Let us talk about the best universities in California today. Wondering if you’ll get through? Don’t worry, you can consult trained Student Mobility Experts in our team who can get you through. California is a hub of higher education and is home to some of the best universities in the world. These schools are known for their top-notch faculty, rigorous academic programs, and cutting-edge research. So, if you are looking for a definite list of universities in California or maybe a list of the best public universities in California, you are on the right page!
Come along, as we take you through the list top ranked universities in the country with their ranks. But before that let us first understand why study in California?
Topics covered
Universities/Colleges in California Highlights
Here is the highlight of universities in California:
Total number of Colleges in California | Approximately 281+ Universities & Colleges |
Program Fee | Approx. above INR 5 lakhs (varies with course and university) |
Top Specialisations | Computer and Information Sciences; Engineering; Physical Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Business, Management and Marketing; Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Sciences; Communication and Journalism; Psychology |
Admission Process (Subject to university) | Academic Records/Official Transcripts + GMAT/GPA/GRE/ SAT/ACT scores + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score + Statement of Purpose (SOP) + Letter of Recommendation (LOR) + resume + work experience |
In this section we will discuss about highlights of Universities or Colleges in California.
Why study in California?
Some of the reasons why you should choose studying in California:

List of Universities in California – Popular One
California is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the United States and the world. These schools are known for their top-notch faculty, rigorous academic programs, and cutting-edge research. In this list, we will explore some of the top universities in California, as ranked by various ranking systems. These schools are known for their high-quality education and have produced some of the most successful and influential leaders in various fields. Whether you are a student seeking a top-notch education or a professional looking to further your career, these universities in California are worth considering.
Here is the list of universities in California which are best as per QS world ranking 2022 & US News and World Report:

Few more best universities in California
Now let us understand a few more universities in California in detail:
University of Southern California
It is 3rd number in the list of best universities in California. The University of Southern California is a leading private research university which is located in Los Angeles. It is a global center for arts, technology, and international business. The university is the largest private sector employer in the city of Los Angeles, managing $ 8 billion a year in economic activities in the region.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1880 |
Number of Campus | 8; located in Moretown Bay, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Fraser Coast, Southbank, Melbourne and Sydney |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking 2022 – 112; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 27 |
Popular Courses | MS, MIM, MBA/PGDM, MEM, BE/B.Tech., BBA, MA, MFA, B.Sc., M. Arch, any more. |
University of California – Los Angeles
University of California is a public research university founded in 1919. It is well known for its performance in Olympics since 1920 and attracts Indians especially.
The Los Angeles campus (UCLA) was established in 1919 as a Southern branch of the university. It is one of the largest campuses of the system, enrolls about 46,000 students in the College of Literature. It has 12 professional schools for the field of medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, law, and engineering and applied science.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1919 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking 2022 – 40; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 20 |
Popular Courses | MS, MIM, MBA/PGDM, B.Sc., BE/B.Tech., BBA, MA, MFA, M. Arch, any more. |
University of California – Berkeley
The University of California-Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California. It was established in 1868 after the merger of two institutions following the California gold rush– the private College of California in Oakland and the new state land-grant institution, the Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Arts College.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1868 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking 2022 – 32; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 22 |
Popular Courses | MS, MIM, MBA/PGDM, B.Sc., BE/B.Tech., BBA, MA, M. Arch, ME/M.Tech., M. Des., any more. |
California State University – Los Angeles
The California State University (CSU), Los Angeles (Cal State LA), a public university is located in Los Angeles, California. It is part of the 23-campus CSU system. It offers 142 bachelor’s degree courses, 122 master’s degree courses, and 4 doctoral degrees. It also offers 22 teaching credentials.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1947 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking 2022 – NA; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 143 |
Popular Courses | MBA/PGDM, MIM, BE/B.Tech., any more. |

California State University-Bakersfield
The CSU-Bakersfield, founded in 1965 is a public university. It is one of the most prestigious universities in California. It offers 39 bachelor’s degree courses and 17 master’s degree courses. It also offers a Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1965 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking – NA; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 51 |
Popular Courses | BA, MA, MBA, B.Sc., M.Sc., BE/B.Tech., BBA, and many more. |
California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University (CLU) is a selective, comprehensive institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts and sciences and other professional areas. The university was founded in 1959 with the goal of helping people find a purpose in life. California Lutheran University has its largest campus in Thousand Oaks, California, located between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1959 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking – NA; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 10 |
Popular Courses | MS, MIM, MBA/PGDM, BE/B.Tech., BBA, any more. |
California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) is one of the best universities in California which is a private university located in Riverside, California. CBU strives to help students understand and integrate the goal by providing Christ-cantered educational knowledge that integrates scholars and opportunities for spiritual and social development.
Highlights of the university
Particulars | Highlights |
Establishment Year | 1950 |
Rankings | QS World University Ranking – NA; US News & World Report – National University Ranking – 34 |
Popular Courses | MBA, Bachelors of Science in Computer Sciences, Bachelors in Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering, Bachelor/ Master in Architecture (Integrated), and many more. |
List of best Public universities in California
Public universities in California offer affordable and high-quality education to students from all walks of life. These schools are funded by the state and are known for their diverse student bodies and strong academic programs. In this list, we will explore some of the best public universities in California, as ranked by various ranking systems. These schools are known for their commitment to accessibility and excellence and have produced some of the most successful and influential leaders in various fields. Whether you are a student seeking an affordable and top-notch education or a professional looking to further your career, these public universities in California are worth considering.
Here is a list of public universities in California:
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Long Beach
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, San Bernardino
- California State University, San Marcos
- California State University, Stanislaus
- Humboldt State University
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
It’s a wrap!
Leaving your hometown to study abroad will be a difficult choice for you, but you have to overcome it to achieve your dream of pursuing your higher studies at the best universities in California or from another country. No wonder, choosing the best university out of a list of universities in California is a daunting task!
So you still have some, why not ask professional experts? iDreamCareer is on a mission to reach every state and every child in order to ensure that talent is appropriately delivered to the industry. Talk to our industry experts and know yourself in and out! We try to help young confused minds from 9th class, 10th class, class 11, class 12 with an aim to select their most-suited career choices.
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Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.