2024 Best Colleges with Astronomy and Astrophysics Degrees 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

• 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

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,343 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 5,343 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,024 reviews

Freshman: My first semester at SBCC I took 2 online courses and 2 in-person courses. I really liked how simple the online courses were. I never had trouble turning in online assignments, contacting teachers, or asking for help. I also enjoyed how much the teachers cared even though we weren't seeing each other on a daily basis. They emialed us to make sure we were on track and always provided resources for extra help. The professors were also very educated on how to use the online format. My in-person classes were just as good. The professors truly cared about the work they put out. I took an acting and journalism class with amazing professors who pushed me to do better and made the class fun. Overall my time at SBCC was great!... Read 1,024 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range —

• Orange, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  377 reviews

Alum: The overall way the campus is set up and run is great. I enjoyed my classes here, and I had great professors! The classes are good quality for the most part, especially if you are going for general education. One downside is that they don't offer as many options for majors as other colleges do. Lots of clubs and activities happening here on a regular basis! The campus itself is pretty small, but the area is nice. It's usually a pretty safe place to be, even at night. Being a two year school, there isn't a lot of student housing or apartments nearby, which can make commutes a little difficult. Overall a great place to get started with school if you don't know where to go!... Read 377 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,879

• SAT range —

• Oceanside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  937 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the stem tutoring center and the free snacks available in the cafeteria. Staff including library and especially professors are very helpful and kind. You definitely have to advocate for yourself but I’m sure you do at other community colleges and universities. There aren’t many sports but there’s a ton of clubs to choose from. There are many other programs at miracosta such as accommodations for student learning, an honors society, transfer center and more. The counselors are great and are really helpful with financial aid, picking classes, and scholarships. I have definitely learned a lot and am excited to learn more going into my second year. Highly recommend!... Read 937 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,946

• 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 3.55 out of 5  4,004 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 4,004 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $19,615

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Fullerton, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,409 reviews

Sophomore: I liked the environment and campus. The school had a lot of resources that helped me in classes. I made a lot of friends and new people. I had the opportunity in multiple classes to communicate and get to know New people. The campus is close and small. Getting around classes was pretty simple. If I was ever lost, there was someone always willing to help me. The food on campus is great! They also had a Jamba Juice that was not open and still isn’t to this day. The idea of it is awesome though, I love Jamba Juice. They should open it. I do enjoy the life outside of school. We are so close to cal state Fullerton. There are a lot of fun things to do and places to visit where you will find students from all over. My professors here at Fullerton college are all very unique. Some very outgoing, some very calm and simple, some are even hilarious. The variety of personalities at this school is very unique. The diversity is beautiful. The education is great and simple. Lots of cool courses also... Read 1,409 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,191

• SAT range —

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,155 reviews

Alum: OCC is one of the biggest and, arguably, one of the best community colleges in the nation. They boast a large variety of majors and programs for students to explore. My experience with the counselors have been amazing, as they helped me complete the credits I needed for transfer and discover the right major for me. As a two-year college, the classes offered are mostly lower division general education classes. OCC offers an associates degree or certification for almost every major available. The facilities on campus are well maintained with brand new buildings across campus, including the college center, student union, literature & language building, and (my favorite) the planetarium. You’ll be able to meet and learn along side a diverse population of students coming to study from across the country and the world. With a beautiful campus, a large variety of majors, and amazing staff, I couldn’t recommend OCC more!... Read 1,155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,836

• SAT range —

• Aptos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  706 reviews

Sophomore: Cabrillo was a super awesome and supportive community college. You could tell that all the teachers and other faculty members really cared about their students! The only thing I would change is making the disabilities center's offering a bit more accessible. And that's more on the teachers of classes and less in relation to the actual staff of the center itself, they were awesome.... Read 706 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,139

• SAT range —

• Irvine, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  821 reviews

Sophomore: The professors I have had are all AMAZING! They provide online and in-person education and require that students be vaccinated if they have in-person classes. It is a super clean campus and they try very hard to bring all the students together even though it is a community college; they plan events and have food drives as well as ceremonies for those who are transferring out. The only thing that I think they can work on is hiring more competent counselors. The counselors do not know enough to help you succeed when transferring to other universities, which can cause you to stay at IVC for more than the estimated two years.... Read 821 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,860

• SAT range —

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,285 reviews

Junior: Saddleback College is a truly remarkable institution that has enriched my educational journey in countless ways. The abundance of resources it offers, from diverse pathways and engaging clubs to thrilling sports opportunities, has made my time here incredibly fulfilling. While it's true that I've encountered some challenges with the counseling department and a handful of professors who may lean towards a more rigorous approach, these occasional setbacks haven't diminished my overall appreciation for the school. One of the most admirable aspects of Saddleback College is its unwavering dedication to progress. The institution consistently seeks innovative ways to renovate and enhance the learning environment. This commitment to improvement ensures that students like me always have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic educational experience.... Read 1,285 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,918

• SAT range —

• Monterey, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  590 reviews

Freshman: Monterey Peninsula College has been an exceptional choice for my transition from homeschool to college. The staff and faculty have shown remarkable kindness and unparalleled support throughout my journey. Their genuine willingness to help has made this transition smooth and comforting. From academic guidance to emotional assistance, their dedication shines. The sense of community here is heartwarming, fostering an environment where everyone truly cares about each other's success. Whether it's adjusting to new routines or navigating the college landscape, the kindness and helpfulness at Monterey Peninsula College have been invaluable, making my educational journey a positive and fulfilling experience. I look forward to earning my Associate’s Degree here and making many great memories!... Read 590 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,007

• SAT range —

• Chula Vista, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,256 reviews

Sophomore: The faculty is professional and understanding. Most professors will offer alternatives to cheaper or will provide free texts for the course. Coursework is quite easy to understand and resources for tutoring and learning are advertised well around campus. Campus resources are easy to find. Classes are cheap compared to other local campuses in San Diego County. FAFSA will provide more aid when attending this school in comparison to City College. Really chill student life- laid-back people. Housing and transportation are necessary to thrive in this environment! Healthy food options are limited, I recommend eating at home. Snacks are everywhere for convenience on and around campus. Safe area, in the third safest city in California.... Read 1,256 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,789

• SAT range —

• Torrance, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,554 reviews

Sophomore: I have had an incredible experience so far at El Camino College. I joined the First Year Experience program which introduced me to new people on campus who are now some of my closest friends. Something else I love about this program and the college itself is how active the student community is from all the events they have going on to the amazing environment they have in the different rooms of the library. Having not been an active student at my high school in any school related events, I have found it to be so fun and a really great college experience for me to have all of the resources they provide. Along with amazing people, the professors and classes that I have taken have been so supportive and helpful as well!... Read 1,554 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,296

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,252 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 1,252 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,659

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  916 reviews

Sophomore: Transitioning from a 4-year institution to City Community College, I've found remarkable support from professors, exceeding my expectations. The personalized attention surpasses my prior university experience. City College not only offers academic benefits but also substantial financial savings, cutting tuition and fees by 10-15k. The BOG waiver, available to California residents, further enhances its cost-effectiveness making getting an associates degree completely free of tuition. Dedicated counselors for renowned institutions amplify the appeal, providing accessible and personalized assistance. This individualized approach contrasts with larger universities' stretched-thin counseling resources. Overall, City Community College earns a solid 10/10 in my experience, proving to be a win-win scenario.... Read 916 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,370

• SAT range —

• San Bernardino, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  951 reviews

Freshman: I am a first year student, 7 years after graduating high school. The professors so far have all been helpful regarding any issues that have come up, and understanding about difficult life circumstances that have arisen since beginning classes. I have gained mentors, friends, and confidence I did not have before. I am extremely grateful to have started school and am getting closer to my goals every day thanks to Valley College!... Read 951 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,621

• SAT range —

• Yucaipa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  537 reviews

Alum: Because of the small campus size, I wasn't overwhelmed by the volume of students and often felt very comfortable navigating around on my own. Communicating with my professors and administration was an easy process and they were friendly and happy to help. I also appreciated the amount of resources the school shared with us - everything from workshops at the tutoring center to college fairs to club events with free food. This school stays on top of communications with its students. For online courses, though I took them during the pandemic, I hope that the professors receive a proper education in order to elevate students' online learning.... Read 537 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,456

• SAT range —

• Salinas, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  581 reviews

Freshman: Hartnell College provide's an exceptional educational journey! From dedicated faculty and staff to state-of-the-art facilities, the college fostered a supportive and inclusive environment. The diverse range of courses and programs has enriched my learning, while the numerous extracurricular activities enhanced my personal growth. The campus community was welcoming and encouraging, and the resources available, such as the library and career services, are invaluable. Hartnell College is truly preparing students for success. Professors really take the time to make sure that materials are understood & also take the time to help you to achieve your goals to succeed & not be overwhelmed w/classes. One must say that the overall experience that one has had so far continues to exceed ones expectations. Thank you Hartnell... Read 581 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,721

• SAT range —