Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in California (Tuition Rankings)

California is home to some of the nation's most prestigious and costly higher education institutions. Below is a list of the top 10 most expensive colleges in the state, based on in-state tuition and fees. 

Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in California

1. University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $72,097 

• Ranking: #28 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: USC is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in business, engineering, cinematic arts, and communication. It offers a diverse array of majors and minors across various disciplines. 

2. Pepperdine University – Malibu, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $69,918 

• Ranking: #76 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Pepperdine is a private Christian university renowned for its programs in business, law, psychology, and public policy. The university emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence and Christian values. 

3. Harvey Mudd College – Claremont, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $68,613 

• Ranking: #29 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Harvey Mudd is a top-tier liberal arts college specializing in engineering, science, and mathematics. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on undergraduate research. 

4. Claremont McKenna College – Claremont, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $67,980 

• Ranking: #8 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Claremont McKenna is a liberal arts college known for its programs in government, economics, and public affairs. It emphasizes leadership development and real-world experiences. 

5. Occidental College – Los Angeles, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $66,274 

• Ranking: #39 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Occidental offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on global and urban studies. It provides students with opportunities for community engagement and research. 

6. Scripps College – Claremont, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $65,950 

• Ranking: #33 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Scripps is a women's liberal arts college emphasizing interdisciplinary education in the humanities. It is recognized for its strong programs in art, literature, and women's studies. 

7. Stanford University – Stanford, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $65,127 

• Ranking: #3 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Stanford is a leading research university with strengths across various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, business, and the humanities. It is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit and proximity to Silicon Valley. 

8. Pitzer College – Claremont, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $63,880 

• Ranking: #36 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Pitzer is known for its social justice orientation and interdisciplinary approach to education. It offers flexible curricula and encourages students to design their own majors. 

9. Loyola Marymount University – Los Angeles, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $63,058 

• Ranking: #77 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: LMU is a private Jesuit university known for its programs in film, business, and law. It emphasizes ethical leadership and social justice. 

10. Chapman University – Orange, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $62,400 

• Ranking: #121 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Chapman is a private university known for its programs in film and media arts, business, and health sciences. It offers a personalized education with a focus on interdisciplinary studies. 

11. Santa Clara University – Santa Clara, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $62,760 

• Ranking: #55 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Santa Clara is a Jesuit university known for its programs in business, engineering, and law. It emphasizes ethical leadership and social justice. 

12. University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $61,870 

• Ranking: #103 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: USF is a Jesuit university known for its programs in nursing, business, and law. It emphasizes social justice and community engagement. 

13. University of the Pacific – Stockton, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $51,628 

• Ranking: #133 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: University of the Pacific offers strong programs in dentistry, pharmacy, and law. It provides a personalized education with a focus on experiential learning. 

14. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Pasadena, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $65,058 

• Ranking: #9 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Caltech is a world-renowned institution focusing on science and engineering. It boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio and is known for its cutting-edge research in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology. 

15. Pomona College – Claremont, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $59,238 

• Ranking: #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: Pomona is a liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and commitment to diversity. It offers a broad curriculum and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. 

16. University of San Diego – San Diego, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $52,864 

• Ranking: #93 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: USD is a Catholic university known for its programs in law, business, and engineering. It emphasizes ethical leadership and global perspective. 

17. ArtCenter College of Design – Pasadena, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $48,380 

• Ranking: Not ranked in U.S. News & World Report 

• Overview: ArtCenter is a private college known for its programs in industrial design, graphic design, and transportation design. It emphasizes a rigorous, studio-based education. 

18. California College of the Arts – San Francisco, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $51,137 

• Ranking: Not ranked in U.S. News & World Report 

• Overview: CCA is a private college known for its programs in fine arts, architecture, and design. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and social responsibility. 

19. Mills College at Northeastern University – Oakland, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $30,000 

• Ranking: Not ranked in U.S. News & World Report 

• Overview: Mills College, now part of Northeastern University, offers programs in liberal arts, sciences, and business. It has a historic commitment to women's education and social justice. 

20. University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley, CA 

• Tuition & Fees: $14,226 (in-state), $44,008 (out-of-state) 

• Ranking: #20 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) 

• Overview: UC Berkeley is a top public research university known for its programs in engineering, computer science, and social sciences. It has a strong commitment to public service and innovation. 

California's most expensive colleges reflect the state's academic diversity and excellence. From STEM-focused institutions like Caltech and Harvey Mudd to liberal arts colleges and private universities, these schools offer strong programs—but at a premium price. For students seeking top-tier education, understanding each school's strengths and costs is essential for making informed decisions.