California Colleges & Universities

Explore California's World-Class Universities

Discover the nation's premier higher education system featuring world-renowned research universities, comprehensive state colleges, and innovative community colleges.

California's Three-Tiered Higher Education System

University of California (UC)
10
Research Universities

Premier research universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine. Focus on research, graduate programs, and selective admissions.

Key Features:
  • • World-class research opportunities
  • • Competitive admissions (avg. 10-30%)
  • • Strong graduate programs
  • • High tuition but excellent aid
California State University (CSU)
23
Comprehensive Universities

Comprehensive universities including Cal Poly, San Diego State, and Cal State Long Beach. Focus on undergraduate education and professional preparation.

Key Features:
  • • Teaching-focused institutions
  • • More accessible admissions
  • • Professional programs
  • • Lower tuition costs
California Community Colleges
115
Community Colleges

Largest higher education system in the US, offering affordable education, transfer pathways, and career training programs.

Key Features:
  • • Open enrollment policy
  • • Guaranteed transfer agreements
  • • Very affordable tuition
  • • Flexible scheduling options

Featured California Universities

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA
Public Research University

Top-ranked public university with world-class research and diverse academic programs

Students
45,742
Admission Rate
11.0%
Graduation Rate
94.0%
In-State Tuition
$14,226
Out-of-State
$44,007

Stanford University

Stanford, CA
Private Research University

Elite private university at the heart of Silicon Valley with cutting-edge programs

Students
17,249
Admission Rate
4.0%
Graduation Rate
94.0%
In-State Tuition
$56,169
Out-of-State
$56,169

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA
Public Research University

Premier public university with strong programs across all disciplines

Students
46,116
Admission Rate
9.0%
Graduation Rate
91.0%
In-State Tuition
$13,804
Out-of-State
$43,473

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA
Private Research University

World-renowned institute specializing in science and engineering

Students
2,397
Admission Rate
3.0%
Graduation Rate
94.0%
In-State Tuition
$56,394
Out-of-State
$56,394

University of California, San Diego

La Jolla, CA
Public Research University

Leading research university with strong STEM and biomedical programs

Students
42,006
Admission Rate
24.0%
Graduation Rate
87.0%
In-State Tuition
$14,648
Out-of-State
$44,628

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA
Public University

Large comprehensive university with diverse programs and vibrant campus life

Students
35,578
Admission Rate
37.0%
Graduation Rate
78.0%
In-State Tuition
$7,510
Out-of-State
$19,170

California Transfer Pathways

Community College to UC/CSU

California's community colleges offer guaranteed transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems, allowing students to save significantly on their bachelor's degree.

Benefits:

  • • Save $20,000+ on total degree cost
  • • Smaller class sizes for foundational courses
  • • Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programs
  • • Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathways
UC/CSU Priority Admission

California community college students receive priority consideration for admission to UC and CSU campuses over out-of-state transfers.

Transfer Requirements:

  • • Complete 60 transferable semester units
  • • Maintain minimum GPA (varies by campus)
  • • Complete required coursework patterns
  • • Meet English and math competency

Continue Your California College Planning Journey

Now that you've explored your options, learn about funding your education

Back: California College Planning

Return to the main California college planning guide and overview

Back to Main Guide

Step 2: Financial Aid & Scholarships

Learn about Cal Grant, Blue and Gold Plan, and other California aid programs

Explore Financial Aid