2024 Best Colleges with Archaeology Degrees in California

• 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,528 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 5,528 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• 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

• 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

• 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  5,067 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 5,067 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• Fremont, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  456 reviews

Sophomore: My time at Ohlone College has been both challenging and rewarding. One of the things I appreciate most about Ohlone College is the abundance of valuable college resources available to students. They offer various support services to help students succeed academically. The tutoring center has been particularly beneficial, providing assistance in areas where I may need extra help. Whether it's getting clarification on complex topics or receiving guidance on assignments, the tutoring center has been a valuable asset. Moreover, the college organizes career services and workshops that have been immensely helpful in shaping my career goals. They offer resume-building workshops, job fairs, and internship opportunities, which have provided me with practical insights into the business world and helped me prepare for my future career.... Read 456 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,787

• SAT range —

• Santa Monica, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,143 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a on campus Santa Monica College student. The energy on campus is very positive along with friendly students. The campus is also very diverse wit both students and teachers! There are a lot of food and drink choices all over the campus as well! The patio area near the cafe has a vast amount of tables and seating areas. Most of the class rooms look new and updated with both the buildings structure and the technology. The school also offers a large variety of different classes and the class options are very flexible to complicated schedules. Santa Monica College also offers a significant amount of extra help for students with learning disabilities. Most of the staff is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. There are also many clubs, fairs, and events on the Santa Monica campus. I personally believe that Santa Monica College is one of the best community college options available in California.... Read 2,143 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,380

• SAT range —

• Cypress, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,048 reviews

Sophomore: I love Cypress College! I came here after being at a 4-year university for a bit, because I wanted to save money. Cypress hasn't disappointed. They have plenty of programs that help students of different backgrounds. I've been fortunate to have all my textbooks paid for by the VRC. The STEM Program also provides amazing resources to students, including books loans and other perks. Campus provides free breakfasts and lunches for all students. If you're involved in clubs, there's so much potential to build a community for yourself. I generally feel safe on campus. Surrounding area has a lot of good restaurants and stores. Academics are good, but I've only had experience with STEM. I'm sure quality varies by professor since many are adjunct/not tenured; make use of RateMyProfessors. Overall I've had a wonderful experience here. Community colleges are a great financial decision, and Cypress College makes it a great educational and social experience as well.... Read 1,048 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,951

• SAT range —

• Moorpark, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,200 reviews

Junior: Moorpark is a great college with a lot of options for classes and great programs. I am currently enrolled in their radiologic technology program and it is so amazing. The professors are great and the program really makes you prepared to work in a hospital setting. I also did my pre requisites for the program at Moorpark and have received a Associates from Moorpark College. The only change I would like to see if counselors who are more helpful and caring. I had many poor experiences with the counselors there and know many students that agree with me. Overall it is a great school and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially for radiology!... Read 1,200 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,856

• SAT range —

• Santa Cruz, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  4,005 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 4,005 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $19,615

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Moraga, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,100 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 1,100 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,022

• SAT range 1070-1240

• San Marcos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,253 reviews

Alum: Not exactly the ideal "college experience" for incoming college freshman/sophomores, but still a great community college experience! I am really glad I spent my first two years of college at Palomar Community College instead of going straight to a university. I had a great community college experience at Palomar. Lots of good, well-funded programs, mostly pretty good professors, the campus is recently rebuilt, the price to attend is very affordable, theres a decent amount of affordable parking, pretty diverse student body, and overall has a quality comparable to a university in terms of academics. Because it's a commuter community college, the social life is obviously lacking, but that is to be expected. I really liked Palomar and more people should attend community college especially at Palomar.... Read 1,253 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,659

• SAT range —

• Merced, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  750 reviews

Sophomore: After attending Merced College for 1 full year and starting my second year, I can with full confidence say that the professors, staff, and student are one of a kind. Every professor I've had has been great in understanding the troubles of student life and improving students academics, each also being more than willing to help you improve in not only the classroom but in life as well. The staff in the lounge and cafeteria can be consider friends as often times they're students themselves, which creates a friendly environment in which everyone is opened to help everyone!... Read 750 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,426

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  759 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 759 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $25,230

• SAT range 880-1140