Your Guide to the Best Small California Colleges and Universities

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Quick Look:

California State University Maritime Academy and Humphreys University are two top small colleges in California.
Many small colleges in California, such as Occidental College, emphasize liberal arts education and provide unique opportunities for research and internships.
Small colleges like Harvey Mudd College focus on specialized fields such as STEM, blending rigorous academics with a close-knit campus environment.

This extensive list highlights some of the best small colleges in California. These colleges and universities have small student populations and low student-to-faculty ratios. This ensures that students get the time and attention they need to succeed in their studies. Most are four-year schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs. And several also have fully online degrees. All the schools on our list are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

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Ranking the Best California Small Colleges

#1. California State University Maritime Academy

California State University Maritime Academy is located in Vallejo, California. Established in 1929, the Academy was initially called the California Nautical School. Currently, just over 900 students are enrolled at Cal Maritime.

Cal Maritime has a narrowly focused curriculum. The school offers seven undergraduate majors and one graduate program. However, students interested in maritime studies will be right at home. The majority of the programs are marine-related. A unique feature of the school is a training ship, the Golden Bear. The ship serves as a floating classroom and lab where students learn to master various skills.

#2. Humphreys University

Founded in 1896, Humphreys University is a private university with two campuses in California. One is located in Modesto, and the other is in Stockton. It’s one of the smaller colleges in California. Currently, the school has a student population of just under 500 students.

Humphreys University offers a very focused selection of academic programs. Classes are offered on-campus and online. Students can choose from undergraduate degrees in:

Accounting
Business Administration
Community Studies
Court Reporting
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Education
Legal Studies

#3. Life Pacific University

Life Pacific University is a private university and Christian Bible college in San Dimas. Founded in 1923, it is endorsed by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Life Pacific has a student population of around 500. Among small universities in California, it is considered one of the best.

LPU offers four associate degrees, eight B.A. programs, and three master’s programs. A few of the bachelor’s programs include:

Biblical Studies
Human Development & Psychology
Mass Communication
Ministry & Leadership
Organizational Management
Worship Arts & Media

#4. Pacific Union College

Pacific Union College is located in beautiful Napa Valley, California. Established in 1882, it is a Seventh-day Adventist Christian liberal arts college. A student population of around 800 attend the school’s 200-acre campus.

Despite its size, PUV offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs. A few of the most popular ones include:

Aviation
Conservation Technology
International Business
Multimedia Communications
Emergency Management

Pacific Union College offers students a very competitive tuition rate. And this has helped the school earn a spot among the top small liberal arts colleges in California.

#5. La Sierra University

Located in Riverside, La Sierra University is a private four-year college. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. La Sierra has a student population of just over 1300 students a year. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate degrees and over 25 graduate degrees. There are also 23 pre-professional programs. Some of the bachelor’s degrees at La Sierra University include:

Archeology
Biochemical Science
Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience
Computer Science: Bioinformatics
Digital Media & Marketing
Creative Writing
Global Contexts of Health

La Sierra University’s tuition is priced competitively compared to other regional colleges. Among small private colleges in California, La Sierra is considered a top-ranking school.

#6. Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian college in San Diego. This four year-college offers a wide range of academic experiences. And PLNU is known as one of the top small colleges in California.

PLNU focuses on ensuring students get a more personal academic experience. The school has a student population of just over 3,000 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. Students at Point Loma Nazarene University can choose from over 60 undergraduate areas of study. Additionally, the school offers more than 30 master’s programs. Some of the most popular areas of study include:

Kinesiology
Special Education
Theater
Public Relations
Pre-Veterinary
Media Communication
Cyber Security

#7. Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University is a private university founded in 1923. Located in San Francisco, it was once the YMCA Evening College. But today, the school is a cornerstone of higher education. Currently, Golden Gate University has a student population of around 2,400 learners.

Students at GGU can choose from a wide range of academic programs. Programs include undergraduate, graduate, law, and online degrees. Some of the most fields of study include:

Financial Planning
Public Administration
Data Analytics
Leadership
Accounting
Information Technology
Project Management

#8. The Master’s University

The Master’s University is located in Santa Clarita.California. Established in 1927, the school was designed for evangelical students. Since then, however, it has expanded to include a more diverse student population of around 2,400.

The Master’s University offers traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees. And many of these programs are offered to students entirely online. The Master’s University also provides a range of divinity and theology courses and degrees. The most popular of these include:

Biblical Studies
Biblical Counseling
Biblical Languages
Theology
Christian Education
Global Studies & Missions Abroad

#9. Westmont College

Westmont College is a small Christian college in Montecito, California. The school was founded as the Bible Missionary Institute in 1937. But today, it offers a range of academic experiences. Westmont college enrolls a student population of just over 1,200, making it one of the small colleges in California.

Students at Westmont can choose from an excellent selection of academic programs. They include undergraduate and pre-professional programs. Some of the most popular programs include:

Political Science
Biology
Communication Studies
Computer Science
Art
Engineering
Mathematics
Music
Sociology

#10. Laguna College of Art and Design

Founded in 1961, Laguna College of Art and Design is a small liberal arts college in Laguna Beach. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as one of the best small colleges in California for pursuing the arts. Laguna College of Art and Design enrolls a student body of under 700 students.

The curriculum at LCAD focuses primarily on the arts. Students can choose from a handful of B.A. and M.A. programs in several areas of study, including:

Animation
Drawing
Painting
Sculpture
Entertainment Design
Experimental Animation
Game Art
Graphic Design
Digital Media
Illustration

#11. Whittier College

Whittier College is a small, private college in California in the town of Whittier. This small college is currently home to just over 1,300 students. Established in 1887, it was originally a Quaker college. But over the years, it has transformed into a modern liberal arts school.

Whittier College offers students a unique academic experience. Each creates an individualized education by designing their own major. Then, they tailor it with classes aligned with their personal goals. Alternatively, they can also choose from over 30 pre-existing programs.

The school also offers Pre-Med, Pre-Health, and Pre-Physical Therapy programs.

#12. San Diego Christian College

Founded in 1979, San Diego Christian College is located in Santee, California. It is associated with the Evangelical church. Originally known as Christian Heritage College, it is currently home to a student body of just over 900 students.

Students at San Diego Christian College can choose from several graduate and undergraduate degrees. SDCC is also one of the few small California colleges with a robust online program. Students can choose from online programs in:

Psychology
Communication
Liberal Studies
Christian Ministries
Leadership
Human Development
Business Management

Students at this top small California college get plenty of one-on-one instruction. The school boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.

#13. Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary’s University is located in Los Angeles, California. This small California college was founded in 1925 as a private Catholic university. Currently, just over 2,400 students are enrolled at Mount Saint Mary’s.

MSMU is an excellent option for students looking for a small college in California with many different academic offerings. Students can select from over 70 undergraduate and ten graduate degrees. Some of the most popular bachelor’s degree options at MSMU include:

Business
Conflict, Peace, and Social Justice
Data Science
Entrepreneurship
French
International Studies
Neuroscience
Theatre

#14. Saint Mary’s College of California

Not to be confused with MSMU, our next school is Saint Mary’s College of California. Established in 1863, it is run by the De La Salle Christian Brothers as a Catholic university. The school has provided students in the area with higher education opportunities for over a century and a half.

Currently, SMC enrolls under 4,000 students. Class sizes are kept small with an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are offered. And students can choose from dozens of majors. Some of the most popular areas of study include:

Women’s and Gender Studies
Technical Theatre & Design
Spanish and Latin American Studies
Latin
Philosophy
Kinesiology
Justice, Community, and Leadership

#15. Simpson University

Founded in 1921, Simpson University is one of the top small colleges in California. Located in Redding, it was founded as a Bible Insitute. Today, the school offers undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs. Students at Simpson University can enroll in several areas of study. Some of these include:

Biblical Studies
Biology
Communication
History
Kinesiology
Mathematics
Music
Nursing
Outdoor Leadership

#16. California Institute of Arts

Located in Santa Clarita, the California Institute of Arts was first established in 1961. Despite its small student population (1,500), this small California school has a big reputation. And it has enjoyed a rich history in the state as a dedicated patron of the arts.

Students at California Institute of Arts can enroll in a variety of educational experiences. And they can choose from nearly 40 programs across seven renowned schools. The schools include:

Art
Critical Studies
Dance
Film/Video
Music
Theater
Interdisciplinary

An average student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 makes CalArts one of the best small schools in California.

#17. Vanguard University of Southern California

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University of Southern California is one of the top small colleges in the state. Located in Costa Mesa, VUSC originally opened as a Bible School. However, today there are over 30 areas of study and a student population of over 2,000.

Students at Vanguard University can choose undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in several popular fields. Some of these include:

Actuarial Science
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Data Science
Engineering Physics
Environmental Sciences
History/Political Science
Kinesiology

#18. Hope International University

Located in Fullerton, California, Hope International University is a small college founded in 1928. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs across a range of fields. Around 1300 students attend HIU. And a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 ensures that everyone gets individual attention. That makes it one of the best small colleges in California.

For a small school, Hope International University has an impressive list of online programs. It includes an online Associate of Arts in General Education. Plus, there are five online bachelor’s degree programs:

Business Administration
Christian Ministry
Criminal Justice
Human Development
Liberal Studies: Teacher Preparation

#19. California Institute of Technology

Founded in 1891, the California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena. One of the most impressive things about this renowned institution is the student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1. With just over 2,200 students, Caltech is one of the best small colleges in California.

Caltech specializes primarily in its STEM offerings. Students can enroll in one of 28 undergraduate programs and 30 master’s programs. Some of the most popular majors include:

Astrophysics
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Computation and Neural Systems
Environmental Science and Engineering
Geophysics
History and Philosophy of Science
Materials Science
Physics
Planetary Science

#20. William Jessup University

William Jessup University was founded in 1939 as a Bible College. Located in Rocklin, California, about 1,300 students are enrolled at “Jessup.” Class sizes are small, making WJU one of the top small colleges in California.

Students at William Jessup University can select from over two dozen undergraduate and nine master’s programs. Students can also enroll in six online bachelor’s programs. They include:

Business
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Healthcare Administration
Leadership
Psychology

#21. Pitzer College

Founded in 1963, Pitzer College is part of the Claremont College Consortium. It’s a group of private colleges in Claremont, California. Pitzer is a private school with a highly specialized curriculum. It enrolls around 1,000 students. Pitzer College boasts a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.

Students enrolled at Pitzer College can pursue undergraduate and graduate programs. If a student’s desired major is not offered at Pitzer, they can choose one from another Claremont College. All students work closely with their advisers to design a degree program to meet their academic goals. Some of the popular majors at Pitzer include:

Africana Studies
Anthropology
Molecular Biology
Cognitive Science
Organizational Studies
Critical Global Studies
Linguistics

Pitzer is widely regarded as one of the best small private colleges in Southern California

#22. Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is one of the top small colleges in California. Founded in 1946, the school is also a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Originally established as a men’s college, it is now a coeducational facility. Currently, just over 1,400 students are enrolled at CMC.

Students at Claremont McKenna College can enroll in over 30 undergraduate programs. They can also complete a “sequence,” a series of courses centered around a particular subject area. Some of the most interesting sequences at Claremont include:

Ancient and Medieval Studies
Human Rights, Holocaust, and Genocide studies
Jewish Studies
Leadership Studies
Scientific Modeling
Gender and Sexuality Studies

#23. Occidental College

Located in Los Angeles, Occidental College (OXY) was founded in 1887. A private liberal arts college, it is also one of the oldest colleges in California. Occidental College was established in close affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. OXY is one of the top small liberal arts colleges in California.

Occidental College students benefit from a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Currently, OXY has a student population of around 2,000. Students at Occidental College can choose from over forty undergraduate programs. Some of these include:

Art & Art History
Asian Studies
Black Studies
Cognitive Science
Geology
Group Language
Kinesiology
Media Arts & Culture
Music

#24. Scripps College

Founded in 1926, Scripps College is one of the top small colleges in California. It was founded as a women’s college. And Scripps still maintains its women’s college tradition to this day. A little over 1,000 students attend Scripps College. Many regard it as one of the top-ranked small colleges in California.

Students at Scripps College benefit from the school’s low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. They can choose from over 65 undergraduate programs. Some of these include:

Art Conservation
Dance
Engineering
Foreign Languages
Italian Studies
Organismal Biology
Religious Studies

#25. Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is also located in Claremont. It is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Established in 1955, it has grown to be one of the best colleges in science and engineering. Around 900 students attend Harvey Mudd College.

Students at HMC can choose from a wide range of programs. They are offered through the college’s seven departments:

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Engineering
Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts
Mathematics
Physics

A small student-to-faculty ratio of about 9:1 allows students access to the instruction they need to succeed. That makes Harvey Mudd College one of the best small colleges in California

#26. Mills College

Mills College is a liberal arts private school and one of the best small colleges in California. Located in Oakland, Mills College was initially founded in 1852 as the Young Ladies Seminary. It still operates as a women’s college today.

Mills College enrolls a student body of just over 700 students. And it maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. But recently, Mills has partnered with Northeastern University.

The merger means that Mill’s students can enjoy all of the benefits of a small college but have many more resources available. The partnership results in a more extensive selection of programs for students to draw from. Mills is regarded as one of the best small colleges in Northern California

#27. Azusa Pacific University College

Azusa Pacific University College is the biggest college listed, with around 10,000 students. This mid-sized college is the only school on our list with more than 7,000 students. Founded in 1899, it is a Christian college located in Whittier, California. Students at APU can choose from bachelor’s programs, master’s programs, and doctoral degrees. Plus, there are several degree completion and online programs available. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, it’s one of the top small California colleges on our list.

Azusa Pacific University College has a strong focus on the arts and academic excellence. Some of the most popular majors include:

Acting for the Stage and Screen
Animation and Visual Effects
Cinematic Arts
Commercial Music
Composition
Design Studies
Games and Interactive Media
Screenwriting

#28. Fresno Pacific University

Founded in 1944, Fresno Pacific University is located in Fresno, California. Initially, it was a Bible College. Today, it is a multi-faceted university with over 100 fields of study to choose from. Just over 2,000 students attend the University, making it one of the small colleges in California.

Degrees at Fresno Pacific University include programs for undergraduates and graduates. Several of the graduate degrees can be completed online. And there are many online degree completion programs as well. A few of the bachelor’s completion programs include:

Emergency Management
Organizational Leadership
Project Management
Criminology
Early Childhood Development
Healthcare Administration: Informatics and Technology

#29. Biola University

Located in La Mirada, Biola University is a private, non-denominational Christan college. Founded in 1908, it has a total enrollment of around 6,000. The college has been ranked highly in publications like U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. In addition, a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 makes it one of the best private colleges in California.

Students at Biola can choose from over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Plus, Biola has a robust online program attended by students from all over the world. Some of the online degrees offered at B.U. include:

Cinema and Media Arts
Commercial Music
Entertainment Business
Intercultural Education
Journalism and Integrated Media
Marriage and Family Therapy
New Media Composition
Preaching and Pastoral Ministries

#30. California Lutheran University

One of the top small colleges in the state is California Lutheran University. It was first established in 1959 and is located in Thousand Oaks, California. The college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is thought to be one of the top small colleges in California.

CLU has a student population of a little over 4,000. Students can choose from over 40 undergraduate majors, some of which include:

Biology
Communication
Computer Science
Exercise Science
Film and Television
Geosciences
Global Studies
Psychology
Religion

NPCO Staff

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