Find the Best Colleges in California
California dreaming? California colleges attract students from across America and around the world. With hundreds of schools to choose from, California has something for everyone: top public universities, top private schools, excellent community college networks, the west coast’s finest art colleges, and more… We help you narrow down the choices.
Quick Breakdown of California Colleges & Universities
If you play your education cards right – and make other smart decisions – you can realize your dreams in the Golden State. California is home to nearly 500 institutions of higher learning. Here are a few highlights.
- The University of California system held its first classes in 1869 with a total enrolment of 38 students. This year nearly 250,000 students are taking classes on campus and online. The UC system primarily accepts top California students in addition to competitive out-of-state applicants. The University of California in Berkeley is the top public university in the world by many measures.
- The California State University System is the largest state university system in the US. It serves about 460,000 students/year on 23 college campuses, eight off-campus learning centers and online. The CSU System is a leader in high quality, affordable online learning for undergraduates, graduate students and continuing education students.
- The California Community Colleges System includes more than 100 colleges. Here you can earn an associate degree for professional advancement or earn credits for transfer to a four-year college degree program. California community colleges offer a wide range of learning settings. You can study with radio classes, TV courses, online courses, classes based in community centers such as shopping malls, classes on California campuses — and even overseas.
