List of Universities in California: Courses, Admission Process, Intakes

California, the Golden State, is renowned for its world-class universities and research institutions. From prestigious private universities to renowned public systems, California offers a diverse range of educational opportunities. Whether you are interested in technology, arts, business, or sciences, you will find several options to suit your academic and career aspirations. Some of the universities that you should consider studying at are UCLA, California State University, CSU Los Angeles, Stanford University, and others. Keep reading this blog post to find out a list of colleges and universities in California. 

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List of Universities in California for International Students

Before we dive into the list of universities and colleges in California, we must understand the education system. The higher education in California can be divided into 4 types of universities/colleges. Every school system has its own programs and classroom priorities. Finding the ideal institution for your learning preferences and professional objectives can be crucial as each of the four systems has a lot to offer. Let us look at each of these universities closely. 

University of California (UC)

University of California has 9 campuses which allow students to pursue their Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Every school offers a different range of degrees and specialisations. Additionally, acceptance rates vary for each UC. To find more information about the University of California, you must visit the official website of the University of California. 

Here is the list of campuses which come under the University of California:

UCLA	UC Berkeley
UC Davis	UC Irvine
UC Riverside	UC Merced
UC Santa Cruz	UC Santa Barbara
UC San Francisco	UC San Diego

Here is some more information regarding these universities:

The above universities are known for offering some of the top programs which include.

Biological & Life Sciences	Environmental Studies
Engineering & Computer Science	Ethnic Studies
Humanities	Maths and Physical Sciences

California State University (CSU)

Under California State University (CSU), there are more than 20+ campuses which offer students Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. You can more information about each campus and the program by contacting study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.

California State University, Humbolt	California State University, Chico
California State University, Sacramento	California State University, Sonoma
CSU, East Bay	CSU, Cal Maritime
CSU, San Fransisco	CSU, San Jose
CSU, Stanislaus State	CSU Monterey Bay
CSU, Fresno State	CSU, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
CSU Bakersfield	CSU Bakersfield
CSU, Northridge	CSU, Los Angeles
CSU Dominguez Hills	CSU Long Beach
CSU Fullerton	Cal Poly Pomona
CSU San Bernardino	CSU San Marcos

Below is the admission process for getting into the California State University:

Here are some of the top programs that are offered at the California State University (CSU) campus:

Journalism	Criminal Justice
Nursing	Kinesiology
Animation/Game Development	Interior & Fashion Design
Social Work	Accounting

Private Colleges & Universities

California has more than 70 accredited degree-granting non-profit independent colleges that serve California. Many campuses are small, religiously affiliated universities. All these private universities and colleges operate individually! Here is the list of private colleges and universities situated in California. 

Stanford University	University of Southern California
California Institute of Technology	Santa Clara University
Scripps College	Occidental College
Claremont McKenna College	Pomona College

Some of the stand-out attractions for one to look at private universities in California are Prestige, Staff to Student Ratio, Unique Programs, scholarship awards, Women’s Colleges, and Religious Affiliation to name a few. 

California Community Colleges

As for community colleges, California has over 114 colleges that grant certificates, associate degrees, and limited bachelor’s degrees, as well as provide transferable lower-division

coursework to 4-year universities. You can visit the official website and choose the perfect college as per your education and career goals. 

Top programs offered at community colleges include Automotive/Aircraft Technology, Cosmetology & Barbering, Fire Technology, Police Academy, Culinary Arts, Dental & Nursing Assistant

Keep in mind that there is only one best school for you—there is no such thing as a best school!

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Difference in Teaching Style in All Schools

The table below lists the differences in the teaching styles in all the schools. Take a look at the table which will help you in deciding which college/university you must be in. 

Factors	University of California (UC)	California State University(CSU)	Community College(CC)
Teaching Methods	Gain expertise in academic and scientific research. Prioritising theoretical and analytical education.	Instruction that is career-oriented and grounded in practice. Research and theory are mentioned but not highlighted.	Teaches first responders in California, offers industrial skills and career training, and serves as a route to a bachelor’s degree.
Post-Degree Expectations	Assumes that candidates will pursue a master’s degree	Assume that graduates will pursue occupations unrelated to research when they join the workforce.	Students either transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce.
Degrees/Credentials Offered	Research is the foundation of degrees.	Degrees offer professional training.	Degrees and certificates are offered in several fields.

Also Read: Education System in the USA

Admission Periods in California

Admission periods in California vary by institution and program. Take a look at the admission periods for California.

University of California (UC)

• Fall quarter/semester applications are accepted from 1 October through 2 December. 
• As early as 1 August, transfer applicants can begin preparing their applications. 
• There are no Early Action or Early Decision plans in the UC system. 
• Students might be automatically admitted to a certain UC campus and major under the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG). 

California State University (CSU)

• Each institution has a different autumn application period. For instance, Cal State LA’s fall 2025 application process usually begins around first week of October.
• The Cal State Apply application must be completed by an earlier date for transfer students from domestic U.S. institutions. 

Also Read: Best Intake for USA 

How to Select a University and Course in California?

Here’s a guide to help you choose the right university and course in California:

1. Identify your academic goals
2. Research California universities
3. Evaluate courses available at top universities in USA at California
4. Check out the cost of the program and other fee levied by the select university
5. Consider visa requirements for USA and immigration procedures for USA

By following these steps and carefully considering your options, you can select a university and course in California that aligns with your academic and career goals.

Also Read: Study Masters at The University of Southern California

Prominent Courses to Pursue in California

California, a hub of innovation and technology, offers a plethora of courses across diverse fields. Here are some prominent courses you can pursue in California:

Computer Science	Software Engineering
Data Science	Artificial Intelligence
Business Administration	Marketing
Electrical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
Biology	Biomedical Engineering
Environmental Science	Film and Media Studies

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