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2019 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay AreaAbout 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.

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  1. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,122
    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 1,122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,695 Net Price
    • 1380-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,803
    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 3,803 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,160 Net Price
    • 1270-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Santa Clara University

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Clara, CA
    • 1,286
    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 1,286 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,657 Net Price
    • 1200-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of San Francisco

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 2,021
    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 2,021 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,054 Net Price
    • 1030-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Saint Mary's College of California

    • 4 Year
    • Moraga, CA
    • 978
    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 978 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,696 Net Price
    • 950-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. 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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  9. California State University Maritime Academy

    • 4 Year
    • Vallejo, CA
    • 135
    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 135 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,606 Net Price
    • 960-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Dominican University of California

    • 4 Year
    • San Rafael, CA
    • 781
    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 781 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,339 Net Price
    • 918-1123 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. San Jose State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Jose, CA
    • 3,690
    9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area

    Senior: SJSU is an AWESOME college campus and has a AMAZING education system. The university was built in the 1850's and is one of the oldest in the West Coast college systems!

    SJSU is VERY WELL CONTAINED I.e. Campus housing; academic, social and athletic activities; campus police/policing; MANY food choices. There is definitely not a need or reason for FROSH (freshmen) to leave campus.

    We love the university is DIVERSE ethnically, academically and socially. SJSU is centrally located in the heart of San Jose. It's surrounded by a lot of great culture and beautiful old architecture.
    Read 3,690 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,777 Net Price
    • 920-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    The Master's University

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Clarita, CA
    • 441

    Freshman: I have had a phenomenal experience at The Master's University. The university staff is very invested in helping every student to achieve their goals. The academic programs are very well-designed and the professors are excellent at helping students to understand the material intellectually, as well as practically. The university campus is very well-laid out and the food is delicious. While the school's weakest aspects would be its athletics department and party scene, that can be a positive, depending on what is most important to you. All things considered, The Master's University is a fantastic school and you will not regret furthering your education here.
    Read 441 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,650 Net Price
    • 950-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. San Francisco State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 3,170

    Junior: I transferred to San Francisco State University from my junior college, and I've enjoyed every moment. Besides getting into the top school on my list, I've made many connections with my peers and professors. The campus is very accepting and full of people from all over the world. The environment is great and the bay area has so much to offer. The shuttle service for this commuter school could be updated, but I'm truly enjoying every moment on this campus!
    Read 3,170 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,250 Net Price
    • 860-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Menlo College

    • 4 Year
    • Atherton, CA
    • 233

    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 233 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,439 Net Price
    • 872-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. 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?

  17. Foothill College

    • 4 Year
    • Los Altos Hills, CA
    • 408

    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 408 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $6,281 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. 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?

  19. Academy of Art University

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 2,214

    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 2,214 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,301 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. California State University - East Bay

    • 4 Year
    • Hayward, CA
    • 1,680

    Senior: I actually love it here! Campus offers free shuttles to the BART station so you can get to surrounding cities pretty fast and cheap: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, etc. There are a lot of events put on by the school so it's super diverse. The cafeteria could definitely use an upgrade, it isn't as good as the UC schools but it's edible.
    Read 1,680 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,758 Net Price
    • 800-1020 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Notre Dame de Namur University

    • 4 Year
    • Belmont, CA
    • 470

    Graduate Student: I couldn't be happier with this school. It has exceeded all of my expectations. The professors are inspiring, my classmates and future colleagues are very knowledgeable, the campus is small and easy to get around. I am in a Clinical Psychology program with an emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy and everyone in the program has been absolutely kind, compassionate, and hard working. The only thing I have experienced that has been a little bit of a downfall has been the poor wifi connection and the buildings are outdated. Other than that I wouldn't change my decision to attend Notre Dame De Namur.
    Read 470 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,873 Net Price
    • 800-1018 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Musicians Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Hollywood, CA
    • 73

    Senior: This is a great school . There is a goood community of musicians willing to work and are serious about music. You will meet a lot of smart , vivacious , ambitious, people at this school. This school is costy but provides many connections that are priceless.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,970 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Skyline College - San Bruno

    • 4 Year
    • San Bruno, CA
    • 399

    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 399 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $4,251 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Unitek College

    • 4 Year
    • Fremont, CA
    • 127

    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 127 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,096 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. San Francisco Conservatory of Music

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 68

    Junior: I absolutely love the conservatory. I study Violin with Professor Wei He, and am very happy in his studio. My peers at the conservatory are extremely driven and this is, as any college experience should be, a very inspiring environment. Some of the academic coursework can be really challenging. Western Civ (required for all undergrads) is one of the best classes. Professor Hohmann will turn you into an intelligent human being as long as you put in your best effort. Be warned though, this course will take more time than you have, and you will have to sacrifice a lot of your sanity in order to keep up with all the assignments.
    I think the administration should avoid scheduling students in western civ and Music History at the same time. I also think they should reformat the scheduling for concert cycles so that you are able to participate in ensembles without dying of sleep deprivation.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 42% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,663 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. 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?

  27. 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?

  30. 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?

  31. 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?

  32. 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?
  33. Sponsored

    Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,544

    Freshman: This university campus is beautiful! I've stopped by here on and off throughout the years, and now I have had a chance to come here and I have many friends who came here. Notably, many of my buddies that play basketball. This school is private and tuition is high, yes, but the quality is great. The facilities are clean, modern, and pleasing to the eye. The students here are pretty cool too. If you're looking for a private school, and want more of a quiet suburban feel, then LMU might be your place.
    Read 1,544 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,946 Net Price
    • 1120-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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