2024 Most Diverse Colleges in California

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  421 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 421 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,267 reviews

Alum: The first year at Stanford was incredibly enjoyable, especially for those with intellectual curiosity, given the abundance of opportunities across various interests. While the engineering school is popular, Stanford isn't solely focused on engineering, as confirmed by others not in that field. I particularly appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from engaging extracurriculars and sports to vibrant parties and valuable work opportunities. Personally, I regularly enjoyed activities like surfing at the excellent spots in Santa Cruz, about an hour off-campus, and hiking in the picturesque hills nearby. Questions about controversial topics like the "prohibited words list" did come up, but, in reality, it had and continues to have no impact on campus life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Stanford to anyone and everyone.... Read 1,267 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Atherton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  304 reviews

Alum: I could not have chosen a better college as an international student from Brazil! Menlo College quickly became a home away from home. I simply LOVED this college– from the professors, staff, classmates to the curriculum. The fact that it is a smaller school, it allowed for a lower student to professor ratio, giving me more confidence when asking questions, engaging in group activities, and opportunities for one-on-one time with my professors. Professors were and are passionate about seeing their students succeed. The administration is open minded and thinks outside the box to make a successful educational experience for the students. If you are looking for a place with a sense of community, smaller class sizes, professors and staff who care, a high employment rate after graduation, top internship program and located Silicon Valley, CA, I would strongly recommend you to consider Menlo College!... Read 304 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $35,658

• SAT range 920-1150

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,007 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 4,007 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,322 reviews

Freshman: I am actually an incoming Freshman, so my review is of the family/student meet and greet weekend. The University of San Francisco pulled out all the stops. The students, staff, tours, mock classes, clubs - everything was amazing and informative. The speeches given were inspiring. The food and opportunities to meet other students were fantastic. There were tours of all the buildings by students who actually live in the dorms. The walkways were filled with clubs to join and prizes to win. And everyone I encountered was extremely knowledgable and supper friendly. They even had therapy dogs, which apparently they bring out during finals week - so cool. After sitting in on a few mock classes and speaking to the professors, I knew that University of San Francisco was where I wanted to spend my next four years studying. Any doubts I had about leaving my home state of Washington to become a USF student vanished - I commited to USF that day!... Read 2,322 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  388 reviews

Alum: I graduated from California College of the Arts (CCA) May 2021. I transferred there the Fall of 2018 after taking a two year break from school. Reentering school was a little challenging, I wasn't really sure where to go but then I found CCA, it was the only place I applied to. Only through research and their website I felt that this would be a good choice to finish my education. I found it to be a very creative place filled with creative people, students & instructors. I was able to express my voice, feelings and thoughts openly. Also helped me widen my perspective in design, social issues, action, designing with purpose, research, reasoning and communicating. I learned as a designer I have the power and capability to speak to the masses, to craft something beautiful, make people use more than just their eyes, to create feeling, from passion to discuss. I'm proud to say I graduated from CCA with a BFA and a Minor. With the help of my instructors and the amazing friends I made there.... Read 388 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,231

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  429 reviews

Freshman: People at CMC are welcoming, driven, intelligent, and fun to be around. There are a variety of social communities present on campus from kids that went to prep school, international school, charter schools, and public schools. Professors make themselves so accessible, and for many of my freshmen courses I am required to meet with them 1 on 1 before writing an essay. Everyone agrees that the professors truly care about their students. The social life can be really fun—Monte Carlo, Oktoberfest, and 601 are all a blast (especially because cmc is a wet campus and half the student body is part of a varsity sport). The campus is gorgeous being in the mountains with brand new facilities with much more on the way that is expected to be finished between 2024 and 2027. Not to mention it’s connected to a great college town with access to golf courses, beaches, and parks. Ultimately, you get all the benefits of a small and mid sized school in one… as long as you can manage a ton of work.... Read 429 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,528 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,528 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  286 reviews

Senior: I transferred from Los Angeles Mission Community College to California Institute of the Arts in 2020. Since, I have been studying Music Technology and Digital Arts and am set to graduate this upcoming Fall! With my time at Calarts coming to a close, I am incredibly sad to leave my Calarts family behind. I love the Music Technology faculty, the amazing courses I have taken such as; Interface Design, Creative Producing for music, Advanced Electronic Ensemble, and Visual Programming (the list goes on)! These classes are some of the few that left me inspired and motivated to continue learning and pursuing my artistry after college. Nonetheless, these are classes that were very specific to my learning goals, that I would not have commonly found at any other university. My mentor, Madeline Falcone, has done an OUTSTANDING job of supporting me in my academic goals, while also pushing my artistry to the next level. I would love if the tuition was lower, because I am currently 120k in debt.... Read 286 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  148 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 148 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Burbank, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  118 reviews

Alum: New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to everything in the Film Industry. You will learn everything from Acting Methods to how to construct a proper resume. The Staff is absolutely wonderful when it comes to communication and any concerns you may have along the way. If you jump in 100%, you need not worry about difficult times in the Film Industry.... Read 118 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $43,006

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  649 reviews

Sophomore: I’m going to preface my experience with this: any experience you are put through in life becomes what you make of it. If you choose to pursue things you enjoy, I am sure you are to find happiness in what you do. You can find the good in the bad, or get lost in it. As someone incredibly passionate about art, I think Otis has been a great experience. There are many connections to be made here, ranging from guest speakers to having incredibly cool teachers in multiple different industries. Going into Digital Media with an Emphasis in Animation, I’m super excited about future classes + have enjoyed classes in the past. There are some incredibly kind and genuinely caring teachers and staff here. Granted there are a handful of difficult teachers, truly if you put your all into your work it does pay off. The community of people here is what you’d expect from an art school. It’s a culmination of interests + niches where it can be easy to get along with peers + have a supportive environment.... Read 649 reviews

• grade C

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $45,402

• SAT range 1130-1360

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,426 reviews

Senior: It's a big school so it was a little difficult to transition into my freshman year, but once I looked at the different resources and organizations the university offered, I loved it! It's really important to get involved while you're there. I was involved in different pre-law organizations, ASUC, Cal Cheerleading, and others and it was a great experience. It's a little difficult getting classes especially in your first or second year, but once you declare your major it's a lot easier. My major advisor Lauri is the best. She's super helpful and has made my time at Berkeley a lot easier. I would like to see an easier way for students to enroll to classes they need easier. I would also like for the university to recognize cheer as a sport so cheerleaders can have access to academic accommodations, as they are at all the sports events and have hours of practice per week.... Read 4,426 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,924 reviews

Sophomore: So far UCSD has been an amazing second home, with so many resources available to me. I have ventured out of my comfort zone by joining clubs and meeting new people! The professors are always striving to help us students learn better and willing to lend a helping hand whenever we need further explanation. I have grown comfortable with my new environment and the school itself, and cannot wait to spend the rest of my undergraduate years here at UCSD.... Read 3,924 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,067 reviews

Senior: Davis has been an extraordinary experience as a pre-med student! The faculty's expertise and genuine care for students have been remarkable. They provide engaging lectures, one-on-one guidance, and research opportunities. The pre-med advising team is accessible and immensely helpful, supporting me in every aspect of my journey. The campus is beautiful, offering study spaces and research facilities with cutting-edge resources. The inclusive environment fosters collaboration with like-minded peers, making it feel like a family. Davis also provides numerous healthcare and medicine-related clubs and organizations, enhancing networking opportunities. The university's ties to local hospitals and medical centers have opened doors for internships and clinical experiences, giving me invaluable exposure to the medical field. My time at Davis has been transformative and inspiring, preparing me for medical school and beyond. I highly recommend Davis to any aspiring pre-med student.... Read 5,067 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• Whittier, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  793 reviews

Sophomore: As a sophomore business major at Whittier College hailing from Brazil, I've cherished my time on this welcoming campus. The tight-knit community fosters a sense of familiarity, allowing me to easily connect with both my peers and professors. My academic pursuits have been rewarding, providing me with a strong foundation in business, while the cozy campus environment ensures that I'm familiar with nearly everyone around. However, there are moments when I find myself yearning for more activities to engage in. To combat this, I've explored extracurricular clubs, ventured into nearby attractions in Los Angeles, and built strong relationships with my professors and fellow students, all of which have added depth and excitement to my college journey.... Read 793 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,091

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,227 reviews

Junior: The campus community thrives on inclusivity and support, with individuals eager to engage in meaningful conversations and lend a helping hand. UCI has a myriad of club opportunities available. No matter your interests, there is an organization that caters to your passions that provide avenues for personal development and also serve as platforms for making lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals! The campus boasts a wide array of support resources aimed at ensuring the success and well-being of every student. Academic support centers, tutoring programs, and career services are readily available, empowering students to excel in their studies and prepare for their future endeavors. A big plus is that within a short walking distance there is a lot of dining options. Additionally, the convenience of nearby grocery stores and transportation to them ensures that students can easily access the essentials they need, making life on campus incredibly convenient.... Read 4,227 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  603 reviews

Freshman: As a First Year at FIDM, it is literally everything a fashion opportunist could look for in a school! The courses not only supply basic knowledge in fashion but also take it a step further into color, design, advertising, and more to increase your skills when the opportunity comes. Unlike other schools, this institution definitely attracts opportunities for students to entail in their career.... Read 603 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $41,070

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,346 reviews

Freshman: Beyond the excellent academics, SDSU has a great social and school spirit atmosphere with amazing athletics and clubs. As an out-of-state freshman, the transition to college has been tough; however, the many welcoming communities between fun or academic clubs, intramural, club, and D1 sports, and various other excellent programs. There are countless wonderful opportunities, including those at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC). Students (and others) can take classes for surfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and more! So far, the surfing class has been a major highlight for me. Getting around is also extremely easy, which is a big deal as a freshman without a car. The trolley and bus system is free to students under 20, which is a major bonus for getting around San Diego, going to the MBAC, and getting other important places in SoCal (like the airport)! I also feel that SDSU is a very safe campus, and has overall been a wonderful experience filled with growth and learning. Go Tecs!... Read 5,346 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Burbank, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  473 reviews

Alum: I had an Excellent Business School Experience at Woodbury University. I completed my business degree (BBA & MBA) at Woodbury University and couldn't be happier with my experience. The faculty were incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, challenging us to think critically & develop real-world skills. The coursework was rigorous but rewarding, and the supportive student community made for a truly collaborative learning environment. One of the highlights of my experience was a project-based class that allowed me to work closely with a team of classmates on a real-world business challenge. I learned a tremendous amount about teamwork, problem-solving, & project management, and the skills I developed in that class have already proven invaluable in my career. I highly recommend Woodbury University's business school to anyone looking for a top-notch education and a supportive, collaborative learning environment. Thank you, Woodbury University, for preparing me for success in my future career!... Read 473 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $32,293

• SAT range 940-1220

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  501 reviews

Junior: I think one thing that sets Oxy apart from other schools is the relationship you will build with your professors and peers in a class setting. My professors are always really accessible and encourage everyone to go to office hours and ask questions. Because of the small class size and collaborative setting where I am able to talk to my classmates, I've met some of my closest friends in my classes at Oxy. Everyone here is super involved and passionate about something they do on campus. This creates a really fun and supportive culture where we all go to everyone's club events, music performances, and sports games. Oxy really takes advantage of its location in Los Angeles. I've had field trips to Downtown LA and City Hall, and there are lots of opportunities to get off campus like free tickets to the Kings game last week! I chose Oxy because I wanted to be a part of a community that cares about what they are doing and that is exactly what I've found here.... Read 501 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  647 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 647 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,692 reviews

Junior: My experience at the University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB) was truly incredible! From the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful coastal campus, I knew I was in for an amazing adventure. The combination of fun and learning at UCSB was beyond comparison. Academically, UCSB exceeded my expectations. The university is renowned for its rigorous programs across various disciplines, and the faculty members are top-notch. The courses were intellectually stimulating, challenging me to expand my knowledge and think critically.... Read 4,692 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Angwin, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  679 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 679 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,767

• SAT range 900-1140

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,741 reviews

Senior: This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive, namely, cause of not only my own achievements, but my family and siblings to come as well. As a first time generation student who was not exposed to diverse environments, independent environments; LMU has created a comfortable, easily accessible environment for us! I am thrilled that my siblings will be attending LMU next year, and joining the summer program this summer, 2023! Thank you LMU for being extremely welcoming, having positively supporting staff and support groups!... Read 1,741 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420