2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,264 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 1,264 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  4,409 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 4,409 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• 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

• 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

• 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  4,295 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 4,295 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,603

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Belmont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  497 reviews

Alum: Environment and staff were friendly and kind. I was a science major and all the professors who were part of my journey were very kind, helpful and accommodating. My advisor never failed to make time for students. Glad to have spend my four years at NDNU and made friends along the way.... Read 497 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,243

• SAT range 890-1080

• Hayward, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,959 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 1,959 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $12,631

• SAT range 800-1020

• Cupertino, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,175 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 1,175 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,236

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,012 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 1,012 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,261

• SAT range —

• Hayward, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  579 reviews

Sophomore: My time at Chabot College was truly incredible. The teachers were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and always willing to assist me in any way they could. One standout aspect of Chabot was the TAG program, which played a pivotal role in helping students gain admission to the school. The TAG program, in particular, stood out as a unique opportunity for prospective students. It exemplified Chabot's commitment to making education accessible. By assisting students in navigating the admissions process and ensuring they met the requirements Overall, my experience at Chabot College was nothing short of amazing. The combination of excellent educators, a supportive atmosphere, and innovative programs like TAG made my time there both fulfilling and impactful. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I had and the knowledge I gained during my time at Chabot.... Read 579 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,576

• 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 —

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  366 reviews

Junior: I enjoyed my experience at mission college. I met professors that became my mentors and helped me when applying to internships by writing letters of recommendation. I’m grateful to be in a campus that here I feel supported by the staff and peers. The counselors also aided me when I was applying for universities and always answered my many questions. I would like to see the textbook requirement fee change since some students such as myself could not afford the textbook and I had to resort to borrowing from my classmates.... Read 366 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,727

• 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 —

• Oakland, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  241 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience at Merritt College has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I could feel the welcoming atmosphere, and it only got better from there. One of the most outstanding aspects of this college is the dedication and helpfulness of the professors. Throughout my time here, I have encountered educators who are genuinely invested in their students' success. They go above and beyond to ensure that we grasp the subject matter, and they are always approachable and open to questions and discussions. The class lectures at Merritt College are a standout feature. The interactive nature of these lectures encourages high student participation, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable. Professors use various teaching methods, including multimedia presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities, to keep us actively involved in the learning process.... Read 241 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,194

• 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 —