2020 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area

Best Colleges

55 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
1,152 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
Read 1,152 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
5% Acceptance Rate
$16,562 Net Price
1390-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,924 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Senior: For context, I am a transfer student who transferred at thirty years old to finish my undergraduate degree in Media Studies. Their orientation week is amazing if you do it. The alumni and career center are amazing resources for networking and internships. It is very possible to achieve what it is that you're setting out to achieve. Beware that the South Side of campus is slightly dodgy, but you are told the best ways to stay safe. In-state tuition is great if you're from California, if not, I highly recommend attempting to gain residency. Save utility bills and a lease agreement from your Freshman apartment (if you come as a Freshman. You'll save yourself or your parents thousands of dollars. Get involved though. You get out what you put in!
Read 3,924 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$18,178 Net Price
1260-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Santa Clara University
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
1,342 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 1,342 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$38,900 Net Price
1270-1440 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,076 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Sophomore: I LOVE being at the University of San Francisco. Some aspects of USF that I love is how the class sizes are fairly small. I am able to meet with my professors whenever I need, without having to compete for an appointment slot. Since the undergrad population is around 6000 students, the resources on or off-campus can be reached by all students. There are a lot of immersion/retreat opportunities where donors/the university provides a lot of scholarships for most students in need!
Read 2,076 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$35,270 Net Price
1100-1290 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
1,005 reviews
#5 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: I'm about to attend Saint Marys and it's an amazing and underrated college! Amazing individualized academic programs available in a gorgeous area. Although it's not a party school, most students can go down to the Bay area which is nearby.
Read 1,005 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
82% Acceptance Rate
$33,414 Net Price
1060-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Mills College
4 Year
Oakland, CA
680 reviews
#6 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Freshman: I am a current student at Mills College, and I have had a great experience so far. They offer immense support in a multitude if areas. There are a large number of social groups, and everyone is very welcoming. The campus itself is beautiful, and very well kept. The community is full of different shops, and fun local businesses. The professors are really engaging and try to accommodate for every individual student and their learning preferences. I have found my passion through Mills, and they do everything in their power to encourage you to find your passions and follow them. There are classes offered in a wide range of academic interests as well.
Read 680 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
87% Acceptance Rate
$26,086 Net Price
925-1233 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California State University Maritime Academy
4 Year
Vallejo, CA
136 reviews
#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
66% Acceptance Rate
$14,599 Net Price
960-1190 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Dominican University of California
4 Year
San Rafael, CA
794 reviews
#8 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Senior: Despite not having the massive sporting events and Greek life of state schools, it is located in an area where you can still maintain a social life by going to concerts, the city, Berkeley, or to the countless waterfalls/hikes in the area. The small class-size and close-knit community allows everyone to find their niche. Each person is able to get opportunities they would not necessarily be afforded at a large school and the staff and faculty wants you to succeed. For example, professors are willing to meet outside of class on top of the free tutoring offered.
Read 794 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
88% Acceptance Rate
$34,694 Net Price
1040-1220 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Menlo College
4 Year
Atherton, CA
240 reviews
#9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum: Menlo College was a phenomenal experience.

The support that I received during my time here was unreal. Like most things, you get from Menlo exactly what you put into it. You can't expect opportunities simply to knock on your door everyday.

But at Menlo, the opportunities are endless, all you have to do is ask for them. Internships, jobs, academic support, tutoring, resume building, writing assistance, lunch with faculty, funding for clubs, events in the city, parties down the road- plentiful and amazing!

For a student who wants that perfect balance of support and independence, fun and opportunity, prestigious but welcoming, diverse but unique. Menlo is the place for you!
Read 240 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
43% Acceptance Rate
$29,845 Net Price
1010-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
3,808 reviews
Senior: My experience at SJSU so far has been great! The diversity made me feel right at home while also expanding my cultural knowledge. Student Life is wonderful, there are plenty of friendly faces and opportunities to mingle with other students, inside and out of your own field of study. The things I would have to complain about are the safety of the students as there are several incidents that occur on campus as well as very near campus throughout the school year. I understand that it's to be expected since we are right in the middle of downtown but it is a concern. The academics and professors are great, but I have experienced some difficulties with my school schedules changing as late as the week right before the new semester which can be frustrating.
Read 3,808 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$13,906 Net Price
1000-1210 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
3,282 reviews
Senior: I love this college. It has opened my eyes to new perspectives in regarding ethnic studies and applying what I learn to how I can use it in the real world. Many of the classes I took had field trips where we got to do community service, explore classroom topics outside the university walls. All my classes have been enlightening and there was never a dull class. The teachers were exceptional! Definitely destroyed my fear of being a transfer student into a university. They made me feel like I have been going there since I was a Freshman in college.
Read 3,282 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$13,551 Net Price
950-1150 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Foothill College
4 Year
Los Altos Hills, CA
428 reviews
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 428 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$7,481 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Holy Names University
4 Year
Oakland, CA
339 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 339 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
53% Acceptance Rate
$21,890 Net Price
730- 870 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Academy of Art University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,260 reviews
Junior: I love this school. Since I started attending five years ago, it has opened my eyes to all sorts of knowledge about not only art fundamentals (form, perspective, shape, shading, etc.), but also about my specified field in illustration (focused on digital painting). I would not be the artists I am today without this experience. It is expensive, but so worth it. I have poured over YouTube tutorials and Udemy courses for years and none of them hold a candle to the insight and training I obtained at AAU. If you really want to be at the top of your game and be trained by real artists in the industry (some of my professors were Alumni from Pixar and gaming companies), then you should really consider going here. I recommend it, unreservedly.
Read 2,260 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$30,307 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California College of the Arts
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
360 reviews
Graduate Student: CCA has been great- I highly recommend the MFA in Comics program! It's a low residency program where students are on campus in San Francisco for the month of July and can complete their other coursework online throughout the year. We are working on storytelling, drawing and inking skills, digital coloring, and comics history. Additionally, every student has a faculty mentor who works with them on their thesis assignments.
Read 360 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$39,075 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California State University - East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
1,740 reviews
Senior: The professors are amazing and truly care about our education. The class sizes are great and foster a wonderful learning environment. The food is good, and the library is very nice and filled with quiet study areas. I was also told by multiple professors that csueb is the most diverse school in the continental United States (second only to University of Hawaii)! However, the administration and counseling departments are generally unhelpful (although after seeing 5 counselors, I have found an absolutely wonderful one), but generally speaking it is very frustrating to try to find out information. Administration does not always respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and it is helpful to speak in person. You must start very early to try to find out enough information to accomplish your goals.
Read 1,740 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
74% Acceptance Rate
$11,425 Net Price
800-1020 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Skyline College - San Bruno
4 Year
San Bruno, CA
418 reviews
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 418 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$4,130 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Notre Dame de Namur University
4 Year
Belmont, CA
486 reviews
Freshman: The professional staff at NDNU is very friendly and quite helpful with student's needs and concerns for financial aid packages. I am also happy with the mental health department how easy it is to talk to someone who really cares about student's mental health. What I love even more is the small classroom sizes. The university's grounds are quite beautiful - it reminds me of a scene from the fairytale books my mom read to me as a kid. Only this time, I am Snow white and I’m feeding an apple to a fawn. I’d recommend NDNU to incoming freshman.
Read 486 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
94% Acceptance Rate
$28,167 Net Price
910-1110 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
4 Year
San Mateo, CA
96 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 96 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$23,049 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Unitek College - Fremont
4 Year
Fremont, CA
134 reviews
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 134 Reviews
C-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$39,704 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
77 reviews
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 77 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$37,873 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary
4 Year
El Dorado Hills, CA
37 reviews
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
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$22,304 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Cogswell Polytechnical College
4 Year
San Jose, CA
99 reviews
Junior: This is an amazing school if you're not looking for parties but rather for practical skills and industry knowledge. I'm in the audio program and would not study anywhere else. Most instructors care about your learning and I'm lucky to have Julius as my studio and sound design teacher, who is not only the best of the school but one of the best in the industry. I'm a junior and have been part of three Cogswell projects and I'm taking MediaWorks right now. In MediaWorks we are working with a well known large company and produce a full blown animated audio project for them. It's fast and sometimes stressful but awesome to work like you are part of an actual company. The professors give us their best advice to make it in the business that they also came from. I keep growing my professional portfolio and can't wait to start working for an audio company soon. If you're looking for practical education, put Cogswell on your shortlist.
Read 99 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$23,601 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Phoenix - Bay Area
4 Year
San Jose, CA
155 reviews
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
159 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 159 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
75% Acceptance Rate
$52,451 Net Price
930-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Academy of Art University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,260 reviews
Junior: I love this school. Since I started attending five years ago, it has opened my eyes to all sorts of knowledge about not only art fundamentals (form, perspective, shape, shading, etc.), but also about my specified field in illustration (focused on digital painting). I would not be the artists I am today without this experience. It is expensive, but so worth it. I have poured over YouTube tutorials and Udemy courses for years and none of them hold a candle to the insight and training I obtained at AAU. If you really want to be at the top of your game and be trained by real artists in the industry (some of my professors were Alumni from Pixar and gaming companies), then you should really consider going here. I recommend it, unreservedly.
Read 2,260 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$30,307 Net Price
Will You Get In?
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Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
1,005 reviews
Freshman: I'm about to attend Saint Marys and it's an amazing and underrated college! Amazing individualized academic programs available in a gorgeous area. Although it's not a party school, most students can go down to the Bay area which is nearby.
Read 1,005 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
82% Acceptance Rate
$33,414 Net Price
1060-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Sponsored
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
77 reviews
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 77 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$37,873 Net Price
Will You Get In?

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2020 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

University of San Francisco

Saint Mary's College of California

Mills College

California State University Maritime Academy

Dominican University of California

Menlo College

San Jose State University

San Francisco State University

Foothill College

Holy Names University

Academy of Art University

California College of the Arts

California State University - East Bay

Skyline College - San Bruno

Notre Dame de Namur University

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Unitek College - Fremont

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary

Cogswell Polytechnical College

University of Phoenix - Bay Area

San Francisco Art Institute

Academy of Art University

Saint Mary's College of California

San Francisco Conservatory of Music