Skip to Main Content

2024 Top Private Universities in California

1-25 of 175 results

  1. #1 Top Private Universities in California.

    Stanford University

    4 Year,

    STANFORD, CA,

    1265 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

    Featured Review: Niche User says 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...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...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,....

    Read 1265 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 4%,

    Net Price: $14,402,

    SAT Range: 1470-1570,

  2. #2 Top Private Universities in California.

    Harvey Mudd College

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    CLAREMONT, CA,

    147 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says 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!...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...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....

    Read 147 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 10%,

    Net Price: $33,838,

    SAT Range: 1480-1560,

  3. Tell us what matters most to you and we'll create a custom list of schools tailored to fit your needs.
  4. #4 Top Private Universities in California.

    Pomona College

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    CLAREMONT, CA,

    419 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says 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....

    Read 419 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 7%,

    Net Price: $17,000,

    SAT Range: 1470-1570,

  5. #5 Top Private Universities in California.

    Claremont McKenna College

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    CLAREMONT, CA,

    428 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says 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....

    Read 428 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 11%,

    Net Price: $21,663,

    SAT Range: 1420-1530,

  6. #6 Top Private Universities in California.

    University of Southern California

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    LOS ANGELES, CA,

    3993 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says 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....

    Read 3993 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 13%,

    Net Price: $26,021,

    SAT Range: 1410-1540,

  7. Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free
  8. #7 Top Private Universities in California.

    National University

    4 Year,

    LA JOLLA, CA,

    1154 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says 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...I love Narional university and I would recommend them to anyone!.

    Read 1154 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Acceptance Rate: 55%,

    Net Price: $9,966,

    SAT Range: 750-1170,

  9. #12 Top Private Universities in California.

    Pepperdine University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    MALIBU, CA,

    1341 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says 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....

    Read 1341 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Acceptance Rate: 53%,

    Net Price: $40,945,

    SAT Range: 1260-1440,

  10. #14 Top Private Universities in California.

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    SAN DIEGO, CA,

    1027 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Graduate Student says 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....

    Read 1027 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Acceptance Rate: 84%,

    Net Price: $34,851,

    SAT Range: 1170-1350,

  11. #16 Top Private Universities in California.

    Chapman University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    ORANGE, CA,

    2261 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Graduate Student says 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,...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 2261 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Acceptance Rate: 60%,

    Net Price: $40,451,

    SAT Range: 1210-1410,

  12. #17 Top Private Universities in California.

    University of San Francisco

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA,

    2319 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says 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....

    Read 2319 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Acceptance Rate: 71%,

    Net Price: $39,825,

    SAT Range: 1190-1390,

  13. #18 Top Private Universities in California.

    Stanbridge University - Orange County

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    IRVINE, CA,

    111 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says 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....

    Read 111 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: B+,

    Acceptance Rate: 10%,

    Net Price: $36,905,

  14. #19 Top Private Universities in California.

    University of the Pacific

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    STOCKTON, CA,

    1315 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says 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....

    Read 1315 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: B+,

    Acceptance Rate: 79%,

    Net Price: $21,311,

    SAT Range: 1120-1380,

  15. #20 Top Private Universities in California.

    California Baptist University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    RIVERSIDE, CA,

    2862 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says 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....

    Read 2862 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: B+,

    Acceptance Rate: 64%,

    Net Price: $23,494,

    SAT Range: 990-1210,

  16. #23 Top Private Universities in California.

    Vanguard University of Southern California

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    COSTA MESA, CA,

    918 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says 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....

    Read 918 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: B+,

    Acceptance Rate: 69%,

    Net Price: $20,427,

    SAT Range: 980-1200,

Showing results 1 through 25 of 175