The Best Colleges In California 2021 ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students and alumni.
The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. Read more on calculating this ranking.
Best Colleges In California 2021, California State is one of the most famous states in higher education in the United States; it contains many private and government universities. In addition, California State has a wide range of the most prestigious academic institutions to which it attracts international students from all countries on the earth.
For many years, California’s universities have ranked high in the world rankings. It is worth noting that many of these universities are ranked first in the classification, which indicates the extent of the education system’s superiority and strength in California.
Here Are The Best Colleges In California 2021
1. Stanford University
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley, and ranking as one of its top universities. Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, the university was opened on October 1, 1891, as a coeducational and non-sectarian institution. Stanford University struggled financially after the death of Leland Stanford in 1893 and again after Jane Stanford’s death in 1905.
In 1918, The Board of Trustees decided to convert the school into a coeducational institution. Today, Stanford University is ranked 4th best university in the world by Times Higher Education Rankings 2020. In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranks Stanford 2nd best university in America and 5th best value school among national universities for 2021.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
SAT Range: 1420-1570
ACT Range: 32-35
2. California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1891, Caltech is the second-oldest university in the state of California and the 10th-oldest university in the United States. The university has a total enrollment of 2,208 students, and the student-faculty ratio is 8:1.
Caltech is known for its rigorous academic programs and producing some of the world’s most renowned scientists and engineers. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Caltech as the #2 best college in California and the #10 best college in the United States.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
SAT Range: 1530-1580
ACT Range: 35-36
3. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. USC is considered one of the best colleges in California and is ranked #19 in the country by US News and World Report. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has been named one of the “Best Colleges” by Forbes magazine.
USC students have access to world-class libraries, museums, performing arts centers, and a large number of internship and career opportunities. The university is also known for its strong business and engineering programs and its prestigious medical school. Studies.
Acceptance Rate: 13%
SAT Range: 1350-1530
ACT Range: 30-34
4. Pomona College
Pomona College is a small, private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in California and the United States. Pomona College offers a wide range of majors and minors, and students have the opportunity to take classes from professors who are experts in their field. The college also has a strong focus on community service and has been recognized for its commitment to social justice.
Acceptance Rate: 8%
SAT Range: 1400-1540
ACT Range: 31-34
5. University of California – Los Angeles
The University of California – Los Angeles is a public research university in the Westwood district of Los Angeles. It was founded in 1919 and became the second-largest university in California after enrolling more than 38,000 students. UCLA offers undergraduate and graduates degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
The university is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world; it was ranked third in the world by Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2020 and fourth by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. UCLA also ranks among the top universities in terms of return on investment (ROI), with an average 20-year net return of $1 million for alumni.
Acceptance Rate: 14%
SAT Range: 1290-1520
ACT Range: 30-34
6. Harvey Mudd College
The Harvey Mudd College is a highly selective private institution with a total enrollment of just under 800 students. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, and computer science and a five-year joint program with Claremont McKenna College and Pomona College leading to a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from Harvey Mudd and a B.A. or B.S. from CMC or Pomona. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, Harvey Mudd provides its students with individualized attention and hands-on research opportunities; 82% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and only 12% have 50 or more students.
Acceptance Rate: 14%
SAT Range: 1490-1560
ACT Range: 34-35
7. Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is one of the best colleges in California. Located in Claremont, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college has a strong focus on business, economics, and government and offers programs in the humanities and sciences. Claremont McKenna College is known for its rigorous academic standards and its successful alumni.
Acceptance Rate: 9%
SAT Range: 1350-1500
ACT Range: 31-34
8. University of California – Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the best colleges in California. It has an outstanding academic reputation and offers many majors and programs. Additionally, UC Berkeley has an excellent student life program, with plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities. The campus is also beautiful, and it’s located in a great city.
Acceptance Rate: 15%
SAT Range: 1320-1530
ACT Range: 31-35
9. Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a Jesuit university in California. It consistently ranks as one of the best universities in California and the United States. The undergraduate business program is particularly well-known, and the engineering program is also highly respected. Santa Clara also has a strong focus on social justice, reflected in its many service opportunities for students.
Acceptance Rate: 50%
SAT Range: 1230-1460
ACT Range: 27-33
10. University of California – Santa Barbara
The University of California – Santa Barbara is one of the best colleges in the state of California. UCSB offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its faculty are experts in their fields. UCSB also has a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition, students at UCSB receive a high-quality education at an affordable price.
Acceptance Rate: 32%
SAT Range: 1270-1440
ACT Range: 28-32
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