2026 Best Private Colleges in California

Cost of classes and attendance at a college

Cost of attendance for a student who lives and graduates from a high school in the same U.S. state as the college

The share of financial aid given based on a student’s financial need (not grades or achievements)

The percentage of international students receiving financial aid

Total amount of financial assistance offered to a student by the college or government, including scholarships, loans, and work-study

Cost to submit your college application

Grade average on a 5.0 scale that considers a student's academic rigor

Scored out of 1600. The SAT is a standardized test that colleges use for admissions in the United States

Scored out of 36. The ACT is a standardized test that colleges use for admissions in the United States