2019 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area

Best Colleges

56 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
1,125
1 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
Read 1,125 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
5% Acceptance Rate
$16,695 Net Price
1380-1580 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,813
2 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: Berkeley is just perfect balance between academics and fun! I have amazing professors in all of my classes and they never stress me out too much. It's rigorous enough to get me going but not up to the point where it is not enjoyable. I have plenty of time to destress and go crazy on frat row. Berkeley also provides very unique experiences with a campus ripe with freedom of self-expression. You meet all sorts of people. Also, Berkeley is the number 1 public university in the world so you are definitely getting your money's worth!
Read 3,813 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$17,160 Net Price
1270-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Santa Clara University
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
1,308
3 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: So far, I love my experience at SCU! Everyone I've encountered has been friendly and the professors are awesome to talk to. The campus is beautiful and a perfect size. There are many resources open to students to help them out academically and with their career interests. If I were to point out any cons, housing can get expensive, the party scene isn't very big, and attending athletic sporting events isn't as common as other colleges. However, I still think SCU was the right choice for me.
Read 1,308 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$37,657 Net Price
1200-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Sponsored
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
71
Graduate Student: SFCM has undergone some amazing transformations in faculty, facilities, and access to local arts institutions which is quickly establishing this conservatory as one of the top student destinations in the country. SFCM is located in one of the greatest cities in the world, gives students access to the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony, as well as the SF Opera, SF Ballet, and SF Jazz. I love the community found within the walls of the Conservatory. The students are very friendly and supportive and the administration really cares about its students. In addition to performing, there are tons of opportunities to teach or gain arts administration experience. With the expansion of the Bowes Center adding practice rooms and performance spaces beginning fall 2020, SFCM is giving its students and unparalleled experience.
Read 71 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
42% Acceptance Rate
$37,663 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,027
4 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Junior: So far in my time at the University of San Francisco, I have been blown away by the professors. They are all passionate, smart, experts in their fields, and although some styles of teaching may clash I have never felt afraid to go and ask a professor for help. The small class sizes definitely help the close atmosphere one can develop with professors. The number of extracurriculars you can apply yourself to are also amazing. There's a club for everything. And I will plug a little about the theater group the College Players as I am a part of that! We have the second oldest student-run college theater group in the USA, second only to Harvard. How cool is that!
What could be improved is the cafeteria food. It's rather expensive, and not all that good for what you pay for.
Read 2,027 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$35,054 Net Price
1030-1250 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
980
5 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: 15 years out of SMC, having taken undergrad courses at Berkeley; grad courses at Fordham, Columbia and receiving my master’s from NYU, I know that that this institution is top-notch. It’s definitely a you-get-what-you-put-into-it. You will encounter caring and passionate professors and a community. Every time I visit the campus, it seems more diverse and of course, that’s inspiring. I was a business major but the liberal arts aspects - learning to think deeply and to constantly question the answer with a critical view - is what this school is about. This school opens you up to making connections in material and in the real world. I went straight to NYC for a decade, two weeks after graduating from SMC. I will say that St Mary’s is a bubble; the school isn’t so much about teaching street smarts, but you can easily learn all things academic here, if you choose. Getting involved is key, too. And the alum connections are fantastic.
Read 980 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
80% Acceptance Rate
$35,696 Net Price
950-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Mills College
4 Year
Oakland, CA
667
6 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Junior: I like the small university environment. My favorite part is the class size but I would like to see more courses available each semester. However, there are some downsides to being such a small school of barely 1,000 students total. Funding is extremely low and I think the school needs to take better advice in the financial department. Poor management has led the school in debt which has significantly impacted faculty and students. I love the professors here but it is a shame that they are not paid enough and that our school's way of handling its financial situation is by laying off exceptional professors and raising housing costs. This school is incredibly accommodating and accepting students of all backgrounds which I do not find elsewhere. The location is great - the Bay Area has so much to offer and our school is nestled in East Oakland which makes a trip to SF only 13 minutes away. The school needs many improvements, but I am overall satisfied with my college experience so far.
Read 667 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
84% Acceptance Rate
$27,647 Net Price
925-1233 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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California State University Maritime Academy
4 Year
Vallejo, CA
136
7 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: I like how theCalifornia Maritime Academy is unique in their own way from all other universities in the CSU system. I also like how it is a small campus. Something that CMA can fix, is the parking lot space.
Read 136 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
68% Acceptance Rate
$14,606 Net Price
960-1190 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Dominican University of California
4 Year
San Rafael, CA
782
8 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: My experience at Dominican University has created nothing more than a positive environment that has enhanced my overall experience as a first year student. It has exceeded my expectations that I had for the school. For starters, the professors are all willing to help you in all possible ways to enable success. I feel extremely safe at my school as campus security is always there for you no matter the time of night. Being that I am an African American going to a school where I am the minority I was initially concerned about being discriminated against. However, the school goes to enormous efforts to stress the importance of equality. In today's society, it is nice to know that the university I attend seems me just as everyone else. No matter the background, race, religion, sexuality, etc., everyone is seen as equals and it is the such a beautiful environment to be around and further my education.
Read 782 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
78% Acceptance Rate
$34,339 Net Price
918-1123 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
3,710
9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Niche User: I attended a campus tour to SJSU with a club I was in at school back in May. While I was there, I absolutely fell in love with the campus. What I liked most about the campus was how clean it was, I did not see one bit of trash of there. I also loved how most of the sculptures there had a beautiful and motivational meaning behind it. The buildings and greenery is what caught my attention my most. Overall, I enjoyed the tour and definitely see myself going there!
Read 3,710 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
53% Acceptance Rate
$13,777 Net Price
920-1150 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
3,182
Junior: I am currently in my first semester as a transfer student and I can honestly say that San Francisco State is the perfect school for me. I wanted to be at a school where I can work on skills to assist me for my future career which is sports journalism, and San Francisco State definitely gives me the ideal resources. The community is very welcoming and diverse, which is something I also enjoy a lot. Overall, the school is the ideal set up for me and I couldn't be happier to be attending this school!
Read 3,182 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
68% Acceptance Rate
$13,250 Net Price
860-1090 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Menlo College
4 Year
Atherton, CA
236
Freshman: Menlo College provides an experience compiled of new and challenging experiences. Students are allowed to thrive through versatile learning approaches. Both faculty and professors alike, encourage all students to perform to fullest capabilities. Professors enhance critical thinking and strategic methods by incorporating group work and presentations to allow students access of speaking up. All students have opportunities to get involved with the school, local community, actively engage with athletics and arts, alongside pursuit in expanding business connections on a global level. Innovation at Menlo College expands on solving social and economic issues. Menlo College also provides the necessary tools toward achieving personalized success. The possibilities are endless!
Read 236 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
41% Acceptance Rate
$29,439 Net Price
872-1130 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California College of the Arts
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
352
Sophomore: I study an undergraduate in Animation and going into my sophomore year. Although CCA has great teachers from Pixar, the teachers don't really seem to help you unless you ask for help. There are many great resources, and you can definitely learn more than you could ask for in multiple disciplines! Lately, CCA has opened new VR classes for animation and have a new professor who is the author of Force: Dynamic Life Drawings. Individually, you WILL spend a lot of money for his classes, and with a little asking around you'll find what is worth your money. The exchange program offers you to go around anywhere in the States, but you also have the opportunity to go overseas! CCA has a lot of great programs to take you on trips, you get to improve a lot.
Read 352 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$38,276 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Foothill College
4 Year
Los Altos Hills, CA
410
Freshman: It's pretty great, except you have to take initiative to get involved in things. Seek out all of the opportunities you catch wind of, join clubs, search for on campus internships, etc. Don't expect these things to search for themselves! Single best piece of advice is to join student government, it will open up all sorts of additional opportunities. Plenty of ways to make friends although you likely will meet them in activities outside of class. And don't lose track of your transfer goals! Setting a plan in advance is the single best way of guaranteeing that you will only need to stay at Foothill for two years before transferring.
Read 410 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$6,281 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
4 Year
San Mateo, CA
90
Niche User: I have only recently started at Gurnick, so I do not know everything about this school. But from what I can see, you get out what you put into it. If you don't put in the work, you will not get what you want. I feel that the instructors are very supportive of their students and have a very good open door policy.
Read 90 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$23,882 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Academy of Art University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,218
Freshman: I am currently attending this school and I love it! I am an online student and full time employee. The system for online is simple to use and very helpful. It guides me to my assignments, but also assist with research and websites for outside assistance. My Professors have been amazing taking the time to actually assist me or directing me to the OWL's. The OWL"s assist like an online tutor answering any questions or corrections for those not asked. I am comfortable with AAU.
Read 2,218 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$29,301 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California State University - East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
1,686
Alum: CSUEB is a fantastic option for students on a budget (time and money). My major was Health Sciences, I noticed a return on investment immediately upon graduation, as I was hired into the Healthcare industry. Teachers are incredible here and truly care about your education. Distance education is available as well for those who don't have the option to be in a classroom format. Again, I'd highly recommend!
Read 1,686 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$10,758 Net Price
800-1020 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Notre Dame de Namur University
4 Year
Belmont, CA
471
Senior: The campus is gorgeous! It's in a good part of Belmont with close to shops and stores. Students are very helpful, staff as well. Professors really care about you and you can make appts. with them quickly. Notre Dame is a Catholic University, but all are welcome. There is a good atmosphere where you feel welcome.
Read 471 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
97% Acceptance Rate
$28,873 Net Price
800-1018 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Skyline College - San Bruno
4 Year
San Bruno, CA
403
Freshman: Skyline College is a great place for those to earn credit in a very relaxed and accepting environment. The stress-free vibes of the school really promote a comfortable learning space for people to express their beliefs and opinions without fear of judgement. With views overlooking the ocean that are hard to beat, Skyline also has multiple little hiking/walking trails for when you need a break from the college scene. It's also fun to take your dog up there as well! The professors at Skyline really care about the well-being of the students and aim to grow them both academically and emotionally. The food at the SkyCafe is well-above most cafeteria food and the employees are really sweet.
Read 403 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$4,251 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Unitek College
4 Year
Fremont, CA
129
Freshman: Although it isn't your traditional "college experience", Unitek College will be a great choice for many who are interested in the Medical Field. With various career programs available and a great helpful staff and faculty; Unitek doesn't disappoint. They use their smaller size to their advantage by being able to pay close attention to individual students and gauging how much of a push they can give as teachers. I'm sure I'll enjoy the remainder of my school year here.
Read 129 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$42,096 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
71
Graduate Student: SFCM has undergone some amazing transformations in faculty, facilities, and access to local arts institutions which is quickly establishing this conservatory as one of the top student destinations in the country. SFCM is located in one of the greatest cities in the world, gives students access to the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony, as well as the SF Opera, SF Ballet, and SF Jazz. I love the community found within the walls of the Conservatory. The students are very friendly and supportive and the administration really cares about its students. In addition to performing, there are tons of opportunities to teach or gain arts administration experience. With the expansion of the Bowes Center adding practice rooms and performance spaces beginning fall 2020, SFCM is giving its students and unparalleled experience.
Read 71 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
42% Acceptance Rate
$37,663 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Holy Names University
4 Year
Oakland, CA
329
Sophomore: Holy Names is a gem in the Oakland Hills. The school is small and everyone knows each other, which to me was a cool thing. Holy Names offers many events for students. The faculty and staff will know you by first name after the first week! Classes are small so professors will know you well and will help in areas you are struggling in. Also, free tutoring is offered on campus! HNU offers many resources, it is up to the individual to use them! Everyone is very helpful in leading you into the right direction! The school is very diverse, and the students are very understanding and welcoming! It is very safe here, we have one entrance and exit onto campus and its guarded by a gate and security! Their is so much to do in the area, also very close to downtown sf, just a short BART ride away!
Read 329 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$21,464 Net Price
822-990 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary
4 Year
El Dorado Hills, CA
37
Freshman: If you are called into the ministry, SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary is where you want to be! My college works out of the five-fold ministry and is solely focused on propelling called men and women of God to where they are supposed to be. Our academic program is set up with ministry in mind and this is reflected partly in the cost of our terms. when followed, SUM's financial plan can help you graduate debt free! For someone who is headed towards the missions field, this is extremely helpful because I must be debt free before fulfilling the calling placed on my life. That is only one of many benefits of attending my school, so if you have a call of God on your life then look no further than SUM!
Read 37 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$23,919 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Cogswell Polytechnical College
4 Year
San Jose, CA
96
Sophomore: The professors are excellent at teaching the materials and are very willing to help. All the school work is manageable as long as you cut your day job down to four days maximum. You won't have time for both if you work five days or more.

The school is right by a landfill, so walking or driving to school with the windows down is a bit of a pain. Almost all of the people I've spoken to are indoors-type people and are hardcore into anime, games, and movies. You'll be left out of a conversation often if you're not in the loop.

The options for food are limited down to a food truck, vending machines, and a coffee machine. For this reason, people end up bringing their own cooked foods. There is a convenient refrigerator to store your goodies in so there aren't any worries. Food thieves don't exist in the school as far as I know.

The school's academics - Great! The campus and people - It's manageable...
Read 96 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
83% Acceptance Rate
$23,304 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Phoenix - Bay Area
4 Year
San Jose, CA
155
College Junior: The Reason I Have My Degree – If it weren't for UOP, I do not think I would have been able to complete my undergrad degree as soon as I did, due to state education budget cuts. UOP provided me an opportunity to do what I dreamed of doing. Because of the convenience of my school I opted to further my education and pursue a Mastery level degree. It is hard at times, but the feeling that I had in 2009 at the commencement ceremonies was so intense I desire to feel it again. What better way than stay at a school that I am now an honorable Alumni. I love my school, and wouldn't trade it for any other top rated university in the U.S.
Read 155 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$19,295 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Francisco Art Institute
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
150
Freshman: Definitely wouldn't recommend for younger first-year students, being that there's a lot of responsibility and maturity you're taking on. I enjoyed smaller class sizes, was less than 10 students for some of my own. This offers more time for discussions and one on ones with the teacher. Personally, I would've liked to see greater diversity among SFAI's student body! This school is easily one of the most relaxed academic settings I've been in. Faculty at SFAI stress the importance of healthy mental and emotional health and does a great job promoting their resources for students.
Read 150 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
93% Acceptance Rate
$47,236 Net Price
930-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Sponsored
Cogswell Polytechnical College
4 Year
San Jose, CA
96
Sophomore: The professors are excellent at teaching the materials and are very willing to help. All the school work is manageable as long as you cut your day job down to four days maximum. You won't have time for both if you work five days or more.

The school is right by a landfill, so walking or driving to school with the windows down is a bit of a pain. Almost all of the people I've spoken to are indoors-type people and are hardcore into anime, games, and movies. You'll be left out of a conversation often if you're not in the loop.

The options for food are limited down to a food truck, vending machines, and a coffee machine. For this reason, people end up bringing their own cooked foods. There is a convenient refrigerator to store your goodies in so there aren't any worries. Food thieves don't exist in the school as far as I know.

The school's academics - Great! The campus and people - It's manageable...
Read 96 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
83% Acceptance Rate
$23,304 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Sponsored
California Lutheran University
4 Year
Thousand Oaks, CA
1,036
Graduate Student: In my profession, I have heard employers and districts will only hired those from this university because they know when the students graduate, they are prepared for the workforce.

Great school and amazing professors. Excellent opportunities!
Read 1,036 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$29,038 Net Price
993-1200 SAT Range
Will You Get In?

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2019 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay AreaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

University of California - Berkeley

Santa Clara University

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

University of San Francisco

Saint Mary's College of California

Mills College

California State University Maritime Academy

Dominican University of California

San Jose State University

San Francisco State University

Menlo College

California College of the Arts

Foothill College

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Academy of Art University

California State University - East Bay

Notre Dame de Namur University

Skyline College - San Bruno

Unitek College

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Holy Names University

SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary

Cogswell Polytechnical College

University of Phoenix - Bay Area

San Francisco Art Institute

Cogswell Polytechnical College

California Lutheran University