Top 7 Best Private Colleges in California [Update 2023]

What Is The Best College In 2022?

Choosing the right college is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many different factors to consider, from location and size to curriculum and cost.

If you’re looking for a private college in California, here are seven of the best. These schools offer a great education at a reasonable price, and they’re located in some of the state’s most desirable locations.

7 Best Private Colleges in California

1. California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is one of the best private colleges in California. It is located in Pasadena and has an excellent reputation for its science and engineering programs. Caltech is a small school with an enrollment of about 2,000 students. This allows the school to offer a more personal learning experience.


Caltech is ranked as the number one college in the nation for engineering by U.S. News & World Report. It is also ranked as the fifth best college overall. The admissions process at Caltech is very competitive. Only about 8% of applicants are accepted each year.

If you are looking for a top-notch education in science and engineering, Caltech is definitely worth considering.

2. Pomona College

Pomona College is a private college located in Claremont, California. It was founded in 1887 and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Pomona College is ranked as the 5th best college in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is also ranked highly for its value.

Pomona College has an undergraduate enrollment of about 1,650 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1 and the average class size is 20 students. The college offers over 50 majors and minors, and students can also design their own custom major.

Pomona College has a strong commitment to teaching and research. The college offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in research projects, both on and off campus. Students can also participate in internships and service learning projects.

Pomona College has a beautiful campus that spans 130 acres. The campus includes a variety of buildings, including academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities. The college also has an extensive art museum with a collection of over 11,000 pieces of art.


Pomona College is an excellent choice for students seeking a top-notch education at

3. Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the best private colleges in California. It has a world-renowned faculty, strong academic programs, and a beautiful campus. Stanford also has a very strong research program, and it is one of the top recipients of research funding in the country.

Stanford’s location in the Silicon Valley gives it a unique advantage when it comes to technology and innovation. Many of the world’s leading technology companies are located nearby, and Stanford students have opportunities to intern and work at these companies.

Stanford is also one of the most selective colleges in the country. Only about 5% of applicants are admitted each year. This makes Stanford one of the most competitive colleges to get into.

Overall, Stanford is an excellent choice for students who want a top-notch education at a private college in California.

4. Pitzer College

Pitzer College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. It was founded in 1963 and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Pitzer College is known for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and commitment to social justice.

Pitzer College has an excellent academic reputation. It is ranked as one of the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors, including some unique programs such as environmental studies and Chicano/a studies. Pitzer students are known for their commitment to social justice. The college has a strong focus on community engagement and service learning. Pitzer graduates go on to do great things in a variety of fields.

If you are looking for an excellent private college in California, Pitzer College should be at the top of your list.

5. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is one of the best private colleges in California. It is a small school with an enrollment of just over 5,000 students. The university has a strong academic reputation and is ranked #37 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California. The university has a beautiful campus that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The weather in Malibu is very mild year-round, which makes it a great place to live and study.

The tuition at Pepperdine University is high, but the university offers a number of scholarships and financial aid packages to help students afford their education. The average student debt at Pepperdine University is $23,000, which is lower than the national average of $28,400.

Overall, Pepperdine University is a great choice for students looking for a top-quality education at a private college in California.

6. Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. It was founded in 1946 and is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Claremont McKenna College is ranked number 9 on the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges and number 27 on the U.S. News & World Report list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. The college has an acceptance rate of 10.4%.

Claremont McKenna College offers a variety of undergraduate programs. Some of the most popular majors include economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The college offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program as well as a two-year Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program.

The college has a strong focus on preparing students for careers in business, government, and law. Many of the school’s alumni have gone on to have successful careers in these fields. Claremont McKenna College is also home to the Rose Institute of State and Local Government, which is a leading research center for state and local government policy.

7. Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is one of the best private colleges in California. It is located in Claremont and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Harvey Mudd College is a highly selective college, with an acceptance rate of only 13%.

Harvey Mudd College has a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines. However, it also offers a wide range of other majors, including humanities and social sciences. The college has an excellent reputation for its academic programs.

In addition to its academic programs, Harvey Mudd College also has a very strong commitment to research. The college has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies and the Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

Harvey Mudd College is an excellent choice for students interested in a private college in California with a strong academic reputation.

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