What is the best college in California? Niche ranks 10 best universities for 2025

When it comes to choosing where to attend college, there are numerous factors to consider, like tuition, acceptance rates, academics, and student life reviews.

Niche is a website that aims to provide data, reviews, and insights for students in search of a university that’s a perfect fit.

Niche’s ranking of the best colleges for 2025 compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Top 10 best colleges in California for 2025 according to Niche

Niche has ranked the best colleges in California for 2025, based on an analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as reviews from students and alumni.

Here are the 10 best, and why they’re ranked where they are:

1. Stanford University — StanfordWhy: Elite private institution known for academic rigor, world-class faculty, and expansive research opportunities.Net price: $17,998Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 4%Notable: Offers unmatched flexibility in curriculum and vibrant student life including clubs like acapella and pickleball 1.

2. Harvey Mudd College — ClaremontWhy: Premier STEM-focused liberal arts college with strong faculty-student engagement.Net price: $39,529Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 13%Notable: Emphasizes collaborative learning and undergraduate research 1.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) — PasadenaWhy: Globally renowned for science and engineering, with a low student-to-faculty ratio.Net price: $26,099Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 4%Notable: Produces high-impact research and Nobel laureates 1.

4. Pomona College — ClaremontWhy: Top liberal arts college with strong academics and generous financial aid.Net price: $17,949Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 7%Notable: Offers intimate class sizes and access to the Claremont Colleges consortium

5. University of California, Berkeley — BerkeleyWhy: Flagship UC campus known for research, activism and academic excellence.Net price: $19,257Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 11%Notable: Strong programs in engineering, business, and political science

6. University of Southern California (USC) — Los AngelesWhy: Private research university with strong alumni network and diverse programs.Net price: $26,021Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 10%Notable: Offers top-tier programs in film, business and communication

7. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — Los AngelesWhy: Highly ranked public university with strong academics and campus life.Net price: $16,999Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 11%Notable: Known for its medical, law and arts programs 1.

8. Claremont McKenna College — ClaremontWhy: Focuses on economics, government and public affairs with strong career outcomes.Net price: $30,008Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 11%Notable: Offers real-world experience through institutes and internships 1.

9. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) — La JollaWhy: Research powerhouse with strengths in biology, engineering and oceanography.Net price: $15,222Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 24%Notable: Home to Scripps Institution of Oceanography 1.

10. University of California, Davis (UC Davis) — DavisWhy: Known for agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and sustainability.Net price: $17,956Overall grade: A+Acceptance rate: 37%Notable: Offers hands-on learning and strong community engagement

What are the colleges in the nation?

Based on the 2025 rankings from Niche, here are the top 10 colleges in the United States:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — Cambridge, Massachusetts

2. Yale University — New Haven, Connecticut

3. Stanford University — Stanford

4. Harvard University — Cambridge, Massachusetts

5. Princeton University — Princeton, New Jersey

6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) — Pasadena

7. University of Chicago — Chicago

8. Columbia University — New York City

9. University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia

10. Duke University — Durham, North Carolina

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What are the best colleges in California? Top 10 according to Niche