2024 Best Colleges with Environmental Engineering Degrees in California

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  132 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 132 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,054 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 5,054 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• 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 Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,319 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 5,319 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,649 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCR has been great so far. First, I love the diversity we have here on campus! I was able to meet people from everywhere, and everyone is very friendly, so it was really easy to make a few friends along the way. Most of my professors have been great, and I could tell that they were really passionate about what they were teaching. Although I am not the biggest fan when it comes to long lectures, I feel like I am actually learning something, rather than when I was in high school. I also love the abundance of events that occur daily. The organizations/clubs are really awesome too, with most of them sounding very interesting to join. I am currently in two clubs and they are really fun. My only critique would probably have to be some professors not actually teaching, making it a less fun experience. But overall, I am happy I chose to be a student here, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!... Read 3,649 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• 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

• Arcata, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,933 reviews

Senior: I have absolutely loved my time at Cal Poly Humboldt! I am a wildlife major and the hands-on field experience we get in this program is awesome. Each class related to environmental majors offers so many opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventures such as camping, tide pooling, or exploring the Coral Sea aboard the Cal Poly research boat! If you start at this school, you will not be able to transfer without having a fear of missing out, and if you join the school as a transfer you will not be sorry.... Read 1,933 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $13,904

• SAT range 970-1190