2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,512 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 5,512 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• 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

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  419 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 419 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: I transferred from Los Angeles Mission Community College to California Institute of the Arts in 2020. Since, I have been studying Music Technology and Digital Arts and am set to graduate this upcoming Fall! With my time at Calarts coming to a close, I am incredibly sad to leave my Calarts family behind. I love the Music Technology faculty, the amazing courses I have taken such as; Interface Design, Creative Producing for music, Advanced Electronic Ensemble, and Visual Programming (the list goes on)! These classes are some of the few that left me inspired and motivated to continue learning and pursuing my artistry after college. Nonetheless, these are classes that were very specific to my learning goals, that I would not have commonly found at any other university. My mentor, Madeline Falcone, has done an OUTSTANDING job of supporting me in my academic goals, while also pushing my artistry to the next level. I would love if the tuition was lower, because I am currently 120k in debt.... Read 284 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,215 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 4,215 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,736 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 1,736 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• 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  3,913 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 3,913 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,261 reviews

Graduate Student: Chapman was the first time I ever had a truly positive educational experience. One of the things I enjoyed about the school was how the student body is incredibly friendly, open to new experience, and almost always will lend a helping hand. For the most part, classes are smaller and professors are engaging. Almost all professors I had were really passionate about the subjects they taught and were more than willing to assist any students with questions. If you are a student with a disability, this school office of disability services is one of the best I have ever dealt with. The school's disability services goes above and beyond to make sure students feel accommodated. Aslo, Chapman is the first school that I ever had positive interactions with admin. They always wanted to see me succeed and almost always had to time to interact if you just dropped in. Overall, everyone is very kind and really just wants to see you succeed! I liked the school so much I stayed on for Grad School!... Read 2,261 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,341 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 1,341 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,803 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 4,803 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Burbank, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  118 reviews

Alum: New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to everything in the Film Industry. You will learn everything from Acting Methods to how to construct a proper resume. The Staff is absolutely wonderful when it comes to communication and any concerns you may have along the way. If you jump in 100%, you need not worry about difficult times in the Film Industry.... Read 118 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $43,006

• SAT range —

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,685 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 4,685 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  499 reviews

Senior: Oxy is everything you'd expect from a small, liberal arts college in an urban area; what makes the college special is the community and environment of care that the students bring. I have felt extremely supported in my time at Oxy and have found different communities for my hobbies, cultural affinity spaces, and other interests. Oxy can sometimes feel small with only about 2000 students, but I really liked that aspect since no one on campus feels like a stranger. Academics are pretty rigorous but professors are lovely and truly want to work with individual students. Highly recommend taking any courses in the Education department! One downside is the campus is full of hills, so not very accessible for physically disabled students.... Read 499 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,318 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 5,318 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,050 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 5,050 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• 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

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  5,227 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 5,227 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,455 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 1,455 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  918 reviews

Junior: Vanguard University provides students with exceptional support. With every upcoming semester every major meets in some form with their individual advisors allowing there to be opportunities for any questions/concerns. The advisors make sure that every student is on track for their intended graduation date. Professors/staff are also really open about providing students with the necessary help. There is a great loving and close knit community on campus which allows students to enjoy their time there. Vanguard University also provides students with food resources/clothing resources as well as emotional support resources if students are in need of them. Commuters however, may have a difficult time getting involved due to the event dates and traveling time. Due to this fact, Vanguard is always open to improving the school and the events occurring which is why they provide students with the opportunity to offer feedback at the end of each semester. Great school!... Read 918 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• 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 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

• 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

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  547 reviews

Sophomore: I just finished my freshman year at Westmont and I loved it! My professors were amazing and my classes were very interesting. I met so many incredible people and grew a lot academically and spiritually. The campus is beautiful and amazes me every single day. There are many ways to get involved (whether it be something just for fun, or something more serious) and deeper your faith (through small groups, worship nights, chapel, etc). I feel at home here and I couldn’t have asked for a better first year college experience.... Read 547 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $33,554

• SAT range 1110-1460