Best Private Colleges in California for 2026
California is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious and student-centered private colleges. These institutions offer a personalized academic experience, small class sizes, strong alumni networks, and a deep commitment to student success. Whether you’re looking for a liberal arts education, pre-professional training, or opportunities for research and leadership, California’s private colleges deliver unmatched value.
At Colleges of Distinction, we’ve identified 2026’s top private colleges in California based on their excellence in Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Preparation. These schools stand out for their academic rigor, individualized support, and vibrant campus communities. Explore the list below to find the private college that fits your goals and values.
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. Situated 30 miles east of Los Angeles, students can enjoy and explore a residential campus with easy access to a large city. CMC is one of seven members of The Claremont Colleges.
Renowned for expertise in economics and government, Claremont McKenna features accomplished scholars who are committed teachers in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The school is distinguished by eleven world-class research institutes. Exceptionally high numbers of undergraduate students conduct research with professors and get to know them as colleagues.
Acceptance rate 11% • Net price $29,978 • SAT Range 1450-1560 • Students submitting SAT scores 29%
Total Undergrad Population 1,381 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 95% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 8:1
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college in Claremont, California specializing in engineering, science, and mathematics. Harvey Mudd boasts an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio which encourages more personalized learning for students in their fields to understand the impact of their work on the world.
Acceptance rate 13% • Net price $42,720 • SAT Range 1480-1560 • Students submitting SAT scores 50%
Total Undergrad Population 949 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 94% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 8:1
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Loyola Marymount University is rooted in its Roman Catholic tradition—a relationship that is directly connected to the school’s personal and academic goals and success. LMU promotes both the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The University’s commitment to Catholicism drives a socially conscious mindset and students are taught to become contributing members of the global community.
SERVICE AT LMU
Every month, LMU takes on a new service initiative with a local non-profit agency. The service project is communicated to the entire LMU campus community. Details of the project, as well as volunteer needs are shared with the student body. Projects change every month, allowing LMU to touch several different parts of the community.
El Espejo: El Espejo is Spanish for mirror and serves as the motto for a service initiative. Here “mirror” is used to emphasize reflection—where volunteers work to find a common connection between them and those they are helping. El Espejo connects LMU students with at-risk middle school students in the community. The mission of this initiative is to educate and mentor students on the importance and potential of intellectual and personal growth.
Acceptance rate 40% • Net price $54,471
Total Undergrad Population 7,336 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 80% • Retention rate 88% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Pomona College
Claremont, CA ‧ Private‧ 4-year
Pomona College, located in Claremont, California, is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions, known for its rigorous academics, tight-knit community, and commitment to student success. As a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona students benefit from the resources of a larger university while enjoying the personalized attention of a small college.
With an average class size of just 13 students, Pomona fosters a collaborative and engaging learning environment where students can build strong relationships with both peers and professors. This intimate setting encourages active participation, in-depth discussion, and meaningful mentorship—hallmarks of a Pomona education.
Beyond the classroom, Pomona offers a vibrant campus life and a strong emphasis on global engagement, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary learning. Students are challenged to think critically, explore new perspectives, and become thoughtful leaders in their communities and beyond.
Acceptance rate 7% • Net price $17,423 • SAT Range 1480-1560 • Students submitting SAT scores 29%
Total Undergrad Population 1,664 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 93% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 7:1
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university, offers its students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and engineering as well as engineering Ph.D.s and master’s and law degrees. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities, SCU strives to educate citizens and leaders who will build a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
SCU, founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, was established on the site of Mission Santa Clara de Asis, the eighth of 21 California missions. Today, the University is committed to promoting academic excellence, enriching its educational experience through the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person, fostering an engaged community, and realizing opportunities available through its location in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Acceptance rate 44% • Net price $49,651 • SAT Range 1340-1500 • Students submitting SAT scores 25%
Total Undergrad Population 6,249 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 88% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
A private liberal arts and sciences institution in the heart of Southern California, University of Redlands is committed to educating the hearts and minds of its students through an emphasis on personalized education, service, and experiential learning. In addition to more than 50 programs of study in the arts and sciences, University of Redlands also offers impressive pre-professional opportunities in pre-health, pre-law, and education as well as more than 100 study abroad opportunities. Home to the second-oldest School of Music in California and the alternative Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, the 112-year-old university prepares students for success and lifelong learning.
University of Redlands’ main residential campus sits on 160 green acres centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert. Part of a diverse and active student body from California and around the world, Redlands students are engaged in the world around them, thriving as participants in community service, DIII varsity athletics, and a wide array of student organizations.
Acceptance rate 81% • Net price $28,054 • SAT Range 1078-1323 • Students submitting SAT scores 18%
Total Undergrad Population 2,100 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 71% • Retention rate 81% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
What It’s Like to Attend a Private College in California: FAQs
Colleges of Distinction has recognized exceptional private institutions such as Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Loyola Marymount University, Pomona College, Santa Clara University, and University of Redlands. These schools offer academic excellence, tight-knit communities, and strong support for student success.
Private colleges typically offer smaller class sizes, more personalized advising, and a strong sense of campus community. While they may have higher tuition, many also provide substantial financial aid and scholarships.
Yes. Private colleges often boast higher retention and graduation rates, strong alumni networks, and individualized attention that supports long-term success. Many schools offer generous aid packages that make tuition more manageable.
Consider factors like academic programs, campus size, location, values, and student support services. The schools on this list each offer distinct experiences, so be sure to explore what matters most to you.
About Our Methodology: Colleges of Distinction evaluates private colleges based on four key pillars: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Preparation. Each school featured here was selected not for its selectivity or prestige alone, but for how it helps students thrive personally, academically, and professionally. Learn more about our methodology here.
Explore More Colleges in California
- 🎓 Best Colleges in California
- 💰 Best Affordable Colleges in California
- 🏛️ Best Public Colleges in California
- 🩺 Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in California
- 💼 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in California
- 🛠️ Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in California