18 California Colleges Earn Five Stars in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges Report

California Colleges Shine in National Rankings

In a recent evaluation by Money magazine, a remarkable 18 colleges in California achieved a prestigious five-star rating in the 2025 Best Colleges in America study. This comprehensive assessment ranked the nation’s top 732 colleges based on a multitude of 25 factors, which included educational quality, affordability, and graduates’ outcomes, such as earnings and economic mobility for low to moderate-income students.

Overview of California State University System

The California State University (CSU) system, the largest four-year public university system in the United States, had all of its campuses rated four stars or higher. Notably, 15 of these universities ranked within the top 10% nationwide, with nine earning the coveted five-star designation. The CSU system accommodates over 460,000 students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, emphasizing its significant role in higher education.

CSU Chancellor Mildred García highlighted the system’s impact, stating that the scale at which they graduate and serve students is unmatched in the realm of four-year higher education. With undergraduate tuition at less than $7,000 annually, CSU offers one of the most affordable options in the country. Over 80% of its undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and more than half graduate debt-free.

Notable Five-Star Institutions

The following California colleges received five stars in the Money study:

• CSU Dominguez Hills: This campus, with approximately 13,000 undergraduates, fosters a close-knit community with smaller class sizes compared to other public universities.

• Cal State Fullerton: Here, Hispanic students constitute over half of the undergraduate population, with many being first-generation college students. The university offers over 50 degree programs, with popular majors including business, education, and the arts.

• Cal State Long Beach: This large university resembles a small city, complete with an art museum and various amenities. It boasts a six-year graduation rate of 83%, indicating a strong fit for its students.

• Cal State Los Angeles: Situated between downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains, this university is known for its programs in business, nursing, engineering, and aerospace.

• Cal Poly Pomona: Renowned for its engineering and business programs, Cal Poly Pomona also excels in hospitality management and agriculture.

• Cal State San Bernardino: With over 70 academic programs available, this institution offers a range of opportunities for commuter students and those living on campus.

• San José State University: Its proximity to numerous tech companies like Apple and IBM provides students with valuable internship and job opportunities.

  

• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Established in 1903, this university emphasizes hands-on learning and offers over 60 majors, including unique programs like wine and viticulture.

• Cal State Stanislaus: With around 9,000 undergraduates, this university offers smaller class sizes, fostering connections between students and faculty.

• UC San Diego: Renowned for its research programs, UC San Diego is a leader in the sciences and is recognized for its outstanding faculty.

• UC Irvine: Students can choose from over 85 majors, with a notable 85% of freshmen graduating within six years.

• UCLA: Known for over 130 majors, including popular fields like psychology and business, UCLA received over 173,000 applications for undergraduate admissions in 2024.

• UC Berkeley: A prestigious research institution, UC Berkeley boasts an impressive faculty, including numerous award-winning scholars.

• UC Davis: This campus offers around 100 majors and is particularly celebrated for its agriculture and veterinary medicine programs.

• Fresno Pacific University: Supported by the Mennonite Brethren Church, this university provides more than 100 areas of study, with business administration and social work being among the most popular.

• Pomona College: With an enrollment of less than 1,800 students, Pomona boasts a high student-to-faculty ratio and an impressive graduation rate of nearly 93%.

• Stanford University: Home to esteemed faculty, including 20 Nobel laureates, Stanford is synonymous with innovation and academic excellence.

• Harvey Mudd College: This college has gained recognition for its strong science and engineering programs since its founding in 1955.

Selectivity and Aesthetics of California Universities

In terms of selectivity, Stanford University has emerged as the second most selective institution in the nation, with an acceptance rate of just 3.9% for the 2023 admissions cycle. The university accepted 2,099 students out of 53,733 applicants, demonstrating its competitive nature.

Moreover, Stanford also holds the title of the most beautiful college campus in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure magazine, which praised its stunning architecture and expansive grounds. The University of San Diego also made the list, ranking sixth, thanks to its impressive landmarks.

Community Colleges: A Gateway to Higher Education

California’s community colleges play a vital role in providing accessible education and pathways to four-year universities. Programs like the California Promise and Transfer Admission Guarantee facilitate this transition for students seeking bachelor’s degrees. Foothill College in Los Altos has been recognized as the top community college in California, while Allan Hancock College and Pasadena City College also received national accolades.

In summary, California’s higher education institutions not only excel in academic quality and affordability but also provide a diverse range of opportunities for students to thrive and succeed in their educational journeys.