California State Polytechnic University - San Luis Obispo - Named the No. 1 most innovative university in the West, “Cal Poly,” as it’s commonly called, is the place for high-achieving motivated students who are especially engaged by hands-on learning. “Learn by Doing,” has been a core component of the university’s curriculum since its founding in 1901. With 6 academic colleges and 60 majors, Cal Poly is midway between LA and San Francisco, 10 minutes from the ocean.

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Student Population: 22,287

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $52,992 - $53,706 depending on the major

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona - Located 30 miles east of LA in the peaceful foothills, Cal Poly-Pomona is known for its diverse, inclusive community. Technology and hands-on learning experiences are incorporated into all of its academic programs. With a wide variety of majors from Hospitality Management to Engineering to Animal Science and Architecture, students set on California may want to explore this LA-county university.

Location: Pomona, CA

Student Population: 26,973

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $41,406

Cal State Polytechnic University - Humboldt - Students interested in a smaller public university with a focus on sustainability and the environment will feel right at home here. You won’t even find plastic water bottles being sold on campus. New programs coming in Fall 2023 include Applied Fire Science & Management, Marine Biology, Cannabis Studies, Data Science, Energy Systems Engineering, and Geospatial Science and Technology.

Location: Arcata, CA

Student Population: 5,739

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $31,586

University of Redlands - Self-directed students who would thrive in an environment where they create their own course of study and live with other students drawn to academic freedom might want to check out the Johnson Center for Integrative Studies. But students interested in a pre-professional education will also feel right at home here. 

Location: Redlands, CA

Student Population: 2,400

Total Cost of Attendance: $74,478 (with an average financial aid package of $52,500)

University of the Pacific - Located outside of San Francisco in Northern California, Pacific provides personalized learning opportunities and small classes. Experiential learning is woven into the curriculum and 75% of students are enrolled in an experiential learning course. Students interested in a smaller environment with over 100 majors integrating liberal arts and professional education may want to explore the University of the Pacific.

Location: Stockton, CA

Undergraduate Student Population: 3,294

Total Cost of Attendance (out of state): $72,028 (with average financial aid  of $27,929)