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Last Updated: September 08, 2021

California - The Golden State

The state of California is located on the West coast of America and it is the USA's most populous state by far. Sacramento is the state capital, while Los Angeles is the biggest city in California. The estimated population calculated in the year 2021 in California is around 39.5 million. Most of California sees a Mediterranean climate boasting cool, dry summers and rainy winters. Northwestern California sees a temperate climate while the state's eastern side has mountains that create a rain shadow leading to expansive deserts.

California is one of the largest world economies and is also a global epicenter for sectors like information, entertainment, technology, and education. Nationally, the state is also a huge contributor to the aerospace, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. A lot of students from countries like Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, China, etc., choose California for their studies, and this state is one of the most active states that welcomes international students. The University of California and Stanford University are two of the most cherished and recognized institutions not just in the state but also across the country.

Major Cities in California

Here are the top four major cities in the state of California.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the largest city in California that was established in the year 1850. With a favorable climate and numerous tourist attractions, it is not surprising how it attracts so many visitors to the city. Los Angeles is also famous for being culturally diverse. Entertainment, tourism, fashion, trade, and technology are some of the leading sectors of the city that contributes to the economy. Major universities like the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, and California State University are placed in this city. Popular destinations include Disneyland, Universal Studios, California Science Center, Venice Beach, Hollywood, and so on.

San Diego

With its pleasant, Mediterranean climate, beautiful sandy beaches, and a multitude of tourist destinations, San Diego is rightly nicknamed as “America's Finest City”. The city was established in the year 1885 and is the second-largest city in California. The city got its name from San Diego Bay. Apart from the idyllic beaches of the city, major tourist attractions include Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Old Town State Historic Park, San Diego Museum of Art, and many more.

San Jose

San Jose is the third-largest city in the state and is widely known for its high cost of living. It is one of the oldest places in California and was incorporated as a city in the year 1850. It is the epicenter of Silicon Valley, making the city a major technological hub. Major companies like Adobe Systems, BEA Systems, Cisco, Samsung, and eBay have their headquarters placed in this city. Popular places to visit include Winchester Mystery House, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Municipal Rose Garden, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose Museum of Art, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, Tech Museum of Innovation, Los Gatos Creek Trail, etc.

San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the many reasons why California is known as the 'Golden State', and this is situated in the city of San Francisco. It was founded in the year 1776 and is the fourth-largest city in California. It is a major cultural and economic hub and is known for many famous restaurants and tourist destinations. Though culturally diverse, the city has a highly prominent Mexican touch to it. Apart from the Golden Gate Bridge, major attractions in this city are Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Palace of Fine Arts, California Academy of Sciences, etc.

Economy/Job Market

Tuition Fee and Living Cost in California

List of Few Major Universities/Colleges

Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students

Considering the high cost of living in this state, it is understandable how affording quality education in a reputed institute can be difficult. This is why the state, as well as the universities/colleges, offer a wide range of scholarship programs and grants to assist the students to pursue and fulfill their educational goals. These are made available to the students based on several categorical requirements such as academic merit and monetary needs, residency, gender, ethnicity, and so on. To assess the eligibility of students for such scholarships, students are to fill up forms through the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some students, who come to California for studies tend to have the assumption that additional money or financial assistance/aid/part-time employment etc. will be easily available if they do not have enough money with them to survive the whole course. Thus, every year a lot of students end up finding themselves in grave financial difficulties because they don't come to the state with adequate support or finances. It is advisable that students ensure that they are financially secure, and stay updated regarding loans, scholarships, and grants.

Tourism

It is worth thinking about how and why California got a nickname like 'The Golden State'. Popular reasons include the discovery of gold in the past, the incredible view of the sunset with its golden hue (especially prominent on the beaches), the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Golden-colored fishes, golden poppies, etc. It is also known as the land of milk and honey because of how much it resembles paradise on earth. With its amazing beaches, parks, hot springs, wineries, the state undoubtedly has so much beauty and abundance to offer. This is reason enough for being tempted to explore California at least once in a lifetime. After experiencing the joy of visiting outstanding destinations like Disneyland, Sonoma Valley, Hollywood, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, and Lake Tahoe, no one can go back home disappointed. Popular delicacies one must try on visiting the state are the Uramaki Sushi Roll, Mission burrito, Oysters, BBQ, and a lot more.

Universities & Colleges in California

University (city) Total StudentsUG (in) / UG (out)G (in) / G (out)
Stanford University (Stanford) 20993$56454 / $56454$56454 / $56454
University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley) 45183$15681 / $47045$15681 / $31363
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena) 2334$57499 / $57499$57499 / $57499
University of California-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 47103$14636 / $44954$13590 / $30318
University of Southern California (Los Angeles) 53186$61681 / $61681$50181 / $50181
Pomona College (Claremont) 1663$50181 / $50181$N/A / $N/A
University of California-San Diego (La Jolla) 39811$15681 / $47045$14636 / $30318
University of California-Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara) 27685$15681 / $47045$14636 / $30318
University of California-San Francisco (San Francisco) 3107$N/A / $N/A$13590 / $29272
University of California-Irvine (Irvine) 38105$14636 / $45999$14636 / $30318
University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz) 20839$14636 / $45999$14636 / $30318
University of California-Davis (Davis) 40623$15681 / $47045$14636 / $30318
University of California-Riverside (Riverside) 25816$14636 / $45999$14636 / $30318
Harvey Mudd College (Claremont) 825$53317 / $53317$N/A / $N/A
San Jose State University (San Jose) 38805$8363 / $20908$10454 / $19863
San Diego State University (San Diego) 37838$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Claremont Graduate University (Claremont) 2136$N/A / $N/A$34499 / $34499
Claremont McKenna College (Claremont) 1358$59590 / $59590$65863 / $65863
Occidental College (Los Angeles) 2110$59590 / $59590$59590 / $59590
Soka University of America (Aliso Viejo) 444$35545 / $35545$35545 / $35545
Scripps College (Claremont) 989$52272 / $52272$37636 / $37636
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo) 23278$10454 / $25090$12545 / $21954
Pepperdine University (Malibu) 9814$58545 / $58545$37636 / $37636
Santa Clara University (Santa Clara) 8680$48090 / $48090$28227 / $28227
Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles) 10698$53317 / $53317$19863 / $19863
University of San Diego (San Diego) 10126$54363 / $54363$29272 / $29272
Chapman University (Orange) 10286$57499 / $57499$37636 / $37636
University of the Pacific (Stockton) 7000$52272 / $52272$52272 / $52272
University of San Francisco (San Francisco) 12388$53317 / $53317$27181 / $27181
Thomas Aquinas College (Santa Paula) 377$26136 / $26136$N/A / $N/A
Westmont College (Santa Barbara) 1297$43908 / $43908$N/A / $N/A
University of Redlands (Redlands) 5752$53317 / $53317$24045 / $24045
California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks) 5145$47045 / $47045$20908 / $20908
California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach) 41344$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
California State University-Fullerton (Fullerton) 46588$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
University of La Verne (La Verne) 9774$47045 / $47045$15681 / $15681
Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego) 3663$34499 / $34499$11499 / $11499
Dominican University of California (San Rafael) 1962$49136 / $49136$18818 / $18818
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (Pomona) 28547$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Azusa Pacific University (Azusa) 11843$42863 / $42863$18818 / $18818
Saint Mary's College of California (Moraga) 4030$44954 / $44954$37636 / $37636
Mills College (Oakland) 1354$32408 / $32408$38681 / $38681
Biola University (La Mirada) 6227$36590 / $36590$11499 / $11499
California Baptist University (Riverside) 12862$36590 / $36590$14636 / $14636
California State University-Chico (Chico) 19323$8363 / $20908$10454 / $19863
Humboldt State University (Arcata) 8622$8363 / $20908$10454 / $19863
Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park) 10360$8363 / $20908$10454 / $19863
Menlo College (Atherton) 787$40772 / $40772$N/A / $N/A
William Jessup University (Rocklin) 2712$36590 / $36590$13590 / $13590
Woodbury University (Burbank) 1346$43908 / $43908$42863 / $42863
California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento) 35644$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Simpson University (Redding) 982$33454 / $33454$14636 / $14636
California State University-Monterey Bay (Seaside) 8476$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
California State University-San Marcos (San Marcos) 17136$8363 / $20908$10454 / $19863
California State University-Fresno (Fresno) 26765$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
San Francisco State University (San Francisco) 33236$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Whittier College (Whittier) 2187$45999 / $45999$14636 / $14636
Concordia University-Irvine (Irvine) 4505$33454 / $33454$8363 / $8363
Hope International University (Fullerton) 1620$35545 / $35545$15681 / $15681
Pacific Union College (Angwin) 1326$32408 / $32408$32408 / $32408
Fresno Pacific University (Fresno) 5490$34499 / $34499$16727 / $16727
San Diego Christian College (Santee) 771$26136 / $26136$12545 / $12545
California State University-Northridge (Northridge) 43348$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
La Sierra University (Riverside) 2789$35545 / $35545$15681 / $15681
California State University-San Bernardino (San Bernardino) 21967$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
Mount Saint Mary's University (Los Angeles) 3485$44954 / $44954$13590 / $13590
Holy Names University (Oakland) 1091$42863 / $42863$19863 / $19863
California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 29963$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont) 1753$38681 / $38681$18818 / $18818
Life Pacific College (San Dimas) 677$17772 / $17772$10454 / $10454
Vanguard University of Southern California (Costa Mesa) 2184$32408 / $32408$10454 / $10454
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (Los Angeles) 934$13590 / $13590$29272 / $29272
Otis College of Art and Design (Los Angeles) 1288$51227 / $51227$51227 / $51227
Platt College-Ontario (Ontario) 456$16727 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Interior Designers Institute (Newport Beach) 267$19863 / $19863$21954 / $21954
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood (Los Angeles) 0$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Dongguk University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 171$8363 / $8363$8363 / $8363
Pacific States University (Los Angeles) 58$17772 / $17772$10454 / $10454
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Silicon Valley (Sunnyvale) 226$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine (Irvine) 296$N/A / $N/A$27181 / $27181
Cogswell College (San Jose) 697$21954 / $21954$18818 / $18818
Starr King School for the Ministry (Berkeley) 85$N/A / $N/A$21954 / $21954
Marymount California University (Rancho Palos Verdes) 908$38681 / $38681$15681 / $15681
Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley) 208$N/A / $N/A$19863 / $19863
Life Chiropractic College West (Hayward) 565$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (Monterey) 774$43908 / $43908$43908 / $43908
Westminster Theological Seminary in California (Escondido) 138$N/A / $N/A$15681 / $15681
San Joaquin College of Law (Clovis) 184$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Pardee RAND Graduate School (Santa Monica) 107$N/A / $N/A$21954 / $21954
American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco) 98$32408 / $32408$32408 / $32408
California Western School of Law (San Diego) 628$N/A / $N/A$29272 / $29272
California College of the Arts (San Francisco) 2136$54363 / $54363$56454 / $56454
Pacifica Graduate Institute (Carpinteria) 939$N/A / $N/A$27181 / $27181
Westwood College-South Bay (Torrance) 0$16727 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Marshall B Ketchum University (Fullerton) 460$N/A / $N/A$42863 / $42863
Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology (Berkeley) 57$N/A / $N/A$17772 / $17772
Argosy University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 493$14636 / $14636$14636 / $14636
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 0$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Franciscan School of Theology (Oceanside) 48$N/A / $N/A$14636 / $14636
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Sacramento (Sacramento) 731$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
Southern California Institute of Architecture (Los Angeles) 643$49136 / $49136$49136 / $49136
Mt Sierra College (Monrovia) 357$15681 / $15681$N/A / $N/A
University of Antelope Valley (Lancaster) 487$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College-Berkeley (Berkeley) 105$N/A / $N/A$12545 / $12545
Lincoln University (Oakland) 652$12545 / $12545$9409 / $9409
National University (La Jolla) 17488$13590 / $13590$11499 / $11499
Trinity Law School (Santa Ana) 189$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
University of East-West Medicine (Sunnyvale) 258$N/A / $N/A$7318 / $7318
The Wright Institute (Berkeley) 451$N/A / $N/A$34499 / $34499
American Baptist Seminary of the West (Berkeley) 73$N/A / $N/A$19863 / $19863
Humphreys College-Stockton and Modesto Campuses (Stockton) 565$14636 / $14636$12545 / $12545
University of California-Hastings College of Law (San Francisco) 950$N/A / $N/A$52272 / $52272
Coleman University (San Diego) 399$21954 / $21954$25090 / $25090
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire (San Bernardino) 1553$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
Southwestern Law School (Los Angeles) 1031$N/A / $N/A$51227 / $51227
California Christian College (Fresno) 18$9409 / $9409$N/A / $N/A
World Mission University (Los Angeles) 505$7318 / $7318$6272 / $6272
Southern California Seminary (El Cajon) 283$17772 / $17772$17772 / $17772
Epic Bible College (Sacramento) 228$10454 / $10454$16727 / $16727
United States University (Chula Vista) 1263$7318 / $7318$8363 / $8363
Antioch University-Los Angeles (Culver City) 1266$21954 / $21954$17772 / $17772
University of the West (Rosemead) 342$13590 / $13590$13590 / $13590
Western State College of Law at Argosy University (Fullerton) 339$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
California State University-Channel Islands (Camarillo) 8348$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
University of St Augustine for Health Sciences (San Marcos) 2140$N/A / $N/A$41817 / $41817
Art Center College of Design (Pasadena) 2970$47045 / $47045$50181 / $50181
The California Maritime Academy (Vallejo) 1075$7318 / $18818$N/A / $N/A
San Francisco Art Institute (San Francisco) 476$49136 / $49136$51227 / $51227
Antioch University-Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara) 482$19863 / $19863$20908 / $20908
Westwood College-Anaheim (Anaheim) 0$16727 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Stanbridge College (Irvine) 1134$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Thomas Jefferson School of Law (San Diego) 700$N/A / $N/A$10454 / $10454
Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Los Angeles) 175$N/A / $N/A$15681 / $15681
Northwestern Polytechnic University (Fremont) 83$9409 / $9409$9409 / $9409
Fremont College (Cerritos) 350$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Brooks Institute (Ventura) 371$21954 / $21954$14636 / $14636
American University of Health Sciences (Signal Hill) 423$25090 / $25090$27181 / $27181
American Jewish University (Los Angeles) 170$33454 / $33454$33454 / $33454
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Orange County (Santa Ana) 1072$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara) 1168$N/A / $N/A$16727 / $16727
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-San Diego (San Diego) 1382$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
Palo Alto University (Palo Alto) 1261$24045 / $24045$25090 / $25090
Claremont School of Theology (Claremont) 291$N/A / $N/A$19863 / $19863
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey) 2665$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Argosy University-San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda) 330$14636 / $14636$14636 / $14636
Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre (Blue Lake) 31$14636 / $14636$18818 / $18818
Alliant International University-San Diego (San Diego) 5610$16727 / $16727$26136 / $26136
Loma Linda University (Loma Linda) 5316$37636 / $37636$32408 / $32408
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Hollywood (North Hollywood) 1198$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
Bethel Seminary-San Diego (San Diego) 176$N/A / $N/A$9409 / $9409
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco) 453$50181 / $50181$50181 / $50181
Golden Gate University-San Francisco (San Francisco) 3381$17772 / $17772$20908 / $20908
Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona) 3876$N/A / $N/A$25090 / $25090
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School (Redding) 70$13590 / $13590$8363 / $8363
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles (Santa Monica) 1045$19863 / $19863$N/A / $N/A
California State University-Bakersfield (Bakersfield) 12944$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope (Duarte) 74$N/A / $N/A$1045 / $1045
Fuller Theological Seminary in California (Pasadena) 2532$N/A / $N/A$19863 / $19863
Five Branches University (Santa Cruz) 332$N/A / $N/A$15681 / $15681
California State University-Stanislaus (Turlock) 11821$8363 / $20908$9409 / $19863
Trident University International (Cypress) 7684$10454 / $10454$7318 / $7318
Westwood College-Inland Empire (Upland) 0$16727 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Berkeley) 52$N/A / $N/A$15681 / $15681
Ashford University (San Diego) 80312$13590 / $13590$13590 / $13590
Southern California University of Health Sciences (Whittier) 2808$13590 / $13590$39727 / $39727
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-San Francisco (San Francisco) 791$19863 / $19863$24045 / $24045
Pitzer College (Claremont) 1067$51227 / $51227$N/A / $N/A
Design Institute of San Diego (San Diego) 148$20908 / $20908$N/A / $N/A
Laguna College of Art and Design (Laguna Beach) 607$30318 / $30318$31363 / $31363
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 3082$34499 / $34499$44954 / $44954
Platt College-Los Angeles (Alhambra) 639$16727 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Samuel Merritt University (Oakland) 2495$53317 / $53317$54363 / $54363
Sofia University (Palo Alto) 296$22999 / $22999$24045 / $24045
Columbia College-Hollywood (Tarzana) 326$22999 / $22999$N/A / $N/A
Platt College-San Diego (San Diego) 255$27181 / $27181$N/A / $N/A
Pacific Oaks College (Pasadena) 1651$14636 / $14636$22999 / $22999
Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine (Santa Monica) 233$N/A / $N/A$16727 / $16727
West Coast University-Los Angeles (North Hollywood) 1820$35545 / $35545$14636 / $14636
Brandman University (Irvine) 14109$13590 / $13590$13590 / $13590
Academy of Art University (San Francisco) 13615$25090 / $25090$28227 / $28227
St John's Seminary (Camarillo) 116$N/A / $N/A$26136 / $26136
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-San Diego (San Diego) 1480$10454 / $10454$13590 / $13590
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary (Oakland) 768$11499 / $11499$7318 / $7318
California State University-Dominguez Hills (Carson) 18196$7318 / $19863$9409 / $18818
Argosy University-Orange County (Orange) 536$14636 / $14636$14636 / $14636
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-San Francisco (San Francisco) 395$31363 / $31363$N/A / $N/A
Saybrook University (Oakland) 558$N/A / $N/A$27181 / $27181
Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley) 159$N/A / $N/A$17772 / $17772
Westwood College-Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 0$15681 / $15681$14636 / $14636
Argosy University-Inland Empire (Ontario) 563$14636 / $14636$14636 / $14636
Keck Graduate Institute (Claremont) 429$N/A / $N/A$31363 / $31363
Newschool of Architecture and Design (San Diego) 637$30318 / $30318$32408 / $32408
Expression College for Digital Arts (Emeryville) 429$25090 / $25090$N/A / $N/A
Phillips Graduate Institute (Chatsworth) 226$N/A / $N/A$24045 / $24045
Musicians Institute (Hollywood) 1118$26136 / $26136$N/A / $N/A
John F. Kennedy University (Pleasant Hill) 1111$25090 / $25090$26136 / $26136
California Institute of the Arts (Valencia) 1618$54363 / $54363$54363 / $54363
Everest College-Ontario Metro (Ontario) 0$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
San Francisco Theological Seminary (San Anselmo) 156$N/A / $N/A$14636 / $14636
Bethesda University (Anaheim) 476$9409 / $9409$8363 / $8363
California Institute of Integral Studies (San Francisco) 1601$21954 / $21954$24045 / $24045
Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (Oakland) 136$N/A / $N/A$16727 / $16727
California State University-East Bay (Hayward) 18549$8363 / $19863$9409 / $18818
Argosy University-San Diego (San Diego) 345$14636 / $14636$14636 / $14636
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles (Los Angeles) 3891$13590 / $13590$24045 / $24045
South Baylo University (Anaheim) 672$8363 / $8363$11499 / $11499
The Master's College and Seminary (Santa Clarita) 2636$27181 / $27181$11499 / $11499
The National Hispanic University (San Jose) 0$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Southern California Institute of Technology (Anaheim) 559$18818 / $18818$N/A / $N/A
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (San Francisco) 0$N/A / $N/A$17772 / $17772
Church Divinity School of the Pacific (Berkeley) 80$N/A / $N/A$17772 / $17772

*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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