The Hardest Colleges to Get Into in California (2026)
Written by: Tyson Schritter, COO Colleges of Distinction | What is Colleges of Distinction?
Last updated: February 2026. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database (2023–24).
California is home to some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the country. From elite private research institutions to highly selective public flagships, admission to top California schools is increasingly difficult—often with acceptance rates in the single digits.
This list ranks the hardest colleges to get into in California based primarily on acceptance rate, using the most recent publicly available federal data. Use it as a reference point when building a balanced college list that includes reach, match, and safety schools.
Highlights: California’s Most Selective Colleges
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is consistently the most selective college in California.
- Several private colleges admit fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
- California is home to one of the most selective public universities in the country.
Data note: Acceptance rates may vary slightly by year and applicant pool.
The Hardest Colleges to Get Into in California
1. California Institute of Technology
Location: Pasadena, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 3%
Average net price (with aid): $14,513
6-year graduation rate: 94%
Full-time retention rate: 97%
Student–faculty ratio: 3:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 987
2. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 4%
Average net price (with aid): $25,078
6-year graduation rate: 95%
SAT (middle 50%): 1510–1580
Full-time retention rate: 98%
Student–faculty ratio: 6:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,904
3. Pomona College
Location: Claremont, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 7%
Average net price (with aid): $19,938
6-year graduation rate: 95%
SAT (middle 50%): 1490–1560
Full-time retention rate: 98%
Student–faculty ratio: 7:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,700
4. University of California, Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Control: Public
Acceptance rate: 9%
Average net price (with aid): $14,512
6-year graduation rate: 92%
Full-time retention rate: 97%
Student–faculty ratio: 20:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 33,475
5. Claremont McKenna College
Location: Claremont, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 10%
Average net price (with aid): $33,895
6-year graduation rate: 91%
SAT (middle 50%): 1470–1560
Full-time retention rate: 98%
Student–faculty ratio: 8:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,390
6. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 10%
Average net price (with aid): $43,412
6-year graduation rate: 92%
SAT (middle 50%): 1450–1550
Full-time retention rate: 96%
Student–faculty ratio: 9:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 20,630
7. University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, CA
Control: Public
Acceptance rate: 11%
Average net price (with aid): $16,538
6-year graduation rate: 94%
Full-time retention rate: 97%
Student–faculty ratio: 18:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 33,070
8. Harvey Mudd College
Location: Claremont, CA
Control: Private
Acceptance rate: 13%
Average net price (with aid): $43,966
6-year graduation rate: 92%
SAT (middle 50%): 1500–1570
Full-time retention rate: 96%
Student–faculty ratio: 8:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 951
Note: Some California institutions do not require or report SAT scores.
🎓 Applying to Competitive California Colleges?
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🔓 Start Building Your College ListWhat Makes California Colleges So Competitive?
California’s top colleges attract applicants from across the country and around the world. High academic demand, strong outcomes, desirable locations, and limited enrollment capacity all contribute to extremely low acceptance rates.
Public universities in California can be especially competitive due to high in-state demand combined with capped enrollment, while private colleges often receive tens of thousands of applications for relatively small incoming classes.
How to Use This List
California is home to some of the most competitive colleges in the country—but selectivity alone doesn’t define the best college for you. Acceptance rates reflect demand, not fit, and many students thrive at schools that balance strong academics with support, affordability, and campus culture.
Use this list to identify reach schools, then round out your college plan with match and safety options that align with your goals, learning style, and budget. A thoughtful, balanced list gives you more choices—and more confidence—when decisions arrive.
More Colleges of Distinction in California:
These schools are recognized for student engagement, strong teaching, and outcomes—regardless of acceptance rate.
| College (Colleges of Distinction) | Control | Acceptance rate | Avg. net price | Undergrad enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Irvine | Public | 29% | $15,889 | 30,204 |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | Public | 33% | $17,658 | 23,181 |
| University of Southern California | Private | 10% | $43,412 | 20,630 |
| California State University, Fullerton | Public | 46% | $10,607 | 36,082 |
| University of California, San Diego | Public | 27% | $14,047 | 34,955 |
| University of California, Davis | Public | 42% | $17,270 | 32,273 |
| California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | Public | 31% | $17,453 | 22,033 |
| San Diego State University | Public | 36% | $14,704 | 35,782 |
| Loyola Marymount University | Private | 45% | $59,926 | 7,273 |
| Santa Clara University | Private | 48% | $53,883 | 6,577 |
| University of San Diego | Private | 52% | $37,918 | 5,851 |
| Concordia University Irvine | Private | 66% | $29,845 | 1,544 |
| University of La Verne | Private | 71% | $21,530 | 3,050 |
| University of the Pacific | Private | 71% | $31,670 | 3,249 |
| Fresno Pacific University | Private | 64% | $15,261 | 1,545 |
🎓 Build a Smarter California College List
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🔓 Start Planning SmarterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest college to get into in California?
Based on the most recent data, Caltech is typically the most selective college in California, with an acceptance rate around 3%.
What is the hardest public university to get into in California?
UCLA is widely regarded as the most selective public university in California.
