in love with the small classroom setting, the one on one help and the connection you develop with your teacher due to the class size. I admire the campus life, and have found a loving community that I can be a part of. I truly love SRJC for making all of their services easily available and allowing everyone from all backgrounds to get an education with the low cost of classes. Their library is open most hours of the day for easy studying and have computer chargers at every table. They hold fresh farmers markets almost every week for their students to come by, and provide snacks during finals weeks. I admire this school for being so great and allowing me to better myself and grow mentally. The only thing that I would change about the Santa Rosa Junior College would be more unperson classes. I miss the experience of being in a classroom with others. Most of the classes are online which is kind of a bummer.... Read 1,318 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,220

• SAT range —

• Sacramento, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,192 reviews

Sophomore: Sacramento city college has been such a great experience for me. From the friends I’ve made who have show me clubs, resources, or how to load up to print on computers. The location of the school, the counselors, everything magical here is endless. Almost 10 years ago I started here having two children, taking many life changing breaks. I will be graduating 2023 spring. Sac city has been a home for me, when I stepped foot on this college campus I KNEW I would stay here. So proud to be graduating from Sac city!... Read 1,192 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,788

• SAT range —