California has long been a hub for world-class education, home to some of the most prestigious universities in the United States. In 2025, California’s top universities continue to attract students from around the globe with their academic excellence, diverse programs, and strong career opportunities. If you’re planning to apply for higher studies in California, here’s a detailed look at the 20 best universities in California 2025, their rankings, admissions guide, and key highlights you should know.
1. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Stanford University consistently ranks among the top 3 universities in the world. Known for its innovation, cutting-edge research, and proximity to Silicon Valley, it’s a dream school for many students.
Ranking (2025): #3 in the U.S., #2 worldwide (QS Rankings 2025)
Acceptance Rate: Around 3.9% (highly competitive)
Popular Programs: Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine
Admission Requirements:
High GPA (usually 3.9+ on a 4.0 scale)
SAT/ACT optional but strong scores help
Strong extracurriculars, leadership, and personal essays
Letters of recommendation from teachers
Tuition Fees: Around $62,000 per year (excluding living costs)
- Learn more on the Stanford University official website.
2. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
UC Berkeley is known for academic excellence, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, and a vibrant campus culture. It’s one of the most respected public universities in the world.
Ranking (2025): #1 Public University in the U.S., #8 worldwide
Acceptance Rate: About 11.5%
Popular Programs: Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, Political Science, Computer Science
Admission Requirements:
Strong GPA (above 4.1 weighted for freshmen)
UC application essays (Personal Insight Questions)
SAT/ACT not required for 2025
Extracurricular involvement & leadership roles
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Official admissions info on UC Berkeley Admissions.
3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Pasadena, CA
Caltech is a small but highly prestigious institution, known worldwide for its strength in STEM fields, especially physics, engineering, and technology research.
Ranking (2025): #6 in the U.S., #9 worldwide
Acceptance Rate: Around 3% (extremely selective)
Popular Programs: Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry
Admission Requirements:
Exceptional GPA (often near-perfect)
Strong SAT/ACT scores (optional but considered if submitted)
Research experience or STEM-related extracurriculars
Strong recommendation letters
Tuition Fees: About $61,000/year
- Check Caltech Admissions for details.
4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is one of the most popular universities in the U.S., with a strong reputation in academics, athletics, and student life.
Ranking (2025): Top 20 U.S., Top 15 worldwide
Acceptance Rate: About 8.6%
Popular Programs: Film & Media, Psychology, Engineering, Business, Life Sciences
Admission Requirements:
Weighted GPA above 4.2 for competitive applicants
UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Holistic review of leadership, community service, and achievements
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Explore UCLA Undergraduate Admissions.
5. University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, CA
USC is a leading private university with strong programs in business, film, law, and technology. It has a large international student population and strong alumni connections.
Ranking (2025): Top 25 U.S., Top 50 worldwide
Acceptance Rate: Around 10.5%
Popular Programs: Business (Marshall), Film & Media, Engineering, International Relations, Law
Admission Requirements:
GPA of 3.8+ for competitive admission
SAT/ACT optional
Strong essays & recommendation letters
Creative portfolios (for certain majors like film or design)
Tuition Fees: About $66,000/year
- Visit USC Admissions.
6. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
UCSD is a research powerhouse, especially in life sciences, oceanography, and engineering. Located in La Jolla, it offers a beautiful coastal campus and strong career connections.
Ranking (2025): Top 40 U.S., Top 20 worldwide in life sciences
Acceptance Rate: Around 23%
Popular Programs: Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Psychology
Admission Requirements:
High GPA (above 4.0 weighted for strong applicants)
UC application with Personal Insight Questions
No SAT/ACT required
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Visit UC San Diego Admissions.
7. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
UC Davis is especially known for its strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences. It’s one of the most sustainable campuses in the country.
Ranking (2025): Top 50 U.S., #1 in the world for veterinary science
Acceptance Rate: About 37%
Popular Programs: Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biological Sciences
Admission Requirements:
Weighted GPA above 4.0 preferred
Strong personal essays and extracurriculars
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Learn more at UC Davis Admissions.
8. University of California, Irvine (UCI)
UCI has grown into one of California’s most respected universities, known for computer science, healthcare, and social sciences. The campus is located in Orange County, close to tech hubs and beaches.
Ranking (2025): Top 50 U.S., Top 10 in computer science nationwide
Acceptance Rate: About 28%
Popular Programs: Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Criminology
Admission Requirements:
GPA above 4.0 preferred
UC Personal Insight Questions
No SAT/ACT required
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Visit UCI Admissions.
9. Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA)
Located in beautiful Malibu, Pepperdine is a private Christian university with strong programs in law, business, and communication. It also emphasizes values-based education.
Ranking (2025): Top 60 U.S., especially recognized for law and business
Acceptance Rate: About 53%
Popular Programs: Business, Law, Communication, Psychology, Education
Admission Requirements:
GPA around 3.6+
SAT/ACT optional for 2025
Essays and recommendations required
Tuition Fees: About $67,000/year
- Learn more on Pepperdine University Admissions.
10. Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit institution located in Silicon Valley. It’s particularly strong in business and engineering, offering students direct access to tech industry opportunities.
Ranking (2025): Top 70 U.S., Top 15 for entrepreneurship
Acceptance Rate: About 52%
Popular Programs: Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Law
Admission Requirements:
GPA around 3.7+
SAT/ACT optional
Essays and recommendation letters required
Tuition Fees: About $61,000/year
- Explore Santa Clara University Admissions.
11. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
UCSB is well known for its stunning coastal campus and top-tier research, particularly in physics, engineering, and environmental studies.
Ranking (2025): Top 35 U.S., Nobel Prize–winning faculty in sciences
Acceptance Rate: About 29%
Popular Programs: Physics, Engineering, Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, Sociology
Admission Requirements:
Weighted GPA 4.1+ competitive
UC application essays (Personal Insight Questions)
No SAT/ACT required
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- See details on UCSB Admissions.
12. University of California, Riverside (UCR)
UCR is known for its strong STEM and agricultural programs, as well as being one of the most diverse campuses in the UC system.
Ranking (2025): Top 90 U.S., rising reputation in engineering and social sciences
Acceptance Rate: About 65%
Popular Programs: Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Psychology, Public Policy
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.8+ recommended
UC essays required
Holistic review of activities and achievements
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$15,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$48,000/year
- Visit UC Riverside Admissions.
13. University of San Diego (USD)
A private Catholic university with strong business, law, and international relations programs, USD offers a beautiful campus overlooking Mission Bay.
Ranking (2025): Top 100 U.S., recognized for study abroad opportunities
Acceptance Rate: About 49%
Popular Programs: Business, Law, International Relations, Psychology, Education
Admission Requirements:
GPA around 3.7+ preferred
SAT/ACT optional
Essays and recommendation letters required
Tuition Fees: About $57,000/year
- Learn more on USD Admissions.
14. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – Los Angeles, CA
LMU is a private Jesuit university well known for its film school, business programs, and strong connections to the Los Angeles media industry.
Ranking (2025): Top 90 U.S., Top 10 film schools nationwide
Acceptance Rate: About 44%
Popular Programs: Film & Television, Business, Communication, Political Science, Education
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.6+ competitive
SAT/ACT optional
Essays & recommendations required
Tuition Fees: About $60,000/year
- Explore LMU Admissions.
15. San Diego State University (SDSU)
SDSU is one of the largest universities in California, offering a wide range of programs and known for its business, engineering, and international exchange opportunities.
Ranking (2025): Top 150 U.S., Top 100 worldwide for hospitality and tourism
Acceptance Rate: Around 38%
Popular Programs: Business, Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism, Psychology, Criminal Justice
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.7+ competitive
Cal State Apply application
No SAT/ACT required for 2025
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$8,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$20,000/year
- Visit SDSU Admissions.
16. Chapman University (Orange, CA)
Chapman is a private university with a strong reputation in film, business, and law. Located in Orange County, it offers small class sizes and personalized education.
Ranking (2025): Top 120 U.S., Top 10 for film programs nationwide
Acceptance Rate: Around 56%
Popular Programs: Film & Media Arts, Business, Law, Communication, Psychology
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.6+ preferred
SAT/ACT optional
Portfolios required for film/arts programs
Tuition Fees: About $64,000/year
- Check Chapman University Admissions.
17. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Known as “The Beach,” CSULB is one of the most applied-to public universities in the U.S. and offers excellent programs in the arts, engineering, and business.
Ranking (2025): Top 150 U.S., Top 50 public universities
Acceptance Rate: About 40%
Popular Programs: Fine Arts, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Criminal Justice
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.5+ preferred
Cal State Apply application
No SAT/ACT required for 2025
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$7,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$19,000/year
- Learn more at CSULB Admissions.
18. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
Cal Poly SLO is a top polytechnic university with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and architecture.
Ranking (2025): #1 Public Master’s University in the West (U.S. News)
Acceptance Rate: Around 29%
Popular Programs: Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, Business, Environmental Design
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.9+ competitive
Cal State Apply application
No SAT/ACT required for 2025
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$11,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$26,000/year
- Visit Cal Poly SLO Admissions.
19. University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)
A private university known for its excellent health sciences, dentistry, and pharmacy programs, as well as law and business.
Ranking (2025): Top 150 U.S., Top 20 in pharmacy schools nationwide
Acceptance Rate: About 79%
Popular Programs: Pharmacy, Dentistry, Law, Business, Education
Admission Requirements:
GPA 3.5+ recommended
SAT/ACT optional
Strong recommendation letters required
Tuition Fees: About $56,000/year
- Explore University of the Pacific Admissions.
20. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
SFSU is part of the California State University system and is particularly well known for its strong liberal arts, film, and ethnic studies programs.
Ranking (2025): Top 200 U.S., strong reputation for diversity and inclusivity
Acceptance Rate: Around 93% (more accessible option)
Popular Programs: Film, Creative Writing, Business, International Relations, Ethnic Studies
Admission Requirements:
GPA 2.5+ minimum for freshmen
Cal State Apply application
No SAT/ACT required
Tuition Fees:
In-State: ~$8,000/year
Out-of-State: ~$20,000/year
Final Thoughts: Why These Museums Matter in 2025
California offers some of the best universities in the world, from elite private schools like Stanford and Caltech to top public institutions like UC Berkeley and UCLA. Each university has its own strengths—whether it’s research, technology, business, or the arts. The right choice depends on your academic goals, budget, and campus preferences. With so many options, California truly has something for every student in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the #1 university in California in 2025?
Stanford University is ranked the top university in California for 2025.
2. Are UC schools hard to get into?
Yes, especially UCLA and UC Berkeley, with acceptance rates under 12%.
3. Do California universities require SAT/ACT in 2025?
Most UC and CSU schools are test-optional; private universities may still accept them.
4. What is the cheapest option for studying in California?
California State Universities (CSUs) are the most affordable, especially for in-state students.
5. Can international students get scholarships in California?
Yes, many universities offer merit- and need-based scholarships for international students.
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