15 Private Colleges in Southern California

Quality education in a serene environment is the dream of most young people. Private colleges in Southern California bring those dreams to fruition.

The Golden State, as Southern California is often called, is home to some of the best universities and colleges in the world. The serenity of the city and its numerous recreational parks also contribute to making learning in the city fun.

Private colleges in Southern California provide a stronger sense of community than public colleges, making it easier to cope with the stress of schooling.

In this article, I will show you some of the best private colleges and campuses in Southern California that you can choose from. You will also get to know the tuition and other important information about the colleges.

If you stay in Virginia, you can check out the 16 Best Online Colleges in VA (Virginia).

Are There Any Private Colleges in Southern California?

Yes. There are several private colleges in Southern California. They range from for-profit to non-profit institutions.

Private Colleges in Southern California stand out in the educational sector of California. Schools like the University of Southern California rank 25th in the Best National Universities rankings.

These colleges offer several academic programs. Whatever program you want to study, you will find it in Southern California.

What is One Private University in California?

One private university in California that stands out from the crowd is Stanford University. According to the recent edition of Best National Universities, Stanford University ranks joint third with Harvard and Yale Universities.

Established in 1885, Stanford has evolved to become among the world’s leading research universities. Stanford has seven schools offering multiple disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, engineering, and business.

Despite the large student body at Stanford, you will not get lost in the crowd due to their inclusive yet diverse student communities. The vibrancy of these student communities contributes to your overall learning.

How Much is Tuition for Private Colleges in California?

The tuition fees for private colleges in California vary depending on location, program offered, and the institution’s prestige. For example, the tuition fees at colleges in Northern California like Stanford are higher than those at private colleges in Southern California.

However, the average undergraduate tuition fee for private colleges in California in the past year was $22,994. The average surpasses the national average, pegged at $12,914. The tuition average suggests that colleges in California are more expensive than many other places in the United States.

If you are seeking an MSW but are worried about funds, see the 19 cheapest online MSW Programs in California.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in California for International Students?

The cost of living in California as an international student will largely depend on your lifestyle. However, I have estimated all your expenses while living in California as an international student. Below is the estimated breakdown:

• Tuition: the average tuition fee at private colleges in California is $22,994.
• Accommodation: the cost of student housing in California ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 per year.
• Transportation: the average cost of transportation is $159 per month. However, transportation costs depend on whether or not you have a ride and the distance from the school to your house.

Excluding other miscellaneous expenses that come with living in California, the above should give you an idea of how much you would spend as an international student in California.

To reduce your expenses as an international student, see All 3 Tuition-Free Online Universities for International Students.

How Much is Private School in California a Month?

A private school in California is usually more expensive than a public school. For example, the average tuition for private colleges in Southern California is $38,480. Converting this fee to a monthly value will amount to $3,206 per month. Meanwhile, the average tuition for public colleges in California is $3,874 for in-state students and $12,542 for out-of-state students.

Generally, the monthly cost of schooling in California varies. Several factors, such as grade level, location, and amenities of the school, can affect how much you spend on tuition monthly.

List of 15 Private Colleges in Southern California

• University of Southern California
• California Institute of Technology
• Vanguard University
• Biola University
• Occidental College
• National University
• Woodbury University
• California Baptist University
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• University of La Verne
• Mount Saint Mary’s University
• Southwestern Law School
• University of Redlands
• California Institute of the Arts
• ArtCenter College of Design

15 Private Colleges in Southern California

University of Southern California

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: it costs an average of $64,726.
• Acceptance rate: it has an acceptance rate of 13%.

The University of Southern California is one of the best private colleges in Southern California. It ranks 25th in the recent edition of the Best National Universities ranking.

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California has become one of the leading universities for research and the arts in the United States. It has a total undergraduate student population of 20,790.

The admissions process at the university is all-inclusive and goes beyond just grades. You can apply as a first-year, transfer, international, or immigration and DACA status student.

For more information, see University of Southern California.

California Institute of Technology

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition at this college is $60,864.
• Acceptance rate: this college has a 4% acceptance rate.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is also among the private colleges in Southern California that rank high among other colleges in the country. It is a university with a suburban setting that prepares you for life in the sciences and engineering.

Caltech ranks 9th in the recent edition of the Best National Universities ranking. It welcomes students from across the world in a bid to establish a diverse yet healthy environment to foster intercultural relations.

The student body comprises 901 undergraduate students and 1,330 graduate students. The university also offers need-based aid, with up to 51% of students benefiting.

Vanguard University

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition at this college this college is $38,700.
• Acceptance rate: the acceptance rate of this college is 69%.

Vanguard University is a private, non-profit university located in Costa Mesa, California. It ranks 35th in Regional Universities West, making it among the best private colleges in Southern California.

Vanguard has an undergraduate student enrollment of 1,917. Up to 98% of the students receive financial aid.

As a faith-based institution, Vanguard is a university with solid foundations in Christianity. It has several scientists, best-selling authors, and big media personalities as part of its alumni body.

For more information, see Vanguard University.

Biola University

Here is a summary of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition is $44,382.
• Acceptance rate: this college has an acceptance rate of 61%.

Biola University is a private Christian university situated in La Mirada, California. It was first established as a Bible institute in 1908, offering Bible courses with certificates. See 20+ Free Bible Courses Online with Certificates.

Biola University has a growing student body, with an undergraduate enrollment of 3,596. It offers several forms of financial aid to students.

Biola University ranks 194th in the National University category of Best Colleges. This makes it the highest-ranked university from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

For more information, see Biola University.

Occidental College

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: it costs an average of $60,566.
• Acceptance rate: it has a student acceptance rate of 38%.

Occidental College is a liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, its student population has been on a steady rise. It recently recorded an undergraduate enrollment of 1,964.

Occidental College is also among the best private colleges in Southern California. It ranks 37th in the National Liberal Arts Colleges Category for the Best Colleges ranking.

Occidental College also has a diverse international student body, with up to 15% of its students being internationals or individuals with dual citizenship.

For more information, see Occidental College.

National University

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: it has an average tuition of $13,320 across all departments.
• Acceptance rate: it has an acceptance rate of 55%.

National University is a private university in San Diego, California. It is among the cheapest private colleges in Southern California.

National University utilizes a continuous-based academic calendar, which is different from the semester-based calendars used by most private colleges in Southern California.

The university was founded in 1971. The school has experienced rapid numerical growth, with an undergraduate student population of 7,648. In the recent edition of Best Colleges, it ranked 90th to 117th in the Regional Universities West category.

For more information about this college, see National University.

Woodbury University

Here is an overview of this program:

• Average tuition: it has an average of $44,886 tuition.
• Acceptance rate: it has an acceptance rate of 63%.

Woodbury University is among the leading creative private colleges in Southern California. Founded in 1884, it has recorded an undergraduate enrollment of 937.

According to the recent U.S. News and World Report ranking, it is the 24th best-value school in the United States. It is also ranked 44th in the Regional Universities West category.

Woodbury University does not discriminate against race or color. It is a university that welcomes students from all parts of the world, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or culture. It also has a long list of successful alumni thriving in the business world, and entertainment industry, among many other fields.

For more information about this college, see Woodbury University.

California Baptist University

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: this college has an average tuition of $37,570.
• Acceptance rate: this college has maintained an acceptance rate of 64%.

California Baptist University is one of the best Christian private colleges in Southern California. It ranks 28th in the Regional Universities West rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

Founded in 1950, the university has a growing student population. Recent records show an undergraduate enrollment of 8,252.

California Baptist University welcomes international students. It boasts of having multicultural and diverse student communities.

California Baptist is a school committed to helping you not just study to become an academician but also find your path in life.

For more information, see California Baptist University.

Point Loma Nazarene University

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: this college has an average tuition of $41,100.
• Acceptance rate: this college has a student acceptance rate of 84%.

Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego, California. It is one of the top private colleges in Southern California, ranking 9th in the Regional Universities West rankings.

As with most Christian colleges, Point Loma Nazarene University also helps you discover your God-given purpose. It provides several undergraduate and graduate programs taught by committed tutors.

The admissions process is holistic and not just centered on your GPA, so it is worth a try regardless of your academic strength. The school is also welcoming to international and transfer students. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,174 students.

For more information, see Point Loma Nazarene University.

University of La Verne

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition at this college is $47,000.
• Acceptance rate: this college has an acceptance rate of 73%.

The University of La Verne is a private university in La Verne, Los Angeles County, California. Founded in 1891, it has an undergraduate student population of 2,506.

The University of La Verne, one of the leading private colleges in Southern California, ranks 6th for social mobility in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. Its academic calendar operates by semester.

The school admits International and transfer students. It is also open to military students.

Mount Saint Mary’s University

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition is $45,870.
• Acceptance rate: this college maintains an 82% acceptance rate.

Mount Saint Mary’s University is a private Catholic university with two campuses: Los Angeles and Chalon. It is ranked first in the social mobility ranking by U.S. News and World Report. It was also ranked the third most transformative University by Money Magazine.

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, you have the opportunity to build strong interpersonal relationships with individuals from diverse cultures. It is one of the private colleges in Southern California with intimate classes, making interpersonal relationships more possible.

The university offers hands-on training in diverse programs. It also offers weekend and evening classes as well as online programs.

To learn more about this college, see Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Southwestern Law School

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: this school costs an average of $56,146 and $37,447 for full-time and part-time students.
• Acceptance rate: this college has a student acceptance rate of 50.4%.

Southwestern Law School is a private law school in the Wilshire District of Los Angeles. Among the private colleges in Southern California, Southwestern Law School stands out as one of the leading law schools.

Founded in 1911, it offers J.D. programs that take 2–4 years to complete. It also offers L.L.M. programs. Diversity is one of the core values of Southwestern Law School. The school covers diverse areas of law, including entertainment and media law.

The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9.1:1. The student body is inclusive, and the faculty is approachable and responsive to student peculiarities.

To learn more about this college, see Southwestern Law School.

University of Redlands

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: the average tuition in this college is $54,066.
• Acceptance rate: this college has an acceptance rate of 83%.

The University of Redlands is a private university founded in 1907. It is one of the best private colleges in Southern California, placing 5th in the Regional Universities West rankings.

The University of Redlands offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. It also has a school of Continuing Studies.

For more information, see University of Redlands.

California Institute of the Arts

Here is an overview of this college:

• Average tuition: this college has an average tuition of $53,466.
• Acceptance rate: this college has an average student acceptance rate of 27% showing that admission to this college is competitive.

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private arts institution in Santa Clarita, California. It is a non-profit, 4-year institution founded in 1961. It has an undergraduate population of 762.

CalArts is also one of the best private colleges in Southern California, as it excels in the field of the arts. It offers programs in the visual, media, performing, and literary arts. CalArts has a downtown Los Angeles Center for Design and Arts, originally built in 2003 as an extension of the school’s vast art gallery.

For more information, see California Institute of the Arts.

ArtCenter College of Design

Here is a quick overview of this college:

• Average tuition: students in this college pay an average of $48,044 in tuition fees.
• Acceptance rate: this college has a student acceptance rate of 76%.

ArtCenter College of Design is a 4-year arts college in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1930, it has now recorded an undergraduate student population of 2,028.

ArtCenter College of Design is among the best private colleges in Southern California, as it ranks 16th in the Regional Universities West category of the U.S. News and World Report rankings. It is also ranked 28th for social mobility.

The college specializes in art and design and has become a household name in the field.

To learn more about this college, see ArtCenter College of Design.

How Many Private Colleges Are There in California?

There are 82 private colleges in California. This comprises private colleges in Southern California and those in Northern California.

California is a state in the US with a solid educational background. The state believes in and invests so much in education. Its interest in education has invited several investors to set up these private colleges.

Many of these colleges meet optimum educational standards, so you can be sure of the quality you get at a California university.

What Are The 5 Different Types of Colleges in California?

In California, there are primarily five types of colleges:

• Community colleges: they offer two-year associate degree programs and certificate programs. You can run programs at these types of colleges before aiming to transfer to a four-year institution.
• California State University (CSU) System: this is a public university system in California, consisting of 23 campuses. They offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• University of California (UC) System: the UC system is another public university system in California. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
• Private universities and colleges: private colleges in Southern California fall under this category. These range from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
• Technical and vocational schools: at this type of school, you receive specialized training in areas like technology, healthcare, and the arts.

How Do You Find Out If a College Is Accredited in California?

To find out the accreditation status of any college in California, search for the book on Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education (AIPE). You can check the accreditation status of any of the private colleges in Southern California, as the book contains a list of all the accredited colleges in California.

You can also download an online copy of the book through the American Council on Education.

What is the Most Common California College?

The two most common public California colleges are the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).

On the other hand, the most common private college in California is Stanford University, with a total student population of 17,680. Other private colleges in Southern California, such as the University of Southern California and the California Institute of Technology are also the first choice of many students.

FAQs On Private Colleges in Southern California

Conclusion

Many private colleges in Southern California have built a solid reputation and have risen to become the first choice of many Americans and Internationals. The private colleges in Southern California range from universities to art colleges and law schools.

These colleges have high acceptance rates. They are also inclusive and do not discriminate against race and culture. Some have larger student bodies than others. However, a uniting factor between them is the diversity of their student communities, which fosters healthy interpersonal relationships among individuals from various cultures.

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