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NCAA Division I Colleges in California

25 schools in California. See our methodology.

Stanford University accepts just 3.68% of applicants yet maintains graduates earning $124,080 annually, representing the extreme selectivity driving California's higher education market. The state's 25 Division I colleges span from California State University-Fullerton's $5,646 net price to Santa Clara University's $50,959, reflecting how the world's fifth-largest economy supports both accessible public education and elite private institutions. UC Berkeley and UCLA both graduate over 92% of students while charging around $14,000 annually, demonstrating the University of California system's ability to deliver top-tier outcomes at public prices. These schools directly feed California's $3.6 trillion economy, from Silicon Valley tech giants requiring engineering talent to aerospace companies like SpaceX seeking specialized graduates. The Cal Grant program covers tuition at public universities, making schools like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accessible despite producing graduates earning $90,768. San Jose State University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley with 76.71% acceptance rates, offering direct pathways into tech careers. Meanwhile, USC commands $31,927 in net costs but delivers 92% graduation rates in Los Angeles's entertainment and business sectors.
25
Schools
$20,664
Avg. Net Price
$78,702
Avg. Earnings
75.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in California

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 33,073 $14,979 92.9% 11.3%
2 33,040 $14,013 92.7% 8.6%
3 7,841 $12,136 92.8% 3.7%
4 21,521 $15,624 85.2% 30.4%
5 29,494 $12,840 86.0% 21.2%
6 23,205 $13,825 85.3% 25.9%
7 31,777 $15,288 85.1% 37.3%
8 20,817 $31,927 92.0% 12.0%
9 33,654 $16,174 78.3% 39.3%
10 34,131 $8,931 69.9% 40.0%
11 6,235 $50,959 88.5% 52.1%
12 26,757 $13,741 64.7% 76.7%
13 22,644 $13,707 76.6% 68.7%
14 36,956 $5,646 69.2% 66.7%
15 5,619 $31,265 81.6% 52.6%
16 3,629 $45,409 84.7% 48.7%
17 7,171 $45,723 79.8% 41.3%
18 27,867 $10,512 55.8% 93.2%
19 5,697 $39,495 71.1% 71.2%
20 32,357 $7,599 56.2% 91.2%
21 21,070 $6,480 54.8% 95.4%
22 8,183 $5,825 49.3% 86.6%
23 2,024 $31,198 69.0% 87.9%
24 7,914 $27,384 59.5% 79.9%
25 3,247 $25,926 67.8% 93.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stanford University so selective compared to other California colleges?

Stanford accepts only 3.68% of applicants while maintaining a 92.8% graduation rate and $124,080 median earnings for graduates. This extreme selectivity reflects its position as a global research university feeding directly into Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem. The combination of small enrollment (7,841 students) and massive industry demand creates this competitive admission environment.

How do UC system schools compare in terms of value and outcomes?

UC Berkeley and UCLA both achieve over 92% graduation rates while charging around $14,000 in net costs, making them strong values. UC Irvine ($12,840), UC Santa Barbara ($13,825), and UC Davis ($15,288) all maintain 85%+ graduation rates. These schools demonstrate how California's public system delivers elite outcomes at accessible prices through state funding and Cal Grant support.

Is attending a private California college worth the higher cost?

Santa Clara University charges $50,959 but graduates earn $109,183 annually, while USC costs $31,927 with $92,498 graduate earnings. These private schools offer smaller class sizes and networking advantages in California's competitive job market. However, public alternatives like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo produce $90,768 earners at just $15,624 cost.

Where can students find the most affordable Division I options in California?

California State University-Fullerton offers the lowest net price at $5,646, followed by Cal State Long Beach at $8,931. These CSU schools provide accessible Division I athletics and solid career preparation, with graduates earning $62,951 and $64,403 respectively. The Cal Grant program often covers full tuition at these public institutions.

How do graduation rates vary across California's Division I colleges?

Graduation rates range from 55.8% to 92.9% across the state's 25 Division I schools. Elite institutions like Stanford (92.8%), UC Berkeley (92.9%), and USC (92%) lead the pack, while schools like San Jose State (64.7%) reflect the challenges of serving working students in expensive metropolitan areas like Silicon Valley.

What earning potential do graduates from California Division I colleges have?

Graduate earnings span $59,115 to $124,080, with Stanford leading at the top. Tech-adjacent schools perform particularly well: Santa Clara ($109,183), USC ($92,498), and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ($90,768) all exceed $90,000. Even affordable options like San Jose State produce $78,988 earners, reflecting California's strong job market and industry diversity.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.