Colleges and Universities in California (CA)

California is home to 626 accredited colleges and universities, enrolling over 2,636,146 students combined. This includes 167 public institutions, 162 private non-profit colleges, and 297 private for-profit schools. Whether you're looking for large research universities with 30,000+ students or small private colleges with personalized attention, California offers options across the full spectrum of higher education. Use our interactive map and filters above to explore institutions by size, tuition range, and degree level.

Tuition costs in California vary significantly by institution type. The average annual tuition across all institutions is $16,549, but here's how it breaks down:

• Public colleges - Often the most affordable option, averaging around $3,178 per year for in-state residents
• Private universities - Generally higher tuition, averaging approximately $29,743 annually, though many offer substantial financial aid packages
• Community and technical colleges - The budget-friendly choice, often under $5,000 per year for associate degrees and certificates

Remember that published tuition prices don't reflect the final cost for most students-financial aid, scholarships, and grants can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Use our tuition filter in the map above to find colleges within your budget.

The largest universities in California by student enrollment are:

286. University of Southern California (USC) - 47,147 students
48. University of California (UCLA) - 46,678 students
45. University of California (UCB) - 45,699 students

These large institutions offer extensive academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus communities. However, larger doesn't always mean better-some students thrive in smaller college environments with closer faculty relationships and more personalized attention. Browse our complete directory above to compare enrollment sizes alongside acceptance rates, tuition costs, and available degree programs to find your ideal campus environment.

Yes! California has 444 community and technical colleges offering affordable pathways to higher education. These institutions typically charge around $16,539 per year for in-state tuition. They provide:

• Associate degree programs (2 years) that transfer to four-year universities
• Career-focused certificates in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and skilled trades
• Open admission policies making higher education accessible to all students
• Flexible class schedules including evening, weekend, and online options

Many students start at community college to complete general education requirements affordably, then transfer to a four-year university-saving thousands of dollars while earning the same bachelor's degree. Filter by "2-4 Year Programs" in our map above to explore community college options.

Admission competitiveness in California varies widely. California Institute of Technology and Stanford University are highly selective, while community colleges typically have open enrollment policies welcoming all applicants.

Among four-year universities reporting admissions data:

• Most selective institutions accept under 30% of applicants
• Moderately selective schools accept 30-70% of applicants
• Less selective colleges accept over 70% of applicants

Check our university directory above for acceptance rates, average SAT/ACT scores, and yield rates (the percentage of admitted students who enroll). Remember that admission requirements extend beyond test scores-many California colleges use holistic review considering GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and personal circumstances.