2021 Top Private Universities in California

About this List

The Top Private Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares top private colleges and universities in each state. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Colleges

165 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
Rating 4.08 out of 5 1,207 reviews
#1 Top Private Universities in California
Graduate Student: There is no other university like it on the planet. The undergrad experience is fantastic--Stanford really makes sure to integrate first year students into campus life.

Stanford does everything well: academics, extracurriculars, social scene, sports, food, the arts, improv comedy(!), etc. You name it, Stanford does it and does it brilliantly. It even has the best weather!

And don't forget about the grad programs. They are outstanding across the board.
Read 1,207 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
4% Acceptance Rate
$16,779 Net Price
1440-1570 SAT Range
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California Institute of Technology
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
Rating 3.93 out of 5 124 reviews
#2 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: One of the greatest school a student can go to. For engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, Caltech is the place to be.
Read 124 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
6% Acceptance Rate
$27,438 Net Price
1530-1560 SAT Range
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University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Rating 3.95 out of 5 3,789 reviews
#3 Top Private Universities in California
Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
Read 3,789 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
11% Acceptance Rate
$37,521 Net Price
1360-1530 SAT Range
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Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 4.21 out of 5 400 reviews
#4 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Pomona College is a great school with so many interesting people from all over the world! It's a very diverse group of students, and because there are 4 other colleges there, we have access to a wide range of classes, locations and experiences across the "5C's." I play softball for Pomona Pitzer, and the team spirit keeps me sane, while the support from other student-athletes from football and baseball, etc. is really cool. It's a small school, but big on ideas and things to do in and around LA area. Claremont is a cool little village we walk to from campus and its only a short drive to beach or mountains.
Read 400 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
7% Acceptance Rate
$18,500 Net Price
1390-1540 SAT Range
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Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 3.71 out of 5 135 reviews
#5 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: Attending Harvey Mudd College was a humbling experience. I was able to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics with peers who were similarly passionate. There are boundless opportunities to take courses both on campus or at any of the four other undergraduate Claremont Colleges that are all within a 1-mile radius, just a short walk or quick bike-ride away. I had the opportunity to pursue summer research projects and engage in a thesis project during my senior year. The campus encourages students to present their research across the nation at various conferences. It’s not uncommon for the department sponsoring your research project to also sponsor your attendance at research conferences including paying for hotel, airfare, and a food stipend! Last but most definitely not least, the advisors are passionate about your success and meet with students frequently. I personally met with my advisor on a weekly basis. I am grateful for this amazing undergraduate institution!
Read 135 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$39,411 Net Price
1490-1570 SAT Range
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Claremont McKenna College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 3.93 out of 5 421 reviews
#6 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Claremont Mckenna College is an amazing academic institution. Every student here is so passionate and loves to learn. Claremont has an incredible, close knit-community that is incredibly supportive. My professors all are so kind and involved. I love CMC! Sko nas!
Read 421 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
10% Acceptance Rate
$24,456 Net Price
1360-1510 SAT Range
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Santa Clara University
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,408 reviews
#7 Top Private Universities in California
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 1,408 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$42,114 Net Price
1280-1440 SAT Range
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Scripps College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 3.98 out of 5 451 reviews
#8 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: Your experience at Scripps will be what you make of it to some extent. If you become more involved on campus and fully integrate yourself within the community it'll likely be more enjoyable. I personally felt the people at Scripps were the best part of the experience. I loved being surrounded by such intelligent and thoughtful individuals. My peers were hard workers, but I personally never felt a pressure to compete with them, per se. I also loved a lot of my Scripps professors and enjoyed the classes where we were able to have discussions in small groups. The campus itself is probably the prettiest of the 5Cs and has one of the best dining halls. The bad parts: bureaucracy and the administration over looking student needs. I felt a lot of the times students would voice their opinions only to be shut down by those in the admin. It can also be a high stress environment, and the school itself lacks resources to fully assist all students, leading to greater inequity.
Read 451 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$39,702 Net Price
1330-1490 SAT Range
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Pitzer College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 3.78 out of 5 634 reviews
#9 Top Private Universities in California
Niche User: I loved this place! I did a domestic exchange program for a semester. Nice dorms, friendly student body, good food in the dining hall, and cool classes. A lot of fun classes on pop culture and media studies. It was a nice break from my sad, east coast liberal arts college. It was a bit easier than I anticipated it to be, more consistent assignments throughout the year rather than huge final projects like I was used to, but classes at Pomona or Scripps will amp up your workload. Still, like any college, it's just about the classes you take.
Con: HUGE wealth gap here between students. First gen solidarity is strong here though. Such a pretty campus, and amazing Latinx Student Union which I joined while I was there.
Read 634 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$36,552 Net Price
1300-1450 SAT Range
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Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Rating 3.61 out of 5 472 reviews
#10 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Oxy has always fostered passionate and committed academics with a highly focused attention towards global and local impacts, while still maintaining an easy-going and inclusive west-coast attitude. I feel at home there. One thing that definitely needs to change, however, is their focus on the black students and black studies. The latter is a withering major and the former have suffered lack of support. Especially considering the unexpected deaths of two black students on campus this past semester, black students are feeling more desolate in the school's environment than usual. Oxy likes to parade itself around as a pillar of inclusivity, but the lack of ownership and material reparations dedicated to dismantling racist conditions of the college, such as the blackface incident from a donor of the school (who graduated in the 80s) that rose to light this past year, truly prove that Oxy thrives under a facade of progressive interests. Please change this! Our students deserve it.
Read 472 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
37% Acceptance Rate
$35,362 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
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Loyola Marymount University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,663 reviews
#11 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: It was a great experience! I participated in various student organizations as well as study abroad programs, which were all amazing and well run. The school really takes care of their students.
Read 1,663 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$47,292 Net Price
1230-1410 SAT Range
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Pepperdine University
4 Year
Malibu, CA
Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,265 reviews
#12 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: I loved the professor and campus! It was here that I found my faith, my voice, and my calling to be who I am today. I would recommend this small, private university for anyone who is looking to be known by their teachers. In terms of the social life, it can be lacking and you will really need to put in your own time and effort to find community that you belong to. This means going to events, or being involved in something to find the group of people you really want to be friends. Along with that, I will say be true to who you are and the right people will find their to you and you will be more than happy. With that being said, Pepperdine can also have folks who give off such a fake facade, so be careful.
Read 1,265 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$42,135 Net Price
1230-1450 SAT Range
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University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Rating 3.67 out of 5 1,864 reviews
#13 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: I would like to see a price change because it can very pricy and its hard to pay at times. Overall I like the school.
Read 1,864 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$35,936 Net Price
1190-1370 SAT Range
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Chapman University
4 Year
Orange, CA
Rating 3.67 out of 5 2,182 reviews
#14 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Chapman is a great school! There are so many amazing things about it like the professors, the people, the greek life, the campus as a whole, the president. Overall, Chapman is amazing. Though I do not give it 5 stars because they do lack diversity and they really market themselves as a small school so you'll be able to get into all your classes which definitely is not the case. There are so many different opportunities Chapman gives you from the variety of majors and minors to the connections you will make, Chapman is the place to go if you want an amazing career in the future. The professors push and challenge you while also making learning fun. And how can you beat living 20 mins from the beach!
Read 2,182 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
56% Acceptance Rate
$43,767 Net Price
1190-1380 SAT Range
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Point Loma Nazarene University
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Rating 3.73 out of 5 971 reviews
#15 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Point Loma is paradise on earth. The campus is beautiful, the professors genuinely care about you, and the people are welcoming. I thought I wouldn't like attending a school with a small campus, but it turned out that it was just what I needed. Classes are extremely personal. You also get to meet a lot of people though! Precisely because it's small, you build deep and intimate connections with those around you. You also get to form tight knit relationships with your professors and their associates. This helps for any form of networking. Additionally, we have a variety of amazing local stores and events. San Diego is a beautiful area to live in, providing you with everything from famous taco stands to mainstream concerts. The education in itself is amazing. Statistically, PLNU has one of the best nursing programs in the country. The standard income rate after graduating is very high also. Overall, I recommend this school to anyone who wants to end with a good career/college experience.
Read 971 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
74% Acceptance Rate
$33,183 Net Price
1140-1310 SAT Range
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University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Rating 3.62 out of 5 2,198 reviews
#16 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: I love the University of San Francisco. The location is fantastic! There are always things to do around the city and the education is exceptional. The professors and school administration are very supportive of students. I feel a personal connection with my professors and the staff at the university. There are many campus resources that have helped me with classes, mental health, employment and so much more. I would recommend this university to anyone who is looking for an education that personally caters to the individual. I would also recommend this school for people who enjoy exploring places and trying new things.
Read 2,198 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$38,422 Net Price
1130-1330 SAT Range
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University of the Pacific
4 Year
Stockton, CA
Rating 3.62 out of 5 1,236 reviews
#17 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: A close-knit environment that allowed for constant collaboration between peers, professors, and faculty advisors. I am proud to call the University of the Pacific my home. I have developed more academically in the past two years at Pacific than my junior college and high school years combined. Pacific strives for excellence in all of its students and recognizes their abilities individually. While maintaining a positive experience on campus, the University of the Pacific additionally focuses time and energy into giving back to the Stockton Community. Plenty of volunteer opportunities provided alongside rich experiences that shape the way we view the world around us. Once a tiger, always a tiger.
Read 1,236 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$33,178 Net Price
1120-1360 SAT Range
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Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
Rating 3.96 out of 5 2,203 reviews
#18 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: Amazing Southern California Christian college experience. The professors are amazing here. They truly are present and care about each student not just during their time in the classes, but years after. The Bible classes were a highlight as they stayed focus on hard truth amidst a changing world rewriting what truth is. One of the best aspects of the academics is the ability to disagree while having space to still love one another. Overall, the school provided a hermaclated space of safety to grow and explore ideas before entering into the world beyond. I love Biola, and all the people who shaped me there!
Read 2,203 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$33,331 Net Price
1080-1310 SAT Range
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The Master's University
4 Year
Santa Clarita, CA
Rating 4.09 out of 5 476 reviews
#19 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: I came from public school and chose TMU over the UC system to enjoy a christian-based education. I learned so much about biblical studies, was able to study in Israel for a semester and made life-long friends. The on-campus experience is filled with activity throughout the year. The biblical education was taught by great bible teachers and the business courses were taught by extremely competent and successful leaders in the business world. Although not as well known as a UC school, I would not trade my experience and personal/professional education for the world!
Read 476 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$30,268 Net Price
990-1250 SAT Range
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Westmont College
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
Rating 3.68 out of 5 495 reviews
#20 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Westmont is one of the better Christian liberal arts colleges out there. I love the school's small student body and community - it took just a few months before I felt like I knew like half the people on campus, and yet the school never felt too small. There are some truly great students here. Westmont has wonderful professors and is differently more academically challenged than a typical challenge. I am impressed with how Westmont's Christian values felt genuine without becoming too legalistic or fundamental like some other Christian colleges. It is easy for those who are interested to plug into a strong Christian community. However, this college is not for everybody, and those who do not fit in struggle, especially non-Christian students. There have various diversity issues that have been raised that are currently being addressed, as well as an unhealthy addiction to "overcommitment" among the student body. Overall though, I am glad I picked Westmont.
Read 495 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$32,663 Net Price
1100-1330 SAT Range
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University of La Verne
4 Year
La Verne, CA
Rating 3.82 out of 5 1,128 reviews
#21 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: As of right now, I've been a student at the University of La Verne for at least a year now. So far, I quite in enjoy it. The campus has a rich history as it's been around for over a 100 years, and over those years, the school has made great leaps into cultural and ethical diversity and acceptance. Alongside that, being on campus is quite enjoyable and comfortable as there is usually some sort of event going on that everyone is welcome to enjoy, and you don't feel unsafe due to the proximity of the police station to the school and the many emergency telephones surrounding the campus. La Verne has been great!
Read 1,128 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
55% Acceptance Rate
$27,933 Net Price
1040-1190 SAT Range
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William Jessup University
4 Year
Rocklin, CA
Rating 3.86 out of 5 403 reviews
#22 Top Private Universities in California
Senior: William Jessup is a school that values community. Everything that they do is to foster a strong community of support, friendship, and love on their campus and that makes being there desirable! The professors are some of your best wisdom, friends, and are always fighting for your success. Each student is willing to step up and help you through prayer, support, and education.
Read 403 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$22,968 Net Price
950-1210 SAT Range
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Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Rating 3.57 out of 5 1,063 reviews
#23 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: I had an amazing experience at Saint Mary's! The campus is beautiful and extremely quiet, I loved that I was able to experience the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area and then return to our gorgeous campus tucked away in the hills. I always felt safe on campus and included and part of the community. The classes were also very engaging, the round table discussions we had helped to sharpen my speaking and critical thinking skills. The seminar classes allowed me to discuss the Great Books from writers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle among many others with my peers. My favorite program at SMC was our 4-1-4 schedule, that let me explore out of my major. Saint Mary's also has an amazing Career Center that helped me be able to graduate with a job at a Fortune 500 company. Overall I enjoyed SMC and encourage everyone to visit and consider attending if you are looking for small classroom sizes, great discussion, and a well rounded education.
Read 1,063 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$36,613 Net Price
1060-1240 SAT Range
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California Baptist University
4 Year
Riverside, CA
Rating 4.09 out of 5 2,667 reviews
#24 Top Private Universities in California
Graduate Student: I love how the staff is very approachable and understanding, they are willing to help their students succeed in every area possible. The courses are interesting helping students to stay engaged in their academics! They have amazon worship services that allows student to grow academically and spiritually. I am
Currently a graduate student, and I wish I went to this school for my undergrad. I would
Recommend this school for anyone looking to grow naturally, spiritually, and academically.
Read 2,667 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
78% Acceptance Rate
$23,055 Net Price
990-1210 SAT Range
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Azusa Pacific University
4 Year
Azusa, CA
Rating 3.77 out of 5 2,699 reviews
#25 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: I am currently a second year student at Azusa Pacific University and I absolutely love the school. I was always someone who didn’t really like school, but yet at APU they really make you feel welcomed and have plenty of resources to use in times of need. In addition, the students and professors are very friendly and helpful! Although the tuition can seem like a lot, but I love how Christ-centered the school is. The school itself is a small community, but it helps a lot in growth with Christ and even in our studies. Two things I would suggest is possibly offering more classes for students because enrolling for classes can be rough at times and possibly having online classes opened to commuters more because it would help those that are traveling further than local ones and for those that can not afford living on campus. I am a commuter myself and it is pretty hard going to school everyday sometimes driving for more than an hour due to traffic.
Read 2,699 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$27,707 Net Price
1030-1260 SAT Range
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James Madison University
4 Year
Harrisonburg, VA
Rating 3.81 out of 5 3,016 reviews
Alum: I loved going to James Madison University! I graduated in May 2018 with a major in Media Arts and Design (concentration in Interactive Design) and a minor in Art History. During my time at JMU, I was very involved in Student Ambassadors (tour guides), Madison Dance, and Alternative Breaks. As a black student, I was a little worried about attending JMU since the minority population is pretty small but I had a great experience. I never encountered any overt racism or felt any bias against me from my fellow students and professors. There were times though that I felt a little uncomfortable in the surrounding area of campus. I would occasionally see confederate flags, which left me feeling a bit cautious even though I didn't have any negative experiences (especially since I come from a very liberal and majority-black area). After graduation, I was able to find a job as a Graphic Designer within 3 months and I felt very prepared to complete the tasks that came with my job.
Read 3,016 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
77% Acceptance Rate
$18,708 Net Price
1120-1290 SAT Range
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Los Angeles College of Music
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
Rating 3.7 out of 5 23 reviews
Freshman: Everything about this school is fantastic. The teachers are welcoming and encouraging, administrative staff and are understanding and patient, and fellow students are goal oriented and passionate. This school is made for anyone with a passion for music. Not to mention, they offer music business and songwriting majors which not all music schools offer! If you are daring enough to audition, it’s something you won’t regret!
Read 23 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$35,872 Net Price
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Crafton Hills College
2 Year
Yucaipa, CA
Rating 3.66 out of 5 490 reviews
Graduate Student: My experience was absolutely amazing! I have no complaints. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the professors care so much and the counselors were incredible. I have been two 2 previous community colleges that have failed me. I am so happy i was able to obtain my associates degree in health science at Crafton!
Read 490 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$16,771 Net Price
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2021 Top Private Universities in California

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

California Institute of Technology

University of Southern California

Pomona College

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont McKenna College

Santa Clara University

Scripps College

Pitzer College

Occidental College

Loyola Marymount University

Pepperdine University

University of San Diego

Chapman University

Point Loma Nazarene University

University of San Francisco

University of the Pacific

Biola University

The Master's University

Westmont College

University of La Verne

William Jessup University

Saint Mary's College of California

California Baptist University

Azusa Pacific University

James Madison University

Los Angeles College of Music

Crafton Hills College