2024 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  147 reviews

Alum: My relationship with Harvey Mudd is quite messy and convoluted. No single experience will suffice to describe in its entirety; however, hopefully there is something helpful to you in my description! Let's begin. One thing I will say, Harvey Mudd is very difficult. I assume you already know this if you are looking into it, but I want to stress that you will most definitely be challenged. There are many classes to get through, and they are very rigorous. There were a lot sleepless nights, several of which spent in the engineering basement. The constant flow of problem sets, quizzes, midterms and projects will keep you busy to say the least! That being said, there is a wonderful support system at Mudd. Being in graduate school now, I really miss the accessibility to professors and student tutors. Mudd does a really amazing job of fostering collaboration with fellow peers and you guys will grow very close from all the shared struggle. I miss spending every night with them studying!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  419 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 419 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible students. They are all approachable, motivated, and conscientious. The resources presented to the students are off the charts. CMC pays you to take internships. If you need business attire, the school will cover it. If you want to travel to look at Grad Schools, the school will cover the cost. They take you on "Networking Treks" every few months, where you meet with Alumni and talk about your career paths. The food is great (you can eat from all 5 dining halls). If you take advantage of the schools resources and opportunities, you will be extremely successful. Because CMC students are confident, learning is collaborative, not competitive. Student engagement is not only encouraged, but expected. If you yearn to be in an environment of students who prioritize proactivity, CMC is the school that will put you on the path to success.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  499 reviews

Senior: Oxy is everything you'd expect from a small, liberal arts college in an urban area; what makes the college special is the community and environment of care that the students bring. I have felt extremely supported in my time at Oxy and have found different communities for my hobbies, cultural affinity spaces, and other interests. Oxy can sometimes feel small with only about 2000 students, but I really liked that aspect since no one on campus feels like a stranger. Academics are pretty rigorous but professors are lovely and truly want to work with individual students. Highly recommend taking any courses in the Education department! One downside is the campus is full of hills, so not very accessible for physically disabled students.... Read 499 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  645 reviews

Junior: I think that overall, Pitzer offers an incredible education and a supportive community of students who genuinely care for each other. There's such a diverse range of courses, not to mention the incredible access you get to courses throughout the Claremont Consortium. However, sometimes it feels as though the administration is out of touch with the needs of the student body. There's been times where students, particularly minority students, have felt their needs disregarded by administration despite pressure from the student body. It's another thing I admire about Pitzer - students aren't afraid to speak their mind, and organize for causes they believe in.... Read 645 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• Santa Monica, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,137 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a on campus Santa Monica College student. The energy on campus is very positive along with friendly students. The campus is also very diverse wit both students and teachers! There are a lot of food and drink choices all over the campus as well! The patio area near the cafe has a vast amount of tables and seating areas. Most of the class rooms look new and updated with both the buildings structure and the technology. The school also offers a large variety of different classes and the class options are very flexible to complicated schedules. Santa Monica College also offers a significant amount of extra help for students with learning disabilities. Most of the staff is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. There are also many clubs, fairs, and events on the Santa Monica campus. I personally believe that Santa Monica College is one of the best community college options available in California.... Read 2,137 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,380

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  468 reviews

Sophomore: There were a few bumps during my first year (mostly because of the pandemic). I appreciate the effort professors went to in order to keep students safe, either by having classes in an outdoor space or on Zoom and requiring masks to be worn even after the LA County mask mandate was taken down. The school also provided free weekly COVID tests and were quick to notify students who either tested positive or were deemed close contacts. The school does have a problem with overenrolling students (which makes classes and on-campus housing harder to secure).... Read 468 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Oceanside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  932 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the stem tutoring center and the free snacks available in the cafeteria. Staff including library and especially professors are very helpful and kind. You definitely have to advocate for yourself but I’m sure you do at other community colleges and universities. There aren’t many sports but there’s a ton of clubs to choose from. There are many other programs at miracosta such as accommodations for student learning, an honors society, transfer center and more. The counselors are great and are really helpful with financial aid, picking classes, and scholarships. I have definitely learned a lot and am excited to learn more going into my second year. Highly recommend!... Read 932 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,946

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  956 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, San Diego Mesa college is a perfectly fine school and honestly, probably your best choice in terms of community colleges in San Diego. They have a lot of opportunities and various resources to help disadvantaged students acclimate properly into the school. More often then not, the professors at Mesa are really passionate and inspiring within their classes - just be sure to always check ratemyprofessor first!... Read 956 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,663

• SAT range —

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  918 reviews

Junior: Vanguard University provides students with exceptional support. With every upcoming semester every major meets in some form with their individual advisors allowing there to be opportunities for any questions/concerns. The advisors make sure that every student is on track for their intended graduation date. Professors/staff are also really open about providing students with the necessary help. There is a great loving and close knit community on campus which allows students to enjoy their time there. Vanguard University also provides students with food resources/clothing resources as well as emotional support resources if students are in need of them. Commuters however, may have a difficult time getting involved due to the event dates and traveling time. Due to this fact, Vanguard is always open to improving the school and the events occurring which is why they provide students with the opportunity to offer feedback at the end of each semester. Great school!... Read 918 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• Santa Clarita, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  500 reviews

Other: My experience at Master's has been overwhelmingly positive, despite never setting foot on campus! I was enrolled in the Masters' Online Dual-Enrollment program where I took selected university classes. This program has been instrumental in preparing me for when I attend the university. I highly recommend taking these online classes as they not only helped me adapt to the rigors of university studies but also helped me earn high school credits for graduation. Also, as a homeschooled student, it was amazing to share a class with other students my age even though the class was online.... Read 500 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $30,748

• SAT range 990-1250

• Camarillo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,099 reviews

Senior: My experience with Channel Islands Business School has been incredible. I've been going to online school for a couple of years and couldn't be happier about attending this college. Not only have my classes been supportive, but the faculty at the school has continuously shown they care about each student. I feel confident that I can get my degree and continue striving with whatever I set my mind to. One thing I would like to see change is more students attending online school as it's proof that it can cater to different types of learning abilities. Thank you!... Read 1,099 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $14,493

• SAT range 850-1060

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  547 reviews

Sophomore: I just finished my freshman year at Westmont and I loved it! My professors were amazing and my classes were very interesting. I met so many incredible people and grew a lot academically and spiritually. The campus is beautiful and amazes me every single day. There are many ways to get involved (whether it be something just for fun, or something more serious) and deeper your faith (through small groups, worship nights, chapel, etc). I feel at home here and I couldn’t have asked for a better first year college experience.... Read 547 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $33,554

• SAT range 1110-1460

• Redding, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  424 reviews

Freshman: I love the atmosphere, its very welcoming and everyone is so friendly and eager to hep if needed. Its a beautiful and peaceful campus, I love all the activities they have for students to participate in to get to know each other. I love the chapel time, we get to worship and learn more about God together. They worship team is amazing! All the instructors are very helpful and easy to get a hold of, they don't make you feel like you're just another number, they actually take the time to help you. You can tell that the staff and educators are really interested in who you are and your future goals and want to help you reach them. Anytime I have had questions, which I've had many my counselor has been more than happy to help me and respond within and timely manner. The food is amazing, and relatively cheap, the coffee shop is yummy and serves great food for on the go. One thing I think they can improve on is having housing and possibly daycare for single mothers who are going to school.... Read 424 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $25,311

• SAT range 960-1160

• Angwin, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  678 reviews

Junior: Numerous chances and experiences available at Pacific Union College can significantly impact a person's life. The vibrant diverse community the college produced was something I especially loved about it. My horizons and understanding of the world have been expanded by interacting with students from other origins, cultures, and perspectives. The campus was a center for intellectual stimulation, with teachers who were not only experts in their subjects but also enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with students. Even while college has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. A major problem is the rising expense of higher education, which frequently leaves students with exorbitant debt. It would be advantageous to introduce more reasonable tuition alternatives and broaden the availability of grants and scholarships in order to maintain the affordability of education for all worthy people.... Read 678 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,767

• SAT range 900-1140

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  755 reviews

Freshman: La Sierra University has a very peaceful campus, it’s very beautiful! The counselors at La Sierra University make you feel like they are friends more then they are counselors. It’s nice to always have someone to go to.... Read 755 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $25,230

• SAT range 880-1140

• Lancaster, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,046 reviews

Freshman: The staff is very friendly and always will to help. There is always someone informing the students on all the programs available. They help with not only free tutoring but transportation and food. The professors seem to want the best for their students, to see them succeed and help them with any problems or concerns. I like that there are many programs for everyone especially those who are first generation and low income. These programs have helped me become more assure in my decision of transferring to a university. They have also helped me get free textbooks which saved ms money that I didn't have to worry about getting. They made my first few months a great and stress free experience. I know if I ever have an issue with anything I can reach out to the staff and they will help me. The campus even has job opportunities so they can work with your class schedule. Theres no need to worry about having a job that does not work with your class schedule. Overall amazing campus!... Read 1,046 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,203

• SAT range —

• Whittier, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  789 reviews

Freshman: Whittier College has been receiving a lot of negative press recently, and I do acknowledge that much of it is warranted. However, all this detracts from what you do get out of being a student here. You will get much of what you get out of any small liberal arts college like Whittier: small classes, tight-knit community, etc. It is truly a pleasure to have personal relationships with professors and have small, discussion based classes. At Whittier specifically, I feel like I am valued as an individual, and I am surrounded by incredibly supportive friends, faculty, staff, and admin. If you work hard and earn a good reputation with professors, they will do all they can to use their connections in the academic/professional world to help you out. Another HUGE thing is financial aid. I was already leaning towards going here when I was making my decision, but the package they offered me was too good to refuse. If you apply, make sure to apply to secondary scholarships that they offer too!!... Read 789 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,091

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Aliso Viejo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  218 reviews

Other: This is an incredible school, dedicated to raising capable contributors to society, not just students who join banking or tech solely to pursue financial prosperity. As more and more colleges and university degrees will become less useful, because skills will not be able to be developed for a new world, Soka will be a pioneer at global dialogue and community building to heal the world!... Read 218 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $10,586

• SAT range 1180-1410

• Santa Paula, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  43 reviews

Freshman: Although this is a Catholic college, the diversity is vast. Students of many different religions join the college every year, and are treated as equals to every one else. I have also seen international students, encompassing every race. If you are looking for a small school, but one with amazing diversity and a wonderful community, TAC may be the place for you.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $22,631

• SAT range 1180-1370

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: The school is very small but this makes for a tight-knit community and allows you to build personal relationships with your professors. I have learned a lot academically in classes, and have also grown personally through mentorships, leadership opportunities, and the relationships I have built. The professors and staff want the best for the students and the school and often go above and beyond to achieve this. There are some hiccups in the administration, largely the result of leadership turnover around the time of COVID, but it is a young school that this still growing and developing and these issues will sort themselves out as time progresses.... Read 35 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $23,408

• SAT range —

• Los Alamitos, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  138 reviews

Graduate Student: TUW is an excellent school to complement both my current career as a leader and my academic level as an up and coming adjunct professor. I often wondered how the MA IOP program would benefit me, considering I already have a Doctoral Degree in Leadership. As it turns out, this program is a great fit. With my first class, I have already seen the difference on how valuable IOP is to organizations and how I can use the program to further organizational research, assessments, and recruitment tasks. they was so much more to learn how organizational theory and behaviors factor in organizational initiatives as well as implications for change management. To the developers at TUW of this program, well done!... Read 138 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,121

• SAT range —

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: Antioch University is a fabulous school which really takes care to accommodate it's students' individualized needs. With small classes and a friendly staff, each student is given significant attention in assisting them on their road to success. Additionally the school's commitment to social, environmental and economic justice is not only admirable, but is reflected in the teaching in the curriculum highlighting how we as future practitioners prevent exacerbating these issues as well as brainstorming potential solutions to them.... Read 40 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —