2019 Top Private Universities in California

Best Colleges

214 results

Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
1,127
1 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
Read 1,127 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
5% Acceptance Rate
$16,695 Net Price
1380-1580 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California Institute of Technology
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
108
2 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: If you like science and tech, this is the place to go. Small school makes professors, research, work study, and other opportunities more available. You learn to work with others to get through the academics which are tough, but you ultimately come out with a great sense of accomplishment. It is not the right school for everyone but if you want to major in science or engineering, it would be hard to find a better place.
Read 108 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
8% Acceptance Rate
$26,839 Net Price
1510-1600 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
362
3 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
Read 362 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$18,140 Net Price
1340-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
982
Alum: 15 years out of SMC, having taken undergrad courses at Berkeley; grad courses at Fordham, Columbia and receiving my master’s from NYU, I know that that this institution is top-notch. It’s definitely a you-get-what-you-put-into-it. You will encounter caring and passionate professors and a community. Every time I visit the campus, it seems more diverse and of course, that’s inspiring. I was a business major but the liberal arts aspects - learning to think deeply and to constantly question the answer with a critical view - is what this school is about. This school opens you up to making connections in material and in the real world. I went straight to NYC for a decade, two weeks after graduating from SMC. I will say that St Mary’s is a bubble; the school isn’t so much about teaching street smarts, but you can easily learn all things academic here, if you choose. Getting involved is key, too. And the alum connections are fantastic.
Read 982 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
80% Acceptance Rate
$35,696 Net Price
950-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,491
4 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
Read 3,491 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$32,932 Net Price
1280-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Claremont McKenna College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
411
5 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: Where do I begin, I have so much to say about how much I love this school. When I first came to Claremont McKenna, I feared that it would be difficult to make friends as it is such a small school. However, the first day shocked me completely. Everyone was so freaking nice, like unbelievably nice. In the last 3 months of being here, I know about 250/360 kids in my class, and of course a lot of upperclassmen. The party scene here is exactly what I want from a school ,inclusivity, but everyone definitely shares a work hard, play hard mentality. We know how to party, but we also know how to be the scholarly students we got in here for being. The party scene truly is spectacular. The dining hall food is amazing. Sports teams are great as 1/3 of the student body participates in sports There are pretty much a million ways to get involved on campus. I want to continue rambling about how much I love it here, but I also have an econ quiz tomorrow, but I hope that helps. S'GO STAGTHENAS!
Read 411 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$30,527 Net Price
1320-1490 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
129
6 Top Private Universities in California
Junior: Academics at Harvey Mudd are exceptional. It is rigorous and not always rewarding, but at the end of the day, you learn a lot. Plenty of exciting classes to take, both at Mudd and at the other 5Cs. Mudders are easy to get along with. Only major issue with Mudd is the lack of grade inflation which can hurt your chances of getting into a top Grad school program. Getting a job after graduating from Mudd is easier and very rewarding.
Read 129 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
13% Acceptance Rate
$35,460 Net Price
1420-1580 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Pitzer College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
606
7 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: My dream school! Amazing location amazing academics and environment. I literally can’t stop talking about this school with friends and family haha i’m obsessed. The core values of course are really what set it apart from the other 5cs and I feel that pitzer deserves more of a personal identity apart from the other colleges. It deserves much more individual recognition because it really is such a unique educational establishment. I am so lucky I go here and recommend it to anyone who is really looking to go to school with passionate and brilliant peers. The food is incredible of course and they’re super accommodating to vegans (my personal dietary restriction). Claremont is an adorable charming city and a comfortable distance from LA. All in all, PZ is such a special school that I love so much
Read 606 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$25,521 Net Price
1300-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Santa Clara University
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
1,308
8 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: So far, I love my experience at SCU! Everyone I've encountered has been friendly and the professors are awesome to talk to. The campus is beautiful and a perfect size. There are many resources open to students to help them out academically and with their career interests. If I were to point out any cons, housing can get expensive, the party scene isn't very big, and attending athletic sporting events isn't as common as other colleges. However, I still think SCU was the right choice for me.
Read 1,308 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$37,657 Net Price
1200-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Scripps College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
433
9 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: I loved attending Scripps! An excellent environment in which to develop my whole self, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. As an alum, I am grateful every day for my time there.
Read 433 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
30% Acceptance Rate
$37,860 Net Price
1290-1440 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
427
10 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: Occidental College is one of the most underrated colleges out there. It has excellent faculty who are committed to seeing their students realize their fullest potential and succeed in whatever they are passionate in. Great facilities, beautiful campus, great location, excellent weather year-round. I have formed lifelong friendships and gained great faculty and professional mentors and I am proud to call myself an alum there. Thanks to Oxy, I was able to get connected to many great opportunities such as study abroad, and now I am a Fulbright grantee. It is definitely a very liberal campus so may be difficult for conservative students but this climate definitely challenges conservative students to clearly think through their opinions and convictions, ultimately molding everyone to be a more careful thinker, more articulate speaker and writer, and better global citizen.
Read 427 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
46% Acceptance Rate
$31,990 Net Price
1200-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Loyola Marymount University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
1,549
11 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: This university campus is beautiful! I've stopped by here on and off throughout the years, and now I have had a chance to come here and I have many friends who came here. Notably, many of my buddies that play basketball. This school is private and tuition is high, yes, but the quality is great. The facilities are clean, modern, and pleasing to the eye. The students here are pretty cool too. If you're looking for a private school, and want more of a quiet suburban feel, then LMU might be your place.
Read 1,549 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$40,946 Net Price
1120-1330 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Pepperdine University
4 Year
Malibu, CA
1,178
12 Top Private Universities in California
Junior: I am so glad I chose Pepperdine. The people you meet are truly incredible. There is a great community at Pepperdine, people truly care and there are so many fun things to do in the area. Malibu is the dream, in every sense of the word. Then 2/3's of the sophomore class goes abroad, which will be the best year of your life! Pepperdine's abroad program is the best in the country. You live/travel in a country for a semester/year with your best friends. Pepperdine is making a big effort to create healthy dialogue about racial, sexual, and religious diversity, and gender equality. Pepperdine will really equip you well for the real world because you'll learn so much about yourself, how to be well-rounded, and how to make great connections post-grad.
Read 1,178 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
37% Acceptance Rate
$39,637 Net Price
1110-1330 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
1,769
13 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: I just graduated from USD, and man I miss it so much! The campus is stunningly beautiful, the professors actually care about you and know your name, the food is fantastic, and San Diego is such an amazing city. I know some people may think only rich snobby people go here, but I could not disagree more. Although there is wealth present on campus due to the fact that it is a private school in southern CA, there are plenty of down to earth individuals. I myself was given a large scholarship to USD, and I know many others are in the same position. Additionally, so many opportunities were available to me through USD. I am pre-med, and I was able to work in a lab for 3 years and publish my work, have an internship in the trauma department at Scripps Hospital, and SO much more. Greek life is very present on campus as well and I highly encourage going Greek. I chose USD over a top UC for the personalized education and never regretted my decision.
Read 1,769 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$38,596 Net Price
1100-1310 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Chapman University
4 Year
Orange, CA
2,031
14 Top Private Universities in California
Senior: Overall I am very happy with the undergraduate program and my experience at Chapman. I’m working on a BA in digital arts/animation, finishing up my thesis, and I feel very well prepared for my future. Why? Because my professors, department chair and Student Career Center care about me. They motivated me to do my best, helped me get into high quality internships to improve my chances of getting a job in a highly competitive field hopefully before I even graduate, and gave me the self confidence to know that I am going to succeed. That’s why I love Chapman!
Read 2,031 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$40,709 Net Price
1110-1300 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Point Loma Nazarene University
4 Year
San Diego, CA
916
15 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: This school is fantastic! The Christian community is something special that creates a welcoming, loving atosmophere unlike any other college. The faculty and staff pour everything they can into their students and go above and beyond in brilliant and heartwarming ways! Also, I have a disability, and the disability resource center is wonderful. The support and love I have felt at this school has truly changed my life and I am beyond grateful for PLNU!
Read 916 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
69% Acceptance Rate
$29,954 Net Price
1030-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
2,027
16 Top Private Universities in California
Junior: So far in my time at the University of San Francisco, I have been blown away by the professors. They are all passionate, smart, experts in their fields, and although some styles of teaching may clash I have never felt afraid to go and ask a professor for help. The small class sizes definitely help the close atmosphere one can develop with professors. The number of extracurriculars you can apply yourself to are also amazing. There's a club for everything. And I will plug a little about the theater group the College Players as I am a part of that! We have the second oldest student-run college theater group in the USA, second only to Harvard. How cool is that!
What could be improved is the cafeteria food. It's rather expensive, and not all that good for what you pay for.
Read 2,027 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$35,054 Net Price
1030-1250 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
2,094
17 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: Biola is a great place to learn and become a better leader for Christ. Every class integrates faith and the opportunities to become involved are plenty. Professors, staff, and students are very friendly! Also, chapels and events encourage spiritual biblical growth. Highly recommend this fantastic university. I am learning and growing a lot in my studies but most importantly growing in my walk with Jesus!
Read 2,094 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$32,273 Net Price
950-1220 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of the Pacific
4 Year
Stockton, CA
1,150
18 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: I like that the classes are generally small, even for freshmen GE classes. All of the professors I've had so far except one, are very helpful, and you are able to establish a more personal relationship with your professors due to the small class sizes. All of your professors will know your name, and they really care about helping you individually, how you are doing, and care about making sure you succeed, especially in SIS (department of International Studies). Another pro is that since its a small school, everybody knows everybody for the most part, and everybody is very friendly. For this reason, its also easy to make and find friends, and you'll see the usual students you see around the usual times you see them when you go to the cafeteria, the lair, the gym, or the library.
The Freshmen dorms, the walls are VERY thin, you literally could hear everything so it could get annoying if your floor or neighbors are loud and you want to sleep, study, or just want some peace and quiet.
Read 1,150 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$33,794 Net Price
1030-1300 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Westmont College
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
457
19 Top Private Universities in California
Sophomore: Such an amazing school full of wonderful people! For the most part every person I've met has been so friendly and caring. I can say the same for all the staff and professors as well. Campus is absolutely stunning and it just makes me so happy to walk around and see all the beautiful plants and trees.
Read 457 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$34,974 Net Price
1060-1280 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Azusa Pacific University
4 Year
Azusa, CA
2,554
20 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: As a small liberal arts college, Azusa Pacific University is like a hole-in-the-wall college that's a hidden gem. More specifically, the department of biology and chemistry is vastly experienced and well organized, though most others are not as well maintained. The facilities management is not always on par and some policies unnecessarily hinder your learning and social life. Cumulatively, however, I am very happy with my education and look forward to applying all I've learned in medical school next year!
Read 2,554 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
61% Acceptance Rate
$28,506 Net Price
900-1130 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of La Verne
4 Year
La Verne, CA
1,011
21 Top Private Universities in California
Junior: I just transfer to University of La Verne and I love the college life so far. I really like the staffs are kind; they want to help you to solve the problems. I love the advisers; they understand it is difficult to study while you are working full time. They try to make your college life as easier as possible by give you helpful advise. Sometimes, they willing to take you to certain department to solve your problem! The professors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic about the subject they teach. They always prepare the class and hand out rich resources. It is not easy to complete the all the assignments, but you actually learn things. I highly recommend the University of La Verne to my friends or who wants to back to school to have a better life. It is worth investment.
Read 1,011 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$22,284 Net Price
930-1130 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Stanbridge University
4 Year
Irvine, CA
39
22 Top Private Universities in California
Alum: Since this is a vocational college, the setting was very intimate and black and white. One can walk in financial aid, the registrar's office or the Dean of Nursing's office with or without appointment and everything you need be done shall be in under 15 minutes. The administration listens to the student's opinions a lot so they may improve for the next class. Since this is also a private school, they value their students a lot. The once a year graduation for every course is grand and they process your paperwork for the state board exam right away as long as you submit your requirements on time. This was a really tough school for me because I was in it full time- meaning M-F usually 0630-1600 but in the end, every tear and struggle paid off and I'm currently excelling as an LVN. Thank you, Stanbridge!
Read 39 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
60% Acceptance Rate
$25,027 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California Lutheran University
4 Year
Thousand Oaks, CA
1,036
23 Top Private Universities in California
Graduate Student: In my profession, I have heard employers and districts will only hired those from this university because they know when the students graduate, they are prepared for the workforce.

Great school and amazing professors. Excellent opportunities!
Read 1,036 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$29,038 Net Price
993-1200 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
The Master's University
4 Year
Santa Clarita, CA
441
24 Top Private Universities in California
Freshman: I have had a phenomenal experience at The Master's University. The university staff is very invested in helping every student to achieve their goals. The academic programs are very well-designed and the professors are excellent at helping students to understand the material intellectually, as well as practically. The university campus is very well-laid out and the food is delicious. While the school's weakest aspects would be its athletics department and party scene, that can be a positive, depending on what is most important to you. All things considered, The Master's University is a fantastic school and you will not regret furthering your education here.
Read 441 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
83% Acceptance Rate
$26,650 Net Price
950-1210 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
551
25 Top Private Universities in California
Graduate Student: Great teachers and curriculum! Small classes mean more time to pay attention and learn the various subjects they have to offer. Also, lifetime access to the career center is a plus!
Read 551 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
41% Acceptance Rate
$37,959 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Los Angeles College of Music
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
13
College Junior: At Lacma every department wants to give the student the best experience. The housing department was really present when I moved to Los Angeles, I was also given help with the visa process, admissions etc
Read 13 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$31,456 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Musicians Institute
4 Year
Hollywood, CA
73
Senior: This is a great school . There is a goood community of musicians willing to work and are serious about music. You will meet a lot of smart , vivacious , ambitious, people at this school. This school is costy but provides many connections that are priceless.
Read 73 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
80% Acceptance Rate
$34,970 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?

1 of 9

2019 Top Private Universities in CaliforniaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

California Institute of Technology

Pomona College

Saint Mary's College of California

University of Southern California

Claremont McKenna College

Harvey Mudd College

Pitzer College

Santa Clara University

Scripps College

Occidental College

Loyola Marymount University

Pepperdine University

University of San Diego

Chapman University

Point Loma Nazarene University

University of San Francisco

Biola University

University of the Pacific

Westmont College

Azusa Pacific University

University of La Verne

Stanbridge University

California Lutheran University

The Master's University

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

Los Angeles College of Music

Musicians Institute