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Urban Colleges in California

50 schools in California. See our methodology.

California Institute of Technology admits just 2.7% of applicants yet graduates 93.2% of students who earn a median of $128,566 after graduation. This acceptance rate represents the most selective admissions process among California's 262 urban colleges, where tuition costs range from $4,667 at De Anza College to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. The state's urban campuses serve 33,000+ students at major research universities like UC Berkeley and UCLA, while specialized institutions like Gnomon in Hollywood train students for careers in animation and visual effects. California's Cal Grant program covers tuition at public universities, making schools like UC San Diego accessible at $11,750 net cost. These urban colleges connect directly to California's $3.6 trillion economy, placing graduates in Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like SpaceX, and biotech startups throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco. The earnings data reflects this economic reality, with graduates from technical programs and UC campuses commanding salaries well above national averages. Maritime Academy graduates in Vallejo earn $94,784 despite the school's 95.5% acceptance rate, demonstrating how specialized programs serve California's ports and shipping industry.
50
Schools
$21,743
Avg. Net Price
$72,752
Avg. Earnings
70.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in California

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 33,073 $14,979 92.9%
2 City-Large 33,040 $14,013 92.7%
3 City-Midsize 1,023 $18,902 93.2%
4 City-Large 33,787 $11,750 87.6%
5 City-Large 29,494 $12,840 86.0%
6 City-Large 302 $45,824 66.7%
7 City-Large 20,817 $31,927 92.0%
8 City-Large 3,168 $36,836 64.3%
9 City-Large 33,654 $16,174 78.3%
10 City-Large 34,131 $8,931 69.9%
11 City-Midsize 6,235 $50,959 88.5%
12 City-Small 17,812 $16,607 74.5%
13 City-Midsize 761 $17,555 66.8%
14 City-Small 14,953 $4,667 67.8%
15 City-Small 107 87.5%
16 City-Large 26,757 $13,741 64.7%
17 City-Large 22,644 $13,707 76.6%
18 City-Large 223 75.0%
19 City-Midsize 2,647 $49,752 50.0%
20 City-Large 2,373 $25,114 77.2%
21 City-Large 533 $27,735 79.4%
22 City-Midsize 7,359 $1,504 56.7%
23 City-Midsize 6,958 $14,130 54.9%
24 City-Large 355 22.2%
25 City-Large 2,687 $51,992 44.4%
26 City-Large 9,577 $1,886 57.5%
27 City-Large 5,619 $31,265 81.6%
28 City-Small 676
29 City-Large 9,725 $31,058 50.0%
30 City-Midsize 5,557 $5,198 52.5%
31 City-Midsize 285 $21,941 75.9%
32 City-Large 1,844 $39,329 85.1%
33 City-Large 603 88.8%
34 City-Large 17 100.0%
35 City-Large 7,171 $45,723 79.8%
36 City-Small 6,766 $4,175 48.5%
37 City-Midsize 176 $15,845 93.8%
38 City-Large 195 100.0%
39 City-Midsize 4,715 $25,719 71.7%
40 City-Large 10,740 $-2,735 48.1%
41 City-Large 7,670 $12,591 42.8%
42 City-Small 71 $24,088 100.0%
43 City-Midsize 16,117 $4,754 45.3%
44 City-Midsize 10,613 $3,407 47.3%
45 City-Large 484 $25,805 97.1%
46 City-Large 212 $48,616 50.9%
47 City-Midsize 13,057 $14,838 63.6%
48 City-Large 712
49 City-Large 405 $25,680 61.8%
50 City-Large 2,221 $34,402 48.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California Institute of Technology so selective compared to other urban colleges?

Caltech admits only 2.7% of applicants, making it the most selective urban college in California. With just 1,023 enrolled students, the institute maintains an intimate learning environment while producing graduates who earn $128,566 median salary. The school's focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics attracts top students globally who compete for limited spots in this elite program.

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

UC campuses offer strong value with net costs ranging from $11,750 at UC San Diego to $16,607 at UC Santa Cruz. All major UC campuses maintain graduation rates above 85%, with Berkeley at 92.9% and UCLA at 92.7%. These schools enroll over 30,000 students each while maintaining selective admissions and strong earning potential for graduates.

Does California's Cal Grant program significantly impact college affordability?

Cal Grant covers full tuition at UC and CSU campuses, explaining why schools like UC Irvine cost just $12,840 net price despite high sticker prices. This state program makes quality education accessible, with CSU Long Beach costing only $8,931 annually. The program particularly benefits urban students who can live at home while attending nearby campuses.

What explains the wide range in graduate earnings across California urban colleges?

Graduate earnings span from $53,695 to $128,566, reflecting California's varied economy and program specialization. Tech-focused schools produce higher earners, with Caltech graduates earning $128,566 and Gnomon graduates in Hollywood earning $114,785 in animation. Even community colleges like De Anza connect students to Silicon Valley opportunities, with graduates earning $56,596.

Is there a correlation between acceptance rates and graduation rates at these schools?

Highly selective schools generally show higher graduation rates, but California Maritime Academy breaks this pattern with 95.5% acceptance yet 66.8% graduation rate. Meanwhile, USC maintains 92% graduation rate with 12% acceptance. The data suggests that institutional support and student preparation matter more than pure selectivity in determining graduation success.

Where do the highest-earning graduates from urban California colleges typically work?

California's $3.6 trillion economy offers graduates positions in Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms, and biotech startups concentrated in urban areas. Caltech and UC Berkeley graduates often join Google, Apple, and SpaceX, while specialized programs like Maritime Academy place graduates in California's ports earning $94,784 annually in shipping and logistics roles.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.