2023 Best Value Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,251 reviews

Alum: Now, 60+ years after a Stanford BSME, I am astoundingly grateful for a rounded undergraduate engineering education that led to 1) a succession of rewarding employments, and through those, 2) development of cultural appreciation and of language capability in Malaysian/Indonesian - employment experiences in human relations and communication that made me a more effective and versatile engineer. So to Stanford, thanks for getting me off to a great start! T. Savage, Seattle... Read 1,251 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,023

• SAT range 1420-1570

• Vallejo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  157 reviews

Freshman: Cal Maritime University overall is an alright university, it provides us students with the interesting and unique degrees and teachings. This university specializes in teaching Maritime arts, and professionalism. As a current freshman I thought that it was going to be more militarist and strict, but it is quit lenity. overall, I think that it is beneficial academy and prepares us for our next steps into the world and helps build needed connections throughout the industry for our major. the campus is nice, and the community is inclusive within the small number of candidates that attend. even though there are a handful of people at this university the connections we are able to make here are extremely beneficial within the maritime community.... Read 157 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $21,069

• SAT range 960-1190

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  4,302 reviews

Freshman: UC Berkeley has a variety of student experiences academic opportunities. In terms of common/popular majors, seeing from my first year, many students study Computer Science/EECS, Data Science, Psychology, or Pre-Haas (Business). However, one of the biggest disadvantages of the Berkeley/Bay Area area is the high cost of living. In addition, UC Berkeley only guarantees dorm housing for first-years, so figuring out arrangements for off-campus housing in the future is a burden many students have to face early into their college experience. But as long as you stay on top of your research, and keep in mind your budget, that can be overcome. Overall, the key to success at UC Berkeley is awareness. Be grounded in your goals and taking the initiative to reach them!... Read 4,302 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $19,329

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,438 reviews

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 1,438 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $48,284

• SAT range 1270-1450

• San Rafael, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  837 reviews

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 837 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $36,899

• SAT range 1070-1250

• Oakland, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  351 reviews

Junior: My experience at Holy Names University has been very special and is an experience I will always hold dear to my heart. This University is facing some financial struggles of its own, so I wouldn't recommend any future freshman to enroll due to the instability of the university's future. If I knew for a fact that Holy Names was safe and would be around for a while longer, then this school would be on the top of my list for recommendations. The professors care about their students, dorm life allows you to create a chosen family, and the atmosphere feels motivating and encouraging. I never feel alone here and it's just what I needed to thrive.... Read 351 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $23,430

• SAT range 720-880

• San Jose, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  4,229 reviews

Alum: I genuinely enjoyed my time at San Jose State University! Because the campus is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, there were many internship and professional development opportunities available for students. One thing I wasn’t too fond of was the fact that the campus is located in downtown, which is not the safest area to be around. Furthermore, the student demographic is very diverse, which exposes students to different unique perspectives. I felt that the academics were great as well. There were many opportunities for students to seek academic assistance, particularly in the MLK library, but the professors were generally helpful too.... Read 4,229 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $15,995

• SAT range 1010-1240

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,288 reviews

Freshman: I love the University of San Francisco's campus and the surrounding city! While the campus is smaller than other universities, do not worry because you will undoubtedly be getting your steps in. I have heard the steps may be inconvenient, but it gradually becomes easier over a few days. The professors are nice, which makes classes enjoyable. I would say the campus food is pretty average. Another thing I love about the university is its diversity. Originally, I applied because I was interested in the academics and diversity, and they did not disappoint! The university's basketball team is exceptional, which makes attending games worthwhile! While I enjoy this school very much, the dorms and housing are a bit subpar. Something to consider is that the freshman dorms are small because it is in San Francisco, and freshman dorms are old. Another thing to consider is that it is a relatively expensive school. They do offer financial aid, but it is still pretty expensive.... Read 2,288 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $42,801

• SAT range 1140-1330

• Hayward, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,924 reviews

Junior: I entered as a transfer student from the Peralta Community Colleges in the Bay Area in Fall of 2023. I never expected to feel so comfortable, connected, and supported! I’m extremely grateful that I chose this University and can’t wait to see what’s in store after I graduate undergrad in Spring of 2024! I’m positive I will go to grad school because CSUEB has been preparing me. Since I’ve arrived, my counselors, professors, and GANAS have been working with me on figuring out my classes, studies, paid/unpaid work, clubs and networking. My future is hopeful thanks to my acceptance at CSUEB.... Read 1,924 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $13,260

• SAT range 800-1020

• Moraga, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,081 reviews

Freshman: Saint Mary’s has a unique energy unlike any other campus. The students are positive, inclusive, connected and yet very serious about their studies. There is a lot of fun on campus. There is not much drinking since you have to be over 21 and really there is more for us to do. Greek life is non existent. But that just means we create our fun by way of pool parties, BBQs, games, day trips, etc. There is a “party” scene here but a very safe and clean one - which is fantastic. I cannot thank Saint Mary’s enough, I love it! They check all the boxes of a fantastic school and a home away from home.... Read 1,081 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $40,401

• SAT range 1070-1240

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  3,632 reviews

Freshman: Something that I looked for when looking for colleges is diversity which sfsu offers greatly. Every culture, belief, gender, etc. is welcome with open arms! Not to mention the great academics and BEAUTIFUL campus. Everything you need is within miles of you. Beach, nature, zoo, lake, city, its all there. I also love how the university is mindful of covid. Face masks are still required indoor to ensure the safety of students, and staff which shows great precautions. The campus itself is taken care of in a clean manner and the amount of campus security present makes it feel like a safe environment to be in. Athletics at sfsu are good as well. The only downside is that there is no football team unfortunately, but our other teams seem to makeup for that absence. Overall, SFSU is a great school to consider. Amazing campus and location, good academics and athletics, good food and dorms, and amazing professors!... Read 3,632 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,757

• SAT range 930-1130

• Atherton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  291 reviews

Alum: Menlo was a great college experience! Small school and felt like a family. Something I would like to see is the finals schedule come back. Since COVID we haven’t had a real finals schedule and professors have used that as an opportunity to assign presentations, essays and an exams all in the last week of school. It was overwhelming and the finals schedule helped relieve some of our stress because we only had to worry about 1 per class in the last week.... Read 291 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $27,052

• SAT range 920-1150

• Fremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  160 reviews

Freshman: great staff, helped me through every step of the way for every process of enrolling and and with the fasa process. I highly recommend Unitek to any one that wants to proceed in their nursing career. The fasa part was super easy and super fast to do.t is a small institution with an enrollment of 3,618 undergraduate students. The Unitek College - Fremont acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), Medical Assistant, and Nursing Assistant.The university typically requires a high school diploma, taking SAT/ACT and passing TOEFL for international applicants. Based on your applicant type, you may also have to meet additional requirements.First-Time / Full-time Students at Unitek College Represent 73.0% of the Class of 2016 and 77.8% of all Their Bachelor's Degree Graduations. Unitek College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Ed.... Read 160 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $52,638

• SAT range —

• Oakland, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  715 reviews

Sophomore: Mills college is such a diverse school! I took online classes due to covid, and most of the professors understood students' situations. Due to this, I personally haven't been onto campus but heard great things.... Read 715 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $27,954

• SAT range 1060-1300

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  384 reviews

Junior: As a whole, it is a very open and free art and design university! The teachers are of high quality, and they are all very prestigious designers and artists near San Francisco. The fly in the ointment is that the buildings currently used by the school are not satisfactory. But they are also working hard to build a new teaching space. The new student dormitory has completed in early 2021! Good sign!... Read 384 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $43,687

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,465 reviews

Alum: Academy of Art University is a private institution that hires industry professionals. This means that while teachers while are highly knowledgeable about their subjects, not all of them may know how to teach well. I was in the Game Development department (second biggest department) and I always had a comfortable connection with all my teachers. Class sizes are always bigger in the freshman year, but the school puts a max so it's not overcrowded and students have enough time for meaningful critics. This is the only school that I went to, and compared to my friends the attendance policy is relatively strict. Standard full-time schedule is 4 classes a week (each class is 3-6hrs long). As an artist your homework is always going to revolved around creating more assets for your portfolio or practicing skills to contribute to your profession. Since the school is in the city, buildings are scattered with free shuttles to move between class and dorms. Nice school to enjoy San Francisco.... Read 2,465 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $35,445

• SAT range —

• Belmont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  496 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 496 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,243

• SAT range 890-1080

• San Mateo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  100 reviews

Niche User: Haven’t attended but knew a lot of family/friends who attended, heard nothing but great information, I’m looking forward to attending my LVN program here this October!... Read 100 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $26,274

• SAT range —

• San Jose, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  107 reviews

Alum: As an audio student, I was thoroughly, fluently, and professionally exposed to every aspect of audio. The learning experience was curated in such a way where projects were practical and hands-on, every professor possessed prolific veteran experience in their field, both technical and creative skills were put into practice, and fun was had. Additionally, soft skills were built into the curricula in a way where by the time I graduated, my interpersonal and professional presence felt like a natural part of who I was. At USV, students are held at an extremely high standard and are expected to make multiple mistakes at every point. However those obstacles are intentional, and they are only put in place to constructively build them into a stronger engineer. And if properly utilized, all of said experiences are experiences that can directly propel students into their respective careers.... Read 107 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 42%

• Net price $26,272

• SAT range —

• Emeryville, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  131 reviews

Alum: The Artistic collaboration between students and instructors. Get a in depth look on how the production of video games, film, and tv shows work.... Read 131 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,082

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  85 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 85 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $41,918

• SAT range —