2024 Top Private Universities in California

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,265 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,265 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  132 reviews

Alum: I was in the Class of 1996. I had such a difficult time due to personal issues. I wish someone had been able to explain to me that it is okay to take a break. That would have been better than failing out and then taking a break. Also, peer support at the counseling center would have made a difference.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• 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 3.98 out of 5  3,993 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 3,993 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  1,154 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Narional has been good overall! The classes are set at a really good pace. The professors are super helpful and invested in the students. The only feedback for change that I have is the administration/financial aid side of things is kind of tricky once you are a student. I’ve been at National for 7 months now and still haven’t received my financial aid. Granted the school hasn’t been demanding I pay for my classes right now, I just have Large bill. And advisors don’t know much about that. They did just recently do something where they cross trained the admin team so that they are able to help with everything so that should be really helpful. I love Narional university and I would recommend them to anyone!... Read 1,154 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $9,966

• SAT range 750-1170

• 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

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,936 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at USD has been positive so far! The campus is so pretty, so it's definitely a nice environment to learn within. I love how unique and consistent the architecture is, even with new buildings, and the view of Mission Bay is fun to see every day. My first-year housing experience (in Camino) was good. The bathrooms were recently renovated, so that was appreciated, and there were a lot of private bathroom spaces. All of my professors were so nice as well!... Read 1,936 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,736 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 1,736 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,341 reviews

Alum: Pepperdine University is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there - I loved my professors, loved the location, and loved the stunning campus. Everyone there was remarkably friendly, and when I switched my major to Art History, I felt very welcomed by the department and encouraged in the pursuit of my goals. My professors were eager to offer help and advice, and it was clear that they enjoyed their careers and loved teaching and mentoring students. The other classes that I took outside of my major (as part of Pepperdine's liberal arts curriculum) were also excellent. I found my religion classes (three required) especially fascinating; given that I was not a Christian student, all the material was new for me and quite enlightening. The classes I took for my minor - Creative Writing - were also fantastic, particularly my Spiritual Writing class (taught by an outstanding professor). I had an amazing time at Pepperdine, and in all honesty, wish I could go back!... Read 1,341 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,456 reviews

Alum: I had an amazing time at SCU and am proud to be a BRONCO! There are tons of job opportunities in the Bay Area because there are thousands of successful companies in the area, classes are small, education is impressive, the campus is beautiful, and people are so friendly. Santa Clara is not only a great university; the statistical information speaks for itself, but it is more than the numbers. Everyone is happy and proud to study here. The numbers are just getting better each year.... Read 1,456 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,027 reviews

Graduate Student: Point Loma Nazarene University excels in both academics and personal connection. Not only with students be able to find like-minded people, they will also have continuous support from professors and faculty throughout their college journey. The small class sizes allow for students to become close with their professors and classmates, which helps in building their network. My professors have helped me drastically in finding jobs, connecting me with others in the field, and by giving me personal advice and guidance in life. From my time at Point Loma Nazarene University, I feel as though I have grown personally, academically, and spiritually. I contribute a great amount of being who I am today because of my experiences at Point Loma Nazarene University. I enjoyed my time so much that I chose to return for my master's degree as well!... Read 1,027 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $34,851

• SAT range 1170-1350

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,284 reviews

Junior: I am about to enter my third year at Biola, and so far I have enjoyed my experience. I have learned valuable and practical knowledge and skills to apply to the business world, have made connections that exposed me to amazing opportunities, and have received a biblically based education which was one of my top priorities back when I was looking for schools. Although, If I could change one thing, it would be the option to opt out of meal plans regardless of housing status. I would love to save money by cooking my own food. This way, I could have more money go towards my tuition. Overall, I have had a great experience and am looking forward to returning this fall!... Read 2,284 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,261 reviews

Graduate Student: Chapman was the first time I ever had a truly positive educational experience. One of the things I enjoyed about the school was how the student body is incredibly friendly, open to new experience, and almost always will lend a helping hand. For the most part, classes are smaller and professors are engaging. Almost all professors I had were really passionate about the subjects they taught and were more than willing to assist any students with questions. If you are a student with a disability, this school office of disability services is one of the best I have ever dealt with. The school's disability services goes above and beyond to make sure students feel accommodated. Aslo, Chapman is the first school that I ever had positive interactions with admin. They always wanted to see me succeed and almost always had to time to interact if you just dropped in. Overall, everyone is very kind and really just wants to see you succeed! I liked the school so much I stayed on for Grad School!... Read 2,261 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,319 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 2,319 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  111 reviews

Freshman: Stanbridge takes pride in making sure that their students succeed and I can agree. Although it is only my first term, all the professors and advisors that I have met have been very helpful. Some improvements that can be made are with parking and technical difficulties. Despite the expansion of the overflow lot across the street, parking is still very difficult to find considering that there are so many cohorts on campus at one time. In my honest opinion, the Edverum website can be improved by being able to see your grades for all your classes on one page. Another thing that should be changed is where we can see all the assignments that are due during the week all on one page too. These two enhancements can help create an efficient workspace for students. On the other hand, I wish the communication was better between the staff and students. Other than that, I would recommend this school to others!... Read 111 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $36,905

• SAT range —

• Stockton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,315 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy my university! The student to professor ratio is small which is perfect for getting to know your professors one-on-one and asking for help. There are also many resources available on campus for various things from career services to therapy counseling. I have held three on-campus jobs and I have enjoyed them all. My supervisors were super understanding of my course load and would allow me to plan my work schedule around that. I am also involved in a sorority on campus as well as a couple clubs which has made my college experience that much better. As a STEM student, I did not think I would have enough time for fun and leisure, but joining organizations on campus has helped me make that time for myself and it has been great. I am also a commuter student so joining these organizations has also helped me in a social aspect.... Read 1,315 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,311

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,862 reviews

Junior: All throughout high school my teachers would try to hammer this perception that in college, I would be truly independent and nothing more than a number in a classroom. This couldn't be further from the truth regarding CBU. The professors here generally care for their students and show teaching is their passion. Professors remind us on the regular that they're available during their office hours and are even willing to make themselves available for us whenever we had questions. Every Professor I've had thus far has prayed for us before we take an exam, this helped me feel less stressed. Campus life is fun. Dorm life is a great way to make connections. If you're an incoming freshman, I recommend you try and live in Smith/Simmons hall. Campus always has a lot of events going on all the time. Make sure you get involved! The on-campus food is fantastic. I highly recommend El Monte. If you want something different than on-campus food, there's a great selection of food nearby campus.... Read 2,862 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• 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

• Azusa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,778 reviews

Graduate Student: The opportunity to become a graduate student at Azusa Pacific University came at great time in my life. As we were all getting through the pandemic, I had a lot of time think about whether I should go back to school, or not. I ended up applying for the Music Industry & Entrepreneurship program, and I'm glad I did. It's really been a blessing to me and my family, as I've been able to really dive in to the music industry and begin building a music company of my own. APU has assisted me in reaching my goal, and that's something that shouldn't be taken for granted. I'm certainly grateful, and glad to be a Cougar!... Read 2,778 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $27,112

• SAT range 1030-1260

• 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

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,166 reviews

Senior: While at Mount Saint Mary's University, I have had a phenomenal experience. Faculty and staff are easy-going and care tremendously about students' success. I enjoy how there is an inclusive atmosphere where everyone helps each other grow and become their ultimate best self. I like how the professors are easily accessible to go over course material and provide you with insight into assignments. Additionally, I enjoy how knowledgeable and sophisticated the professors are. In all honesty, there is nothing that I see that I would like to change as I have grown fondly over the school.... Read 1,166 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• 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