2021 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

About this List

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Colleges

37 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
Rating 4.08 out of 5 1,207 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Graduate Student: There is no other university like it on the planet. The undergrad experience is fantastic--Stanford really makes sure to integrate first year students into campus life.

Stanford does everything well: academics, extracurriculars, social scene, sports, food, the arts, improv comedy(!), etc. You name it, Stanford does it and does it brilliantly. It even has the best weather!

And don't forget about the grad programs. They are outstanding across the board.
Read 1,207 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
4% Acceptance Rate
$16,779 Net Price
1440-1570 SAT Range
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University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
Rating 3.67 out of 5 4,149 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: My overall experience at UC Berkeley was great! The classes are rigorous especially with being a STEM major. Most of the professors I had were accommodating especially those in the classes I had when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The surrounding area of Berkeley is not the safest which was an area of concern during my 4 years of living there. Also, the food that is offered through student dining was not good so I would typically use meal points at the cafes on campus. My student life experience was amazing because I was heavily involved with a few organizations on campus which helped me connect with other like minded individuals.
Read 4,149 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$18,522 Net Price
1330-1530 SAT Range
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Santa Clara University
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,407 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: I am a rising sophomore at Santa Clara University, and my experience thus far has been amazing to say the least. Coming into a four year university as a Latinx first-generation student was nerve-wracking at first; I wasn't sure how well I would adapt to a new environment. However, I was immediately received with open arms in a community that prides itself in acceptance, diversity, inclusion, and bronco spirit! Throughout my first year, I became involved in activities such as Associated Student Government, Mecha-El Frente, Campus Ministry, and the Office of Multicultural Learning. I have been able to find an incredible support system, long-life friends, outstanding professors, a social residential learning experience, and an active student life. In addition, the academics are extremely strong as professors prioritize their students, meaning that they put the well-being and success of those they teach in order to prepare them appropriately for future careers.
Read 1,407 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$42,114 Net Price
1280-1440 SAT Range
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University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.62 out of 5 2,198 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: I love the University of San Francisco. The location is fantastic! There are always things to do around the city and the education is exceptional. The professors and school administration are very supportive of students. I feel a personal connection with my professors and the staff at the university. There are many campus resources that have helped me with classes, mental health, employment and so much more. I would recommend this university to anyone who is looking for an education that personally caters to the individual. I would also recommend this school for people who enjoy exploring places and trying new things.
Read 2,198 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$38,422 Net Price
1130-1330 SAT Range
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Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Rating 3.57 out of 5 1,063 reviews
#5 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: I had an amazing experience at Saint Mary's! The campus is beautiful and extremely quiet, I loved that I was able to experience the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area and then return to our gorgeous campus tucked away in the hills. I always felt safe on campus and included and part of the community. The classes were also very engaging, the round table discussions we had helped to sharpen my speaking and critical thinking skills. The seminar classes allowed me to discuss the Great Books from writers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle among many others with my peers. My favorite program at SMC was our 4-1-4 schedule, that let me explore out of my major. Saint Mary's also has an amazing Career Center that helped me be able to graduate with a job at a Fortune 500 company. Overall I enjoyed SMC and encourage everyone to visit and consider attending if you are looking for small classroom sizes, great discussion, and a well rounded education.
Read 1,063 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$36,613 Net Price
1060-1240 SAT Range
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Mills College
4 Year
Oakland, CA
Rating 3.68 out of 5 712 reviews
#6 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Junior: As a transfer student, it can be difficult to adjust and settle in. Besides the acclimation period, I've enjoyed the professors' passionate lectures and the many academic resources. The school's culture can feel isolating at times, so you really have to put yourself out there to make connections. The food is good! The advisors are willing to work with you to create your own major.
Read 712 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
76% Acceptance Rate
$25,417 Net Price
1000-1290 SAT Range
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Dominican University of California
4 Year
San Rafael, CA
Rating 3.51 out of 5 823 reviews
#7 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: Dominican University has a beautiful campus and lovely people. There is so much you can do, they offer many majors and clubs. Dominican's diversity can really be seen through their clubs, people love to host events to educate and showcase their culture. The residential halls will remind you of Harry Potter and are very comfortable spaces, there's a room with a pool table and another with a ping pong table! Dominican offers so much support, there are many tutors and mentors available and of course, counseling services. There's even a first-generation student program called Torch who helps the transition from high school and are a great support system, you can come to them for any reason. The smaller student population allows for people to really connect with their professors and advisors, which enriches the student experience.
Read 823 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
91% Acceptance Rate
$34,905 Net Price
1030-1220 SAT Range
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California State University - Maritime Academy
4 Year
Vallejo, CA
Rating 3.04 out of 5 149 reviews
#8 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: This is going to be my first year here at Cal Maritime and I have to say I'm way impressed! First of all the campus is beautiful and everyone has been super friendly! Also the classes are all small so you makes friends really fast and you get tight with your teachers which is so helpful in a class that you might be struggling in. They pair you up with roommates that have the small classes and majors as you so it becomes really easy to study and work together on projects and assignments. Overall 5 out of 5 experience!
Read 149 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
76% Acceptance Rate
$18,882 Net Price
960-1190 SAT Range
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Menlo College
4 Year
Atherton, CA
Rating 3.92 out of 5 268 reviews
#9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: Menlo is such a special place, my experience at Menlo was amazing! I had the the best four years attending Menlo.

The Menlo community embraced me from the moment I stepped foot on campus. The faculty and staff truly care about you and are there to help you succeed not only in your academic career but also in your professional developments. Menlo offers a number of resources catered to help you succeed.

Our internship program is great, it was one of the reasons I chose Menlo. Students at Menlo are exposed to all the tools and resources the internship office offers from the moment they step foot on campus. Many of the students are offered full-time positions even before they graduate! Not only did the resources help me land the internship of my dreams, but my classes at Menlo truly prepared me for the real world. I was able to use all the knowledge and apply it to my job.

My experience at Menlo was like no other, I wish I could do it all over again!
Read 268 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
63% Acceptance Rate
$27,233 Net Price
920-1150 SAT Range
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San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
Rating 3.59 out of 5 4,061 reviews
#10 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: San Jose State University is an institution that offers a quality rigorous curriculum in many areas. In my experience, it is geared towards students who are focused and determined to graduate. I enjoyed my professors and the lab experiences coupled with classroom instruction. This education prepared me for a successful career!
Read 4,061 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$14,471 Net Price
1020-1260 SAT Range
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Foothill College
4 Year
Los Altos Hills, CA
Rating 3.93 out of 5 468 reviews
#11 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: I loved my experience at Foothill College, and highly encourage returning or high school students to consider attending this college. I was a low-income, first-gen student with no idea on how to navigate higher education. I came here because of Foothill Promise, which is two years of FREE tuition AND book costs. they have a food pantry which is a lot more accessible and higher quality than other community colleges as well as four-year universities due to their concentration on solving food insecurity in their students. Campus had a good atmosphere because it is all trees and nature, so it was nice to look at it and be on campus. Immersive campus culture and had a very active student government/club life which is VERY rare in community colleges. Overall, I loved attending here because of the college administrations' personal investment in their students and equity work. Attending UCLA for the next two years as a transfer student, due to their TAP program and great counseling!
Read 468 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$6,662 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Holy Names University
4 Year
Oakland, CA
Rating 3.47 out of 5 345 reviews
Alum: Holy Names provided great care for their students. The small classes helped me be able to get one on one tutoring with my Professors. Every Professor at Holy Names challenges you. The career service is amazing! They truly want to see you succeed. The counselors help students prepare for applying to jobs, give us tips, and they even offer mock interviews. The scheduling advisors are very helpful and knowledgable. They make sure every student is on track. They make sure students are taking the coordinate classes for their major.
Read 345 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
63% Acceptance Rate
$23,407 Net Price
720-880 SAT Range
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San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.49 out of 5 3,512 reviews
Junior: Great campus! Great Faculty! Great City! COVID online classes since mid-spring 2020--not so great. Now, we hear spring 2021 will also be conducted online.
Despite this, the entire staff is keeping a brave face and ensuring all students we will receive every possible consideration regarding extenuating circumstances.
Overall, my experience with the campus is positive. Much has changed since I first attended SFSU in 1987-88. What has remained the same is the friendliness of the student body; the atmosphere of enlightenment; the trees in the quad.
When this COVID restriction is finally lifted, I look forward to revisiting the campus.
Read 3,512 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$15,166 Net Price
940-1150 SAT Range
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Gurnick Academy - San Mateo Campus
4 Year
San Mateo, CA
Rating 3.42 out of 5 99 reviews
Graduate Student: What I enjoyed about Gurnick was the strict rules I had to adhere to to ensure that I was getting the most out of my education and my money. After researching different Psychiatric Technician programs, Gurnick had offered me the opportunity as other schools had either a waiting list or a lottery process. Although the program is very expensive compared to going to a junior college, Gurnick’s fastrack program pushes you to the limit of recognizing your strengths, weaknesses, and overcoming your anxiety and fears. The disadvantages would be the cost of the program, and at times, the disorganization, but everything is resolved in due time. As a recent graduate from the Psychiatric Technician program, I have learned that I was able to withstand the complex challenges & I feel even more confident in myself!
Read 99 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$25,788 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Academy of Art University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.87 out of 5 2,409 reviews
Junior: AAU is a wonderful school that prioritizes accessible information and accepts all applicants for the chance to learn a great foundation and education, which I find is great. Information is widespread, but AAU offers some of the best industry-standard educations and modern technology available on the market. All of my interactions so far have been insightful and wonderful. The only complaint I have is their lack of options for acceptable private student loans. Due to the limitation, it can cause difficulty obtaining the financial assistance needed to attend the school.
Read 2,409 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$31,759 Net Price
— SAT Range
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California State University - East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
Rating 3.52 out of 5 1,856 reviews
Alum: The diversity at CSUEB is huge! I believe we were either 2nd or 3rd most diverse college within California. I love attending CSUEB because of the area I was living in, being close to the City of San Fransisco and being able to play College Water Polo at the university level. I was very grateful to have attended CSUEB because of my teachers and coaches who were all amazing. My advisors were great when it came down to scheduling my classes around my practices and games. Overall, I would recommend CSUEB to anyone who is looking for a school near a big city and getting a great education!
Read 1,856 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
76% Acceptance Rate
$10,902 Net Price
800-1020 SAT Range
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California College of the Arts
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.57 out of 5 369 reviews
Sophomore: While no art school is perfect, CCA has an awesome community that I am glad to be part of. I'm an animation major and the community of artists are very tight-knit. Alumni are very supportive and many return to give events and advice on the industry. Professors at CCA are also very tightly associated with Pixar Animation Studios and it's very accessible to form connections with animators in the industry!

I also believe that your experience here is really what you make of it. I decided to attend CCA initially because of the scholarship and financial aid that they offered me, but I stayed for the community and because the professors and animation students are very passionate and supportive of our craft. This year, I've also become involved in Student Council and am starting a CCA UNICEF club to improve outreach and promote awareness among the art community about social issues. These activities, and the people I've met through them, have really enriched my life.
Read 369 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
85% Acceptance Rate
$42,065 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Skyline College - San Bruno
4 Year
San Bruno, CA
Rating 3.84 out of 5 460 reviews
Senior: I like the diversity at Skyline College. There are so many clubs and groups that take place that are open to teaching people and give the opportunity for others to learn about culture in so many ways. Through music, dance, language, attire, and so much more diversity is able to be distributed through exciting experiences that students can learn from throughout the campus!
Read 460 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$4,732 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Notre Dame de Namur University
4 Year
Belmont, CA
Rating 3.42 out of 5 497 reviews
Senior: Great university if you love small and intimate class sizes. The university is a catholic university but as well a commuter school which means many of the students are commuters. The university does a lot of community work which is really amazing helping and giving back to the community. NDNU is located in Belmont CA, which is a very low-key area but it has easy access to San Francisco and San Jose. The school has a good sports program, men and women's soccer are wonderful to watch as well as men and women's basketball and men's lacrosse. Men's and women's cross country always does well, the university has added men and women track and field so the sports scene has grown which makes student life better.
Read 497 Reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$24,682 Net Price
890-1080 SAT Range
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Unitek College - Fremont
4 Year
Fremont, CA
Rating 3.54 out of 5 149 reviews
Freshman: Unitek University has been working with me so that I can pursue my career in Nursing. Their staff has been in contact with me every day trying to give me different resources so I can attend their college. My goal is to become an RN, as a single mom of twins having a career in nursing will be a blessing for me. I need 1505 to start the program which is why I'm applying for this scholarship. I'm ready to become the hardworking, dedicated RN I know I can be and will be.
Read 149 Reviews
grade C minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$49,181 Net Price
— SAT Range
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SAE Institute of Technology - Emeryville
4 Year
Emeryville, CA
Rating 3.67 out of 5 131 reviews
Senior: The school is great! I love the availability to be able to come back and do homework at any time or any day. The staff is very friendly and the teachers have their foot in the door in the industry that you want to get into. I feel that is key when you are starting the process into getting your degree. The tuition is a little pricey, but the school puts us first and I love it.
Read 131 Reviews
grade C minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$30,725 Net Price
— SAT Range
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San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 4.24 out of 5 84 reviews
Freshman: Positioned in the heart of downtown San Francisco, SFCM has a prime location and an amazing teaching staff. The highlight of my time at the school has been the time I've spent with the jazz faculty. The private teachers really care about helping each student find their own voice on their instrument.
Overall, the facilities are great. The performance spaces, ensemble rooms, and studios are beautiful. The neighborhood is rough around the edges but the two buildings are secure.
Even in the midst of the pandemic, there have been performance opportunities, recitals, and concerts in all departments.
Read 84 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$40,081 Net Price
— SAT Range
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SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary
4 Year
El Dorado Hills, CA
Rating 3.95 out of 5 41 reviews
Senior: SUM is an online accredited private christian college. Some people say they can’t learn online, or it’s just not the same as being at a physical campus, well let me tell you- I feel like I have not missed a single thing. The program and technology will leave you lacking nothing. I am so grateful that I found SUM and was able to earn my bachelors from this amazing school!
Read 41 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
95% Acceptance Rate
$18,489 Net Price
— SAT Range
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University of Silicon Valley
4 Year
San Jose, CA
Rating 3.37 out of 5 104 reviews
Sophomore: A college that focuses on what I believe to be our generation's Gold Rush, which is Game Design, Sound Design, Business, and many more. Cogswell represents nerd culture in it's rawest form, and that isn't a deterrent. A lot of the alumni, teachers, and students are there to create an environment that feels like a pseudo-family. I can confidently say that a percent of famous artists, or skilled coders will come from this college. The campus is small enough that it'll keep you focused on what you came there for.
Read 104 Reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$28,103 Net Price
— SAT Range
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San Francisco Art Institute
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.52 out of 5 161 reviews
Works Here: SFAI is for students committed to discovering their unique talents who have the courage & commitment to become professional artists. Since 1871, this has been the birthplace of one important cultural movement after another from fine art photography to Burning Man. Faculty are dedicated mentors and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 means every student receives individual attention. A spectacular waterfront graduate campus just opened where students are assigned their own studios. That's in addition to the historic campus where Kehinde Wiley, Annie Liebowitz, Barry McGee, and many other artists once studied. These well-known artists say SFAI played a critical role in development & often return for master classes, fundraising events, and exhibitions -- part of a network of influential alumni that is global in scope. Many also say that SFAI helped establish a local culture that embraces creativity, making San Francisco a hotbed of innovation across every industry.
Read 161 Reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
90% Acceptance Rate
$47,315 Net Price
930-1160 SAT Range
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University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.62 out of 5 2,198 reviews
Sophomore: I love the University of San Francisco. The location is fantastic! There are always things to do around the city and the education is exceptional. The professors and school administration are very supportive of students. I feel a personal connection with my professors and the staff at the university. There are many campus resources that have helped me with classes, mental health, employment and so much more. I would recommend this university to anyone who is looking for an education that personally caters to the individual. I would also recommend this school for people who enjoy exploring places and trying new things.
Read 2,198 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$38,422 Net Price
1130-1330 SAT Range
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ECPI University - Virginia Beach, VA
4 Year
Virginia Beach, VA
Rating 4.04 out of 5 1,275 reviews
Freshman: So far my experience with ECPI has been great! The instructors are very helpful and my student success coordinator, admissions advisor, financial advisor, and anyone else I need are just a quick call or email away. All of the staff that I have dealt with so far were very encouraging and helpful!
Read 1,275 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
74% Acceptance Rate
$20,216 Net Price
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Washington & Lee University
4 Year
Lexington, VA
Rating 3.97 out of 5 445 reviews
Junior: I know it's been a hot topic recently, but I would like to set the record straight. This school is by no means perfect, like all other colleges there are plenty of flaws, but it is truly one of the best options for an undergrad university that you could choose. Despite what rumors may have indicated, most of the students are incredibly friendly, academics are superb, the town of Lexington is adorable, extracurriculars are treasured by nearly every student. Unlike some of the schools I have previously attended, W&L is an incredibly close-knit community full of passionate and hardworking students. It is considered "cool" to be smart, and students at W&L work and play hard. Also, If you are considering playing a sport here- DO IT! As a student athlete I have had an incredibly valuable experience and the woman on my team will likely be close friends for the rest of my life. I simply love this school- of course it is not perfect, but no school is.
Read 445 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
19% Acceptance Rate
$23,301 Net Price
1360-1500 SAT Range
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2021 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

University of California - Berkeley

Santa Clara University

University of San Francisco

Saint Mary's College of California

Mills College

Dominican University of California

California State University - Maritime Academy

Menlo College

San Jose State University

Foothill College

Holy Names University

San Francisco State University

Gurnick Academy - San Mateo Campus

Academy of Art University

California State University - East Bay

California College of the Arts

Skyline College - San Bruno

Notre Dame de Namur University

Unitek College - Fremont

SAE Institute of Technology - Emeryville

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary

University of Silicon Valley

San Francisco Art Institute

University of San Francisco

ECPI University - Virginia Beach, VA

Washington & Lee University