It is the dream of many young children to study in Southern California. If you dreamed of something similar, this article is for you. You would learn about some private colleges in Southern California that would meet your academic needs.
Southern California is a serene environment for learning, which makes it a good city for effective learning, especially at a private college.
Although public colleges have some advantages, they cannot match the benefits that come with studying at a private college.
In this article, I will tell you about the 15 Best private colleges in Southern California with you. Continue reading for more.
Table of Contents
Are There Any Private Colleges in California?
The simple answer is yes. there are several private colleges in California.
As the years go by, the US government has continually increased its investments in the education sector. As a result, there are more public colleges in California than ever before.
However, the private sector is not slacking as more investors are delving into the educational sector. Every year, there are more establishments of private colleges. This is because the educational sector is very lucrative.
A school of thought believes that the primary aim of setting up these private colleges is to improve the standard of education in California while others believe that it is solely for business.
Whichever the case, there are now more private colleges in Southern California, and California at large. Whether for business or otherwise, many of these colleges meet world standards, so they contribute to the growth of the education sector in California and the United States at large.
How Many Private Colleges Are There in California?
California is a big city with a landmass of 423,970 kilometers square. California also boasts a population of 39.2 million people.
California has a huge expanse of land and houses 133 private colleges and universities. The private colleges in California are well distributed across the city. The total number of students in these colleges combined is up to 260,391.
There are also several public colleges and universities in California, but the private colleges are the most eye-catching. This is because a private college gives more attention to the need of its students.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to a Private College in California?
The cost of attending a private college in California can vary based on the institution, the program of study, and other factors such as accommodation, transportation, and personal expenditures.
The average in-state tuition for a four-year program in a private college in California is $35,639 for the year.
However, this figure excludes other costs such as accommodation and board, textbooks, and personal expenses, which can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost of attendance.
An analysis of the latest academic year shows a 3.31% annual increase from the costs obtainable in previous academic years.
It is also worth noting that many private institutions in California provide financial aid packages that can help you with tuition costs. Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are examples of these aids.
The University of Southern California is one of the most popular private colleges in Southern California. It has a yearly in-state tuition of $60,446 making it the most expensive private college in California.
However, some other private colleges in Southern California have cheaper tuition.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in California for International Students?
The cost of living in California for international students varies depending on several factors such as geography, lifestyle, and personal preferences. California is well-known for its high cost of living, particularly in areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley.
I have given you an estimate of the costs:
- Housing: In California, the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on location.
- Food: The typical monthly grocery bill for a person is $300-$500. Restaurant meals might cost anywhere from $10 to $50.
- Transportation: The cost of public transportation varies depending on the city you school in. In cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, a monthly public transportation pass can cost around $70-$100.
- Health insurance: The cost of health insurance for an international student can range from $500 to $1,500 per year, depending on the coverage.
- Tuition fees: As an international student, tuition fees for international students can vary depending on the institution and program of study. On average, tuition fees for international students in California range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year.
It is important to note that these are estimated costs. The actual costs vary depending on your unique circumstances. However, these estimates would serve as a guide for you to prepare well for your studies in California.
Which City in California Has the Best Education?
California has several cities known for high-quality education. Cities like San Francisco, Irvine, and many others set the pace.
The yardstick we used to judge which city has the highest educational standards is the quality of schools that the city houses. The level of education considered is also essential. In this article, we would consider the schools at the tertiary level.
That said, Stanford is the city with the best education in California. This is because Stanford is home to the prestigious Stanford University, which is one of the best universities in the world.
Another city known for its excellent education is Irvine, which is home to the University of California, Irvine, a top-ranked public research university. The city also has a highly-rated public school district and several private schools.
San Francisco is another city with a flourishing education system, with several well-respected universities such as the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. The city also has highly rated public and private schools.
15 Best Private Colleges in Southern California
#1. University of Southern California
Acceptance rate: 13%.
Tuition: $60,446 per annum.
The University of Southern California is a private research university in California. Founded in 1880, it is one of the leading private colleges in Southern California.
It is a global center for arts, technology, and international business. It also has a vast curriculum that allows students from different disciplines to sharpen their skills.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#2. California Institute of Technology
Acceptance rate: 4%.
Tuition: $58,680.
Popularly known as Caltech, the California Institute of Technology is a renowned institute of Science and Engineering. Caltech utilizes some of the best educational tools in technology to train its students.
Graduates of Caltech live to tell the tales as the Institute has formed some of the brightest minds that have contributed to world technological advancement. These and many more make Caltech among some of the best private colleges in Southern California.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#3. Biola University
Acceptance rate: 61%.
Tuition: $44,382.
Biola University, located in La Mirada, California, is a private, nondenominational evangelical Christian university. The university has a high acceptance rate of 61%, making it easier for you to enroll.
Biola University was first founded as a Bible Institute in 1908. It was initially known as the Bible Institute of California.
The university offers degree programs in Film, Theology, Business, and the Sciences, among many others. It also offers online programs.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#4. Occidental College
Acceptance rate: 38%.
Tuition: $58,426.
Occidental College is a private liberal arts and sciences college in Los Angeles. It was also founded by the Christian community in 1887.
The school has a 20-acre residential campus in the heart of Los Angeles. It prioritizes putting theory into practice and ideas into action. As a result, you get to spend as much time in the lab, field, community, and studio as you do in the classroom. This makes it among the best private colleges in Southern California
To learn more, visit the official website.
#5. Point Loma Nazarene University
Acceptance rate: 84%.
Tuition: $39,500.
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private non-profit university located in San Diego. It is also a Christian Liberal arts college.
The university fosters the academic, personal, and spiritual growth of students. It focuses on shaping the minds of students to ensure they are well-equipped for life after school.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#6. Vanguard University
Acceptance rate: 69%
Tuition: $37,700.
Vanguard University is another private Christian university in Southern California. Established in 1920, it was the first four-year college in Orange County.
As one of the best private colleges in Southern California, Vanguard University offers more than 39 undergraduate degrees. It also offers up to 6 graduate degrees and several adult learning programs.
The mission of Vanguard University is to pursue knowledge, develop character, deepen faith, and prepare each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service to the school.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#7. California Baptist University
Acceptance rate: 64%.
Tuition: $37,018.
California Baptist University is one of the best Christian private colleges in Southern California. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Located in Riverside, California, it was founded in 1950.
California Baptist University offers both graduate and undergraduate degree programs. It offers up to 40 undergraduate programs covering fields such as Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, and Languages, among many others. It also offers more than 100 graduate degree programs.
Furthermore, California Baptist University integrates academic, spiritual, and social life. So, graduating from this university makes you a balanced individual.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#8. University of Redlands
Acceptance rate: 83%.
Tuition: $54,066.
The University of Redlands has its headquarters in Redlands, California. It covers up to 160 acres of land.
It offers bachelor’s programs in fields such as Arts and Sciences, Business and Society, and Education. The University of Redlands also has a school of Continuing Studies and a Graduate School of Theology.
Online programs are also available at the university for those that choose remote learning. These and many more make it among the top private colleges in Southern California.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#9. National University
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition: $13,320
National University is a private non-profit university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1971, National University offers several degree programs both at undergraduate and graduate levels.
National University has grown over the years and now has up to 41,000 students and 3,300 employees, both academic and non-academic.
The university has a knack for excellence, so it provides its students with the skills necessary to thrive in society. It uses state-of-the-art facilities in the classroom and organizes workshops as well for adequate learning.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#10. Woodbury University
Acceptance rate: 63%.
Tuition: $43,418.
Woodbury University is a private, non-profit university located in Burbank, California. It also has a satellite campus in San Diego.
Woodbury University offers undergraduate degree programs in more than 20 fields. It also offers graduate degrees such as an MBA, Master of Arts in Social Justice, and Master in Architecture, among many others.
At Woodbury University, you get more practice-based learning to adequately equip you for excellence in your chosen field outside of school. The university believes that excellence in learning involves problem-solving, which drives them to utilize state-of-the-art facilities to shape students.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#11. University of La Verne
Acceptance rate: 72%.
Tuition: $45,850.
The University of La Verne is a private university founded in 1891 and located in the beautiful city of La Verne, California.
The university prides itself as a home for intellectual development. Expert instructors will push you to think creatively, communicate effectively, and serve your community with integrity.
The University of La Verne has graduated more than 85,000 students. It is also open to international students, transfer students and military personnel.
The colleges available at the university include the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business & Public Management, the LaFetra College of Education, the College of Law, College of Health and Community Well-Being.
It also has an online adult school, two military centers, and a Regional Campus Administration that oversees six regional campuses.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#12. Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles
Acceptance rate: 90%.
Tuition: $45,388.
Mount Saint Mary’s University is a private Catholic university founded in 1925. One unique fact about this university is that it has a student body consisting of 90% women. It has two campuses in Chalon and Doheny respectively.
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers several undergraduate degree programs in fields such as Business Administration, Arts, Health Sciences, and Film Making, just to mention a few. It also offers several graduate degrees. Online programs are also available at Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Mount Saint Mary’s boasts of passionate lecturers and professors that show commitment to students’ academic welfare. As a student at this university, you also gain hands-on training in your selected field of study.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#13. Southwestern Law School
Acceptance rate: 46.85%.
Tuition: $58,392.
Southwestern Law School is a private law school in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1911, it offers up to four-year J.D. programs. It also offers LL.M. programs.
You will find it difficult to get lost in the crowd at Southwestern as it provides personalized and intimate experiences for students via several student communities.
Furthermore, Southwestern Law School is a nurturing, supportive environment where students can find future colleagues, caring mentors, and inspiring role models.
Southwestern employs innovative teachers who can serve as excellent role models. It also has a successful alumni body, which it incorporates into the school system to further give students a standard to look up to.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#14. California College of the Arts
Acceptance rate: 78%.
Tuition: $52,312.
California College of the Arts is a private art school in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1907, it moved to the Oakland campus, which eventually closed in 2022.
California College of the Arts has a student body of about 1,619 and about 500 members of academic staff. The university covers up to 4 acres of land in San Francisco.
The California College of the Arts is a school that embraces cultural diversity. It seeks to help students embrace this too and appreciate all cultures of the world, as culture is the beauty of art.
To learn more, visit the official website.
#15. ArtCenter College of Design
Acceptance rate: 76%.
Tuition: $48,044.
This is another one of the private colleges in Southern California centered on the arts. Pasadena, California, is home to the ArtCenter College of Design.
ArtCenter College of Design offers 11 undergraduate programs. They include:
- Creative direction
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Creative
- Fine Art
- Interaction Design
- Photography and Imaging
- Product Design
- Film
- Entertainment Design
The college also offers several graduate programs in Art and other related fields.
As a school that also embraces cultural diversity, Art Center has a student body comprised of students from various cultural backgrounds. It also has a growing international student body.
To learn more, visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Regulates Private Colleges in California?
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges regulates private colleges in California.
Do Private Colleges Have to be Accredited in California?
Accreditation in California is optional. However, all private colleges have to file with the state every year. Notwithstanding, it is advisable to study at an accredited college for many reasons.
Are There Any Accredited Private Colleges in California?
Yes, there are several accredited private colleges in California.
How Do You check if a school is among the Accredited Schools in California?
You can verify a school’s accreditation by using the publication of the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education (AIPE).
Do I Need a Master’s to Teach in California?
Bachelor’s degree is a sufficient requirement for teaching in California, so a master’s degree is not compulsory.
Conclusion
Private colleges in Southern California offer a unique and valuable educational experience. From their prestigious academic programs to their vibrant campus communities, these institutions provide the tools you need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
These colleges have so much to offer, which is why many students from all parts of the world seek education in Southern California.
So, whether you are a prospective student or simply curious about the state of higher education in Southern California, go over this list carefully and keep tabs on these institutions.
If you are interested in online education, see Certification Programs Online.
