California
Colleges in California
California has 206 accredited four-year colleges on College Compass Guide, each rated on academics and value from federal data; 67 are Compass Recommended.
Map of colleges in California
Hover or tap a dot to see the school and its score.
Compass ScoreNot yet ratedMap: U.S. Census Bureau boundaries; roads and places © OpenStreetMap contributors via OpenFreeMap.
Highest-rated colleges in California
#1 in California
California Institute of Technology
Compass ScoreExceptional · Top 1%Pasadena, CA · Value — · Academics A+
#2 in California
Stanford University
Compass ScoreExceptional · Top 1%Stanford, CA · Value A+ · Academics A+
#3 in California
Pomona College
Compass ScoreExceptional · Top 1%Claremont, CA · Value A+ · Academics A+
Top lists in California
- 128 schoolsBest colleges
- 53 schoolsBest colleges for nursing
- 56 schoolsBest colleges for engineering
- 88 schoolsBest colleges for business
- 56 schoolsBest colleges for education
- 69 schoolsBest colleges for biology and pre-med
- 74 schoolsBest colleges for psychology
- 54 schoolsBest colleges for computer science
Show all 47 lists
- 70 schoolsBest colleges for communications and journalism
- 42 schoolsBest colleges for accounting
- 22 schoolsBest colleges for finance
- 22 schoolsBest colleges for marketing
- 40 schoolsBest colleges for criminal justice
- 67 schoolsBest colleges for political science and pre-law
- 54 schoolsBest colleges for economics
- 68 schoolsBest colleges for history
- 68 schoolsBest colleges for English
- 65 schoolsBest colleges for mathematics
- 63 schoolsBest colleges for chemistry
- 70 schoolsBest colleges for music
- 75 schoolsBest colleges for art and design
- 49 schoolsBest colleges for exercise science and kinesiology
- 26 schoolsBest colleges for social work
- 59 schoolsBest value colleges
- 63 schoolsMost affordable colleges with strong academics
- 128 schoolsColleges with the highest graduation rates
- 63 schoolsBest small colleges
- 29 schoolsBest large colleges
- 36 schoolsBest mid-size colleges
- 26 schoolsBest colleges for NCAA Division I athletes
- 23 schoolsBest colleges for NCAA Division II athletes
- 13 schoolsBest colleges for NCAA Division III athletes
- 10 schoolsBest colleges for NAIA athletes
- 100 schoolsBest test-optional colleges
- 12 schoolsBest online colleges
- 63 schoolsColleges with the biggest discount off the sticker price
- 61 schoolsLowest net price for middle-income families
- 61 schoolsColleges with the lowest student debt
- 62 schoolsColleges with the best earnings for the price
- 54 schoolsColleges that pay for themselves fastest
- 17 schoolsBest colleges under $20,000 a year
- 59 schoolsBest value colleges in the West
- 63 schoolsColleges where the most freshmen return
- 64 schoolsColleges with the most faculty per student
- 64 schoolsColleges that spend the most on teaching
- 21 schoolsColleges where Pell Grant students thrive
- 57 schoolsMost selective colleges
All colleges in California
| School | Compass Score | Value | Academics | Net price | Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Pasadena · Private nonprofit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $16,075 | 2,463 | |
| Stanford University Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Stanford · Private nonprofit | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,807 | 18,446 | |
| Pomona College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Claremont · Private nonprofit | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $19,285 | 1,664 | |
| Claremont McKenna College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Claremont · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $28,849 | 1,384 | |
| University of Southern California Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $32,740 | 47,147 | |
| University of California-Berkeley Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Berkeley · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,481 | 45,699 | |
| University of California-Los Angeles Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,548 | 46,678 | |
| Harvey Mudd College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Claremont · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $35,924 | 949 | |
| University of California-San Diego Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. La Jolla · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,470 | 42,376 | |
| Soka University of America Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Aliso Viejo · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A+Academics: A+ (grade A+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $18,260 | 476 | |
| University of California-Irvine Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Irvine · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,251 | 36,582 | |
| InterCoast Colleges-West Covina RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. West Covina · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,536 | 507 | |
| Scripps College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.All-femaleAll-female: the school enrolls women only. Claremont · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $36,294 | 1,103 | |
| Pitzer College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Claremont · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $34,191 | 1,204 | |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. San Luis Obispo · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $16,665 | 22,485 | |
| Santa Clara University Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Santa Clara · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $50,062 | 9,340 | |
| University of California-Santa Barbara Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Santa Barbara · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $16,109 | 26,068 | |
| Angeles College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private for-profit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $28,639 | 493 | |
| University of California-Davis Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Davis · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,741 | 39,707 | |
| Occidental College Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $38,263 | 1,854 | |
| Unitek College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Fremont · Private for-profit | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $25,179 | 5,191 | |
| Career Networks Institute RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Santa Ana · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $49,677 | 971 | |
| Gnomon RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. North Hollywood · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $51,949 | 555 | |
| Loyola Marymount University Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $48,381 | 10,256 | |
| San Diego State University Honor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value. San Diego · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $15,364 | 39,241 | |
| California Northstate University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Elk Grove · Private for-profit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 847 | |
| Pepperdine University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Malibu · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $58,098 | 9,545 | |
| PCI College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Cerritos · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,439 | 168 | |
| University of San Diego RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Diego · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $30,365 | 9,110 | |
| Thomas Aquinas College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Santa Paula · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $26,196 | 539 | |
| Chapman University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Orange · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $46,555 | 9,961 | |
| Stanbridge University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Irvine · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $45,372 | 2,642 | |
| University of the Pacific RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Stockton · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $25,447 | 6,755 | |
| California Miramar University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Diego · Private for-profit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,480 | 222 | |
| California State University-Long Beach RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Long Beach · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $10,440 | 40,278 | |
| Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Stockton · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $5,524 | 575 | |
| Dominican University of California RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Rafael · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $35,333 | 2,026 | |
| University of California-Santa Cruz RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Santa Cruz · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $17,890 | 19,764 | |
| University of San Francisco RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Francisco · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $41,431 | 9,212 | |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Francisco · Private nonprofit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $42,607 | 403 | |
| Southern California Institute of Technology RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Anaheim · Private for-profit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $33,392 | 537 | |
| Glendale Career College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Glendale · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $49,195 | 854 | |
| Westmont College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Santa Barbara · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $29,053 | 1,310 | |
| Point Loma Nazarene University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Diego · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $38,729 | 4,494 | |
| University of California-Riverside RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Riverside · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,304 | 26,426 | |
| West Coast University-Orange County RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Anaheim · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $32,879 | 4,481 | |
| California Institute of the Arts RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Valencia · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $46,080 | 1,353 | |
| California Lutheran University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Thousand Oaks · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $30,109 | 3,413 | |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $43,923 | 457 | |
| Casa Loma College-Los Angeles RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Sherman Oaks · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,596 | 581 | |
| New York Film Academy RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Burbank · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $39,011 | 1,245 | |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Pomona · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $11,531 | 26,848 | |
| San Jose State University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Jose · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,760 | 36,062 | |
| Art Center College of Design RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Pasadena · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $48,661 | 2,382 | |
| California State University-Fullerton RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Fullerton · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $6,555 | 41,962 | |
| Biola University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. La Mirada · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $31,495 | 5,296 | |
| University of Redlands RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Redlands · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $30,031 | 3,192 | |
| Saint Mary's College of California RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Moraga · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $30,378 | 2,775 | |
| University of California-Merced RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Merced · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $11,983 | 9,147 | |
| MiraCosta College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Oceanside · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $7,339 | 11,707 | |
| Azusa Pacific University RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Azusa · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $22,212 | 6,487 | |
| Rio Hondo College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Whittier · Public | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,379 | 17,193 | |
| Otis College of Art and Design RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $51,248 | 1,284 | |
| Pacific Union College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Angwin · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $41,008 | 938 | |
| San Diego Christian College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Santee · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $992 | 102 | |
| Pacific College RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. Costa Mesa · Private for-profit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $29,363 | 297 | |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value. San Jose · Private for-profit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $32,427 | 2,861 | |
| California State University-Chico Chico · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,480 | 14,523 | |
| Shasta College Redding · Public | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $2,878 | 8,081 | |
| ATI College-Whittier Whitter · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $20,467 | 141 | |
| California State University-Fresno Fresno · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $7,000 | 23,986 | |
| California State University-Stanislaus Turlock · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $6,067 | 9,841 | |
| California State University-Monterey Bay Seaside · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,663 | 6,742 | |
| Sonoma State University Rohnert Park · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,885 | 5,990 | |
| California State University Maritime Academy Vallejo · Public | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $20,555 | 805 | |
| John Paul the Great Catholic University Escondido · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $34,666 | 298 | |
| American University of Health Sciences Signal Hill · Private for-profit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | — | 523 | |
| California State University-Sacramento Sacramento · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $9,338 | 31,172 | |
| California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $4,564 | 18,925 | |
| University of La Verne La Verne · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $20,161 | 5,596 | |
| Concordia University-Irvine Irvine · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $28,115 | 3,481 | |
| Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $21,241 | 2,219 | |
| William Jessup University Rocklin · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $28,062 | 1,484 | |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,278 | 23,908 | |
| California College of the Arts San Francisco · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $53,909 | 1,333 | |
| California State University-Northridge Northridge · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $7,021 | 37,760 | |
| California State University-San Marcos San Marcos · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $10,229 | 15,431 | |
| Design Institute of San Diego San Diego · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $44,010 | 111 | |
| California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $3,967 | 25,080 | |
| Westcliff University Irvine · Private for-profit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $35,426 | 6,532 | |
| California State University-Channel Islands Camarillo · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $9,849 | 5,688 | |
| California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield · Public | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $5,652 | 9,787 | |
| Fresno Pacific University Fresno · Private nonprofit | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,630 | 2,921 | |
| Mount Saint Mary's University All-femaleAll-female: the school enrolls women only. Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $21,413 | 2,308 | |
| Hope International University Fullerton · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $29,310 | 1,140 | |
| Whittier College Whittier · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $25,757 | 859 | |
| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $35,558 | 763 | |
| California Baptist University Riverside · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $26,285 | 11,407 | |
| Woodbury University Burbank · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $33,692 | 898 | |
| Menlo College Atherton · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $31,100 | 840 | |
| La Sierra University Riverside · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $45,566 | 1,611 | |
| California State University-East Bay Hayward · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $9,320 | 13,333 | |
| West Coast University-Los Angeles North Hollywood · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $53,020 | 2,687 | |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata · Public | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,171 | 6,156 | |
| Laguna College of Art and Design Laguna Beach · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $42,505 | 807 | |
| The Chicago School at Los Angeles Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | — | 3,392 | |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson · Public | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $8,615 | 15,181 | |
| Feather River Community College District Quincy · Public | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $10,800 | 1,758 | |
| Newschool of Architecture and Design San Diego · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $52,570 | 280 | |
| West Coast University-Ontario Ontario · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $49,590 | 2,647 | |
| Musicians Institute Hollywood · Private for-profit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $46,518 | 812 | |
| National University San Diego · Private nonprofit | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $22,878 | 19,924 | |
| Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $19,058 | 2,357 | |
| California College of ASU Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $17,683 | 149 | |
| Simpson University Redding · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,817 | 907 | |
| University of Silicon Valley San Jose · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,815 | 392 | |
| Life Pacific University San Dimas · Private nonprofit | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $20,898 | 504 | |
| Laurus College San Luis Obispo · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $22,733 | 794 | |
| Providence Christian College Pasadena · Private nonprofit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $25,163 | 147 | |
| University of Massachusetts Global Aliso Viejo · Public | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $32,654 | 9,069 | |
| California Aeronautical University Bakersfield · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $36,126 | 388 | |
| Academy of Art University San Francisco · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $40,613 | 6,320 | |
| University of the West Rosemead · Private nonprofit | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $6,845 | 154 | |
| Fremont University Cerritos · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $34,483 | 161 | |
| Los Angeles College of Music Pasadena · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $43,590 | 279 | |
| Ashford University San Diego · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $31,266 | 32,604 | |
| Los Angeles Film School Hollywood · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $30,980 | 5,833 | |
| DeVry University-California Ontario · Private for-profit | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $33,744 | 2,119 | |
| University of the People Pasadena · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | — | 42,867 |
| Bakersfield College Bakersfield · Public | — | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,621 | 30,410 |
| Santa Ana College Santa Ana · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $3,133 | 26,073 |
| Fresno City College Fresno · Public | — | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $8,069 | 25,285 |
| Santa Monica College Santa Monica · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $2,779 | 23,164 |
| San Diego Mesa College San Diego · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $5,814 | 19,243 |
| Modesto Junior College Modesto · Public | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $2,818 | 17,152 |
| Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen · Public | — | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $12,152 | 15,733 |
| Moorpark College Moorpark · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $0 or less | 14,091 |
| Cypress College Cypress · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $4,606 | 13,992 |
| Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster · Public | — | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $3,860 | 12,937 |
| Foothill College Los Altos Hills · Public | — | A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $7,653 | 12,931 |
| Northcentral University San Diego · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 10,518 |
| Los Angeles Mission College Sylmar · Public | — | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $13,380 | 10,425 |
| Skyline College San Bruno · Public | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $1,738 | 9,428 |
| West Los Angeles College Culver City · Public | — | B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $9,634 | 9,299 |
| Solano Community College Fairfield · Public | — | AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $4,669 | 8,868 |
| Crafton Hills College Yucaipa · Public | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $11,331 | 6,097 |
| Loma Linda University Loma Linda · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 4,202 |
| Alliant International University-San Diego San Diego · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 4,147 |
| Taft College Taft · Public | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $2,823 | 4,135 |
| United States University San Diego · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 2,539 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,854 | 2,369 |
| Carrington College-Sacramento Sacramento · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $41,338 | 2,288 |
| Golden Gate University San Francisco · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 2,262 |
| Smith Chason College Los Angeles · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $34,367 | 2,221 |
| California Institute of Integral Studies San Francisco · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 2,047 |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences Whittier · Private nonprofit | — | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $45,848 | 1,987 |
| Samuel Merritt University Oakland · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,894 |
| Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $22,677 | 1,829 |
| CBD College Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $23,033 | 1,408 |
| FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,366 |
| Reach University Oakland · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $22,423 | 1,358 |
| Palo Alto University Palo Alto · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,223 |
| Touro University California Vallejo · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,090 |
| Pacific Oaks College Pasadena · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,051 |
| Sofia University Palo Alto · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 1,037 |
| Antioch University-Los Angeles Culver City · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 888 |
| Pacific College of Health and Science San Diego · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $51,918 | 885 |
| Teachers College of San Joaquin Stockton · Public | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 850 |
| Chamberlain University-California Rancho Cordova · Private for-profit | — | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $36,559 | 676 |
| Northeastern University Oakland Oakland · Private nonprofit | — | BValue: Good (grade B): the top 55% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $25,181 | 658 |
| Platt College-Los Angeles Alhambra · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $27,551 | 598 |
| North-West College-San Diego San Diego · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $46,503 | 551 |
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey Monterey · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 503 |
| Lionel University Carpinteria · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $29,453 | 494 |
| Lincoln University Oakland · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | — | 474 |
| Platt College-Ontario Ontario · Private for-profit | — | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $20,711 | 467 |
| Platt College-Riverside Riverside · Private for-profit | — | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $21,889 | 416 |
| Platt College-Anaheim Anaheim · Private for-profit | — | B-Value: Good (grade B-): the top 75% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $22,678 | 405 |
| San Francisco Bay University Fremont · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 328 |
| Antioch University-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 284 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario Ontario · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $44,477 | 279 |
| Bethesda University Anaheim · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $11,097 | 271 |
| University of Phoenix-California Ontario · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 257 |
| University of West Los Angeles Inglewood · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 256 |
| Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 237 |
| American Jewish University Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | — | 209 |
| American Medical Sciences Center Glendale · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $21,629 | 200 |
| California Career College Canoga Park · Private for-profit | — | C+Value: Solid (grade C+): the rest of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $46,880 | 195 |
| Claremont Lincoln University Claremont · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 178 |
| Homestead Schools Torrance · Private nonprofit | — | A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank, so no college gets a D or an F. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $15,962 | 178 |
| Abraham Lincoln University Glendale · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $28,584 | 166 |
| Integrity College of Health Pasadena · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100, from federal data. | $14,819 | 158 |
| Alhambra Medical University Alhambra · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 144 |
| The Chicago School at San Diego San Diego · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 141 |
| San Diego Global Knowledge University San Diego · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 111 |
| Interior Designers Institute Newport Beach · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 107 |
| Dongguk University Los Angeles Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 93 |
| Epic Bible College & Graduate School Sacramento · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 91 |
| Oak Valley College Rialto · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $21,379 | 52 |
| Agape College of Business and Science Fresno · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $17,755 | 41 |
| Pacific States University Los Angeles · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 40 |
| California Jazz Conservatory Berkeley · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 20 |
| California Institute of Arts & Technology National City · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $32,637 | 14 |
| Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art Van Nuys · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 4 |
| DHARMA REALM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY Ukiah · Private nonprofit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | — |
| Learnet Academy Los Angeles · Private for-profit | — | N/AValue: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Federal data does not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | — |
Common questions
How many colleges are in California?
California has 206 accredited four-year colleges on College Compass Guide.
Which colleges in California are Compass Recommended?
California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, University of Southern California, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, Harvey Mudd College, University of California-San Diego, Soka University of America, University of California-Irvine, InterCoast Colleges-West Covina, Scripps College, Pitzer College, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara University, University of California-Santa Barbara, Angeles College, University of California-Davis, Occidental College, Unitek College, Career Networks Institute, Gnomon, Loyola Marymount University, San Diego State University, California Northstate University, Pepperdine University, PCI College, University of San Diego, Thomas Aquinas College, Chapman University, Stanbridge University, University of the Pacific, California Miramar University, California State University-Long Beach, Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses, Dominican University of California, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of San Francisco, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Southern California Institute of Technology, Glendale Career College, Westmont College, Point Loma Nazarene University, University of California-Riverside, West Coast University-Orange County, California Institute of the Arts, California Lutheran University, Southern California Institute of Architecture, Casa Loma College-Los Angeles, New York Film Academy, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, San Jose State University, Art Center College of Design, California State University-Fullerton, Biola University, University of Redlands, Saint Mary's College of California, University of California-Merced, MiraCosta College, Azusa Pacific University, Rio Hondo College, Otis College of Art and Design, Pacific Union College, San Diego Christian College, Pacific College, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Recommended means the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value (how it works).