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2019 Top Private Universities in CaliforniaAbout 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.

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  1. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,134
    #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 1,134 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. 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
    • $24,466 Net Price
    • 1530-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 367
    #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 367 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Saint Mary's College of California

    • 4 Year
    • Moraga, CA
    • 988

    Niche User: Saint Mary's College is a very diverse group of students who regularly participate in protests and encourage others to join. The class sizes of typically no more than thirty students and the supportive professors make up for it. The professors go out of their way to ensure their students succeed, often extending office hours and staying on campus late to accommodate students' needs. The dorms here are also pretty spacious, and the school does a great job of matching up roommates. You will rarely hear of roommate problems because everyone is so friendly and eager to meet new people. If you are looking for a small school with a tight-knit community within an hour from a big city, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Saint Mary's College of California is the perfect fit for you.
    Read 988 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,414 Net Price
    • 1060-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,517
    #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 3,517 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 412
    #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 412 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,712 Net Price
    • 1340-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 130
    #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 130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,135 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Pitzer College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 607
    #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 607 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,935 Net Price
    • 1300-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Santa Clara University

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Clara, CA
    • 1,322
    #8 Top Private Universities in California

    Freshman: I will be a freshman at Santa Clara University during the next fall semester. My brother also attends SCU and is going to be a senior. We both love California and all of the opportunity the school has to offer. It is a private, jesuit university that has an amazing education, diversity, location, and food! You will love your experience, and I'm looking forward to mine.
    Read 1,322 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,900 Net Price
    • 1270-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Scripps College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 435
    #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 435 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,831 Net Price
    • 1290-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. 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
    • 42% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,738 Net Price
    • 1280-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,563
    #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 1,563 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,459 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Pepperdine University

    • 4 Year
    • Malibu, CA
    • 1,188
    #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 1,188 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,372 Net Price
    • 1200-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of San Diego

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 1,782
    #13 Top Private Universities in California

    Freshman: Going to the University of San Diego is like going to summer camp year round. By that I mean, half of the time I forget I'm just here for school! The campus is so gorgeous it doesn't feel like a traditional college environment at all, and I love that about it. The class sizes are small, enough so that your professor knows you by name. Being able to develop relationships with my professors has significantly helped my academic success in the classroom. I love everything that this school stands for. They are openly accepting of persons from all races and ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and religions. There are on campus resources for minority groups such as women, women and persons of color, and LGBTQ+. The only thing I think this school lacks is the numbers of students with diversity in race and ethnicity as well as economic backgrounds. This school does much to support diverse communities on campus, but lacks in the actual numbers and representation of these minority communities.
    Read 1,782 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,592 Net Price
    • 1180-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,040
    #14 Top Private Universities in California

    Freshman: Chapman University has a very diverse and inclusive campus. It is very easy to acclimate into your surroundings no matter where you are coming from, in-state or out-of-state. The professors truly do care about each student individually and are always there to help. Not only do they take the time to personally help a student, but they also make it an emphasis at the beginning of every semester to let students know that they are there to help in and out of the class. It is very difficult to find professors who are willing to go above and beyond for their students, however, Chapman has defied those means by hiring quality professors. I could not imagine my college education anywhere else but Chapman University!
    Read 2,040 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,053 Net Price
    • 1190-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Point Loma Nazarene University

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 920
    #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 920 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,349 Net Price
    • 1100-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of San Francisco

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 2,038
    #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 2,038 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,270 Net Price
    • 1100-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Biola University

    • 4 Year
    • La Mirada, CA
    • 2,107
    #17 Top Private Universities in California

    Alum: I loved my time at Biola! The business school is top-notch and definitely prepares you for a full-time job. The GenEd classes are high quality, and anyone looking for a Christian education will be impressed by the level of quality in the theology department. The size is just right and the campus is very pretty. The dorms are comfy, and people are very friendly. Overall, a great place!
    Read 2,107 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,206 Net Price
    • 1060-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of the Pacific

    • 4 Year
    • Stockton, CA
    • 1,159
    #18 Top Private Universities in California

    Junior: University of the Pacific offers a great range of programs. I am currently in the Speech Language Pathology program which is amazing! The classes are not impacted and you have a great student teacher relationship. They genuinely care about how you do academically and offer around the clock help. The teachers really prepare you for your career, they introduce us to actual things we will be using in our field. An overall rate for the school and my program is exceeding expectations.
    Read 1,159 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,715 Net Price
    • 1070-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Westmont College

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 461
    #19 Top Private Universities in California

    Junior: As a heads up, this is not a school to attend if you want to party. It's a dry campus and they expect students to follow that rule. The people they discipline are usually the ones that need help; they are much more focused on transformative policy rather than kicking you out. The food is not amazing but it has gotten dramatically better since my freshman year. The student Life [read: mandatory chapel] is lacking but they are aiming to address such issues as well.

    That being said, Westmont is a truly amazing school largely because of the professors. They are invested in any student's life and love to talk about life during office hours or over lunch. Additionally the various abroad programs are truly phenomenal. I know people who have traveled to over 20 countries with their Westmont professors.

    It may not be the traditional college experience but it definitely is a life changing one.
    Read 461 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,699 Net Price
    • 1060-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Azusa Pacific University

    • 4 Year
    • Azusa, CA
    • 2,569
    #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 2,569 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,784 Net Price
    • 990-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. University of La Verne

    • 4 Year
    • La Verne, CA
    • 1,022
    #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 1,022 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,718 Net Price
    • 1020-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. 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
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,224 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. California Lutheran University

    • 4 Year
    • Thousand Oaks, CA
    • 1,046
    #23 Top Private Universities in California

    Niche User: I had an amazing time a Cal Lu! I am not a student but I have participated in multiple activities that have allowed me to stay there for a short while, one of which is drum major camp. I got to stay there for a week and the hospitality was great! Everyone is so friendly the food was super good. I also enjoyed how small the campus was making it so much easier for me to get to where I needed to go. I highly recommend at least paying a visit to their campus and exploring what the campus looks like.
    Read 1,046 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,241 Net Price
    • 1060-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. The Master's University

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Clarita, CA
    • 446
    #24 Top Private Universities in California

    Junior: I think that this is a very unique University that holds strongly to the Bible and incorporating it into every aspect of the school. Excellence and integrity are highly valued and expected in every class. The professors are caring, passionate and intelligent professionals, while also down-to-earth. The classes are not easy. They are designed to make you actually learn the material and apply it to life. But the professors are skilled at incorporating various avenues of learning so audio, visual, and kinetic learners are reached where they are. Not to mention that the staff are cheerful, helpful, and go the extra mile to make sure you're taken care of.
    Only way I can see the school could improve would be to better communicate internally and externally.
    Read 446 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,809 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 555
    #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 555 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,448 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    The Master's University

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Clarita, CA
    • 446

    Junior: I think that this is a very unique University that holds strongly to the Bible and incorporating it into every aspect of the school. Excellence and integrity are highly valued and expected in every class. The professors are caring, passionate and intelligent professionals, while also down-to-earth. The classes are not easy. They are designed to make you actually learn the material and apply it to life. But the professors are skilled at incorporating various avenues of learning so audio, visual, and kinetic learners are reached where they are. Not to mention that the staff are cheerful, helpful, and go the extra mile to make sure you're taken care of.
    Only way I can see the school could improve would be to better communicate internally and externally.
    Read 446 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,809 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    California Lutheran University

    • 4 Year
    • Thousand Oaks, CA
    • 1,046

    Niche User: I had an amazing time a Cal Lu! I am not a student but I have participated in multiple activities that have allowed me to stay there for a short while, one of which is drum major camp. I got to stay there for a week and the hospitality was great! Everyone is so friendly the food was super good. I also enjoyed how small the campus was making it so much easier for me to get to where I needed to go. I highly recommend at least paying a visit to their campus and exploring what the campus looks like.
    Read 1,046 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,241 Net Price
    • 1060-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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