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Private colleges and universities in California
California’s private colleges range from world-famous research universities to small liberal arts colleges and faith-based schools. Sticker prices are high, but many offer generous need-based and merit aid.
13
private college profiles on CalChannel
3
kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges and faith-based universities
2
Claremont Colleges profiled: Pomona and Harvey Mudd
All private college profiles
Compare California’s private colleges
Each profile covers admissions, cost, campus life and location.
| College | Location | Type and known for |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Stanford, near Palo Alto | Research university; engineering, computer science and Silicon Valley ties |
| Caltech | Pasadena | Small research institute focused on science and engineering |
| USC | Los Angeles | Research university; film, business and a large alumni network |
| Loyola Marymount (LMU) | Los Angeles | Jesuit university; film, business and communications |
| Pomona College | Claremont | Liberal arts college and member of the Claremont Colleges |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont | STEM-focused liberal arts college in the Claremont Colleges |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles (Eagle Rock) | Liberal arts college in an urban setting |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu | Christian university; business, law and an oceanfront campus |
| Chapman University | Orange | Mid-sized university; film, business and law |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, Silicon Valley | Jesuit university; engineering and business |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco | Jesuit university; nursing, business and an urban campus |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton | Health sciences, pharmacy and dentistry |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | Christian university; nursing and engineering |
Costs and aid policies change every year. Check each profile and the college’s net price calculator for current figures.
How private colleges work
What sets private colleges apart
Each private college sets its own rules, so check every school’s requirements individually.
Own admission rules
Most private colleges use the Common App or their own application, with essays, recommendations and their own testing policy.
Need-based and merit aid
Many private colleges use their endowments to reduce the price for admitted students, sometimes below what a public university would cost.
Different sizes and missions
Options include large research universities, small liberal arts colleges and faith-based universities.
How to apply
Applying to private colleges, step by step
Deadlines are often earlier than UC and CSU. See our deadlines guide.
Step 1
Build your list
Mix reach, match and likely schools, and run each college’s net price calculator early.
Step 2
Apply
Most use the Common App or a school application. Some offer Early Action or Early Decision in the fall.
Step 3
Apply for aid
File the FAFSA, and the CSS Profile if a college requires it. Search for scholarships too.
Step 4
Compare offers
Compare net cost, not sticker price, and ask colleges to review your aid if your finances changed.
FAQ
Common questions
Are private colleges always more expensive than the UC or CSU?
Not always. The sticker price is higher, but need-based aid at some private colleges can bring the real cost close to, or below, a public university. Compare net prices, not published tuition.
Can I use a Cal Grant at a private college?
Yes. Cal Grant awards can be used at eligible private colleges in California. For 2026-27, the maximum Cal Grant A at private colleges is $4,000 to $9,358, according to the California Student Aid Commission. See our guide to paying for college.
What are the Claremont Colleges?
A group of neighboring colleges in Claremont that share facilities and let students take classes across campuses. Pomona and Harvey Mudd are two of them.
Do private colleges require the SAT or ACT?
Policies differ. Many are test-optional, some require scores and a few are test-blind. Check each college’s admissions page for the current year.
Is USC part of the University of California?
No. USC is a private university with no connection to the UC system. See our UC campus guide for the public options.
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