2023 Best Catholic Colleges in California (2024)

  1. #1 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaSanta Clara UniversitySanta Clara, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,450 reviewsAlum: I had an amazing time at SCU and am proud to be a BRONCO! There are tons of job opportunities in the Bay Area because there are thousands of successful companies in the area, classes are small, education is impressive, the campus is beautiful, and people are so friendly. Santa Clara is not only a great university; the statistical information speaks for itself, but it is more than the numbers. Everyone is happy and proud to study here. The numbers are just getting better each year.... Read 1,450 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 54%Net price $48,469SAT range 1330-1490#1 Best Catholic Colleges in California.Santa Clara UniversityBlue checkmark.4 Year,SANTA CLARA, CA,1450 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Alum says I had an amazing time at SCU and am proud to be a BRONCO! There are tons of job opportunities in the Bay Area because there are thousands of successful companies in the area, classes are small,....Read 1450 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Acceptance Rate: 54%,Net Price: $48,469,SAT Range: 1330-1490,

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  2. #2 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaLoyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.76 out of 5 1,734 reviewsSenior: This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive, namely, cause of not only my own achievements, but my family and siblings to come as well. As a first time generation student who was not exposed to diverse environments, independent environments; LMU has created a comfortable, easily accessible environment for us! I am thrilled that my siblings will be attending LMU next year, and joining the summer program this summer, 2023! Thank you LMU for being extremely welcoming, having positively supporting staff and support groups!... Read 1,734 reviewsgradeA minusOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 46%Net price $40,180SAT range 1250-1420#2 Best Catholic Colleges in California.Loyola Marymount UniversityBlue checkmark.4 Year,LOS ANGELES, CA,1734 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.Featured Review: Senior says This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive,....Read 1734 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A minus,Acceptance Rate: 46%,Net Price: $40,180,SAT Range: 1250-1420,

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  3. #3 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaUniversity of San DiegoSan Diego, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.69 out of 5 1,932 reviewsSophom*ore: My experience at USD has been positive so far! The campus is so pretty, so it's definitely a nice environment to learn within. I love how unique and consistent the architecture is, even with new buildings, and the view of Mission Bay is fun to see every day. My first-year housing experience (in Camino) was good. The bathrooms were recently renovated, so that was appreciated, and there were a lot of private bathroom spaces. All of my professors were so nice as well!... Read 1,932 reviewsgradeA minusOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 53%Net price $34,155SAT range 1190-1370#3 Best Catholic Colleges in California.University of San DiegoBlue checkmark.4 Year,SAN DIEGO, CA,1932 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Sophom*ore says My experience at USD has been positive so far! The campus is so pretty, so it's definitely a nice environment to learn within. I love how unique and consistent the architecture is, even with new....Read 1932 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A minus,Acceptance Rate: 53%,Net Price: $34,155,SAT Range: 1190-1370,

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  5. SponsoredCollegeWoodbury University4 Year•BURBANK, CA•Rating 3.64 out of 5 470
    SponsoredCollegeJohn Cabot University4 Year•Rating 4.25 out of 5 268
    SponsoredCollegeECPI University - Manassas, VA2 Year•MANASSAS, VA•Rating 4.2 out of 5 5
  6. #4 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaUniversity of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.64 out of 5 2,315 reviewsFreshman: I am actually an incoming Freshman, so my review is of the family/student meet and greet weekend. The University of San Francisco pulled out all the stops. The students, staff, tours, mock classes, clubs - everything was amazing and informative. The speeches given were inspiring. The food and opportunities to meet other students were fantastic. There were tours of all the buildings by students who actually live in the dorms. The walkways were filled with clubs to join and prizes to win. And everyone I encountered was extremely knowledgable and supper friendly. They even had therapy dogs, which apparently they bring out during finals week - so cool. After sitting in on a few mock classes and speaking to the professors, I knew that University of San Francisco was where I wanted to spend my next four years studying. Any doubts I had about leaving my home state of Washington to become a USF student vanished - I commited to USF that day!... Read 2,315 reviewsgradeA minusOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 71%Net price $39,825SAT range 1190-1390#4 Best Catholic Colleges in California.University of San FranciscoBlue checkmark.4 Year,SAN FRANCISCO, CA,2315 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.Featured Review: Freshman says I am actually an incoming Freshman, so my review is of the family/student meet and greet weekend. The University of San Francisco pulled out all the stops. The students, staff, tours, mock....Read 2315 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A minus,Acceptance Rate: 71%,Net Price: $39,825,SAT Range: 1190-1390,

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  7. #5 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaMount Saint Mary's University Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,161 reviewsSenior: Mount Saint Mary's University has 2 beautiful campuses. One campus is located near downtown Los Angeles while the other one is in Brentwood. Both of these campuses offer a great view of the city. The professors and staff are all so friendly and welcoming. I really appreciate how intimate the classes are. There is a lot of diversity in my school which makes students feel welcomed and heard. The university is mostly made up of women so they really emphasize and focus on the empowerment of women. Throughout my time there, I've felt safe and empowered. MSMU is a private university so tuition is on the higher side, which can be complicated for many students who may not have the financial resources to pay off tuition. I would like to see the school provide more financial aid to their students so they can continue their education. This university has provided me with a great education these past three years and I cannot wait to be a proud graduate in 2024.... Read 1,161 reviewsgradeBOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 90%Net price $24,508SAT range 900-1110#5 Best Catholic Colleges in California.Mount Saint Mary's University Los AngelesBlue checkmark.4 Year,LOS ANGELES, CA,1161 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Mount Saint Mary's University has 2 beautiful campuses. One campus is located near downtown Los Angeles while the other one is in Brentwood. Both of these campuses offer a great view of the city. The....Read 1161 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: B,Acceptance Rate: 90%,Net Price: $24,508,SAT Range: 900-1110,

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  8. #6 Best Catholic Colleges in CaliforniaSaint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.59 out of 5 1,093 reviewsFreshman: Saint Mary’s has a unique energy unlike any other campus. The students are positive, inclusive, connected and yet very serious about their studies. There is a lot of fun on campus. There is not much drinking since you have to be over 21 and really there is more for us to do. Greek life is non existent. But that just means we create our fun by way of pool parties, BBQs, games, day trips, etc. There is a “party” scene here but a very safe and clean one - which is fantastic. I cannot thank Saint Mary’s enough, I love it! They check all the boxes of a fantastic school and a home away from home.... Read 1,093 reviewsgradeBOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 70%Net price $25,022SAT range 1070-1240#6 Best Catholic Colleges in California.Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaBlue checkmark.4 Year,MORAGA, CA,1093 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.Featured Review: Freshman says Saint Mary’s has a unique energy unlike any other campus. The students are positive, inclusive, connected and yet very serious about their studies. There is a lot of fun on campus. There is not much drinking since you have to be over 21 and really there is more for us to do. Greek life is non existent. But that just means we create our fun by...I cannot thank Saint Mary’s enough, I love it! They check all the boxes of a fantastic school and a home away from home..Read 1093 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: B,Acceptance Rate: 70%,Net Price: $25,022,SAT Range: 1070-1240,

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  10. Thomas Aquinas CollegeSanta Paula, CA•4 Year•Rating 4.42 out of 5 43 reviewsFreshman: Although this is a Catholic college, the diversity is vast. Students of many different religions join the college every year, and are treated as equals to every one else. I have also seen international students, encompassing every race. If you are looking for a small school, but one with amazing diversity and a wonderful community, TAC may be the place for you.... Read 43 reviewsgradeB+Overall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 83%Net price $22,631SAT range 1180-1370Thomas Aquinas College4 Year,SANTA PAULA, CA,43 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Freshman says Although this is a Catholic college, the diversity is vast. Students of many different religions join the college every year, and are treated as equals to every one else. I have also seen....Read 43 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: B+,Acceptance Rate: 83%,Net Price: $22,631,SAT Range: 1180-1370,

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  11. John Paul the Great Catholic UniversityEscondido, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.96 out of 5 74 reviewsAlum: I was introduced to John Paul the Great Catholic University through someone at my parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Rancho Peñasquitos. Being a native San Diegan, the location of the campus was perfect. San Diego is such a beautiful city and the JPCU campus is very modern and nice. At JPCatholic, I was blessed enough to meet a few individuals who would become family. I graduated from the Business program, specifically Leadership and Management, and my classes were exceptional. The business professors are industry professionals who know what they're talking about and apply what they teach in their every day life. During my time at JPCU, I did a paid internship which was organized by my Sales professor. Additionally, I was able to run my start-up through the Launchpad program, an entrepreneurial class. The biggest advantage to studying at JPCU is the hands on learning, attaining real world experience is paramount to future success. Overall I am very grateful for my time at JPCatholic.... Read 74 reviewsgradeCOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 79%Net price $28,787SAT range 1050-1200John Paul the Great Catholic UniversityBlue checkmark.4 Year,ESCONDIDO, CA,74 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says I was introduced to John Paul the Great Catholic University through someone at my parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Rancho Peñasquitos. Being a native San Diegan, the location of the campus was....Read 74 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: C,Acceptance Rate: 79%,Net Price: $28,787,SAT Range: 1050-1200,

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  12. Notre Dame de Namur UniversityBelmont, CA•4 Year•Rating 3.42 out of 5 497 reviewsAlum: Environment and staff were friendly and kind. I was a science major and all the professors who were part of my journey were very kind, helpful and accommodating. My advisor never failed to make time for students. Glad to have spend my four years at NDNU and made friends along the way.... Read 497 reviewsgradeCOverall Niche GradeAcceptance rate 100%Net price $28,243SAT range 890-1080Notre Dame de Namur University4 Year,BELMONT, CA,497 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Environment and staff were friendly and kind. I was a science major and all the professors who were part of my journey were very kind, helpful and accommodating. My advisor never failed to make time....Read 497 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: C,Acceptance Rate: 100%,Net Price: $28,243,SAT Range: 890-1080,

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  13. SponsoredCollegeStanbridge University - Orange County4 Year•IRVINE, CA•Rating 4.13 out of 5 109
    SponsoredCollegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo4 Year•SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA•Rating 3.76 out of 5 3,935
    SponsoredCollegeJessup University4 Year•ROCKLIN, CA•Rating 3.88 out of 5 433
2023 Best Catholic Colleges in California (2024)

FAQs

2023 Best Catholic Colleges in California? ›

The best top ranked catholic private schools in California include La Reina High School and Middle School, Incarnation Parish School and St. Francis High School - Salesian College Preparatory.

What is the number one Catholic school in California? ›

The best top ranked catholic private schools in California include La Reina High School and Middle School, Incarnation Parish School and St. Francis High School - Salesian College Preparatory.

What is the acceptance rate for Catholic university 2023? ›

Applying to The Catholic University of America. The Catholic University of America's acceptance rate is 86% for students enrolled for the academic year 2022-2023.

What is the number one Catholic college in the US? ›

University of Notre Dame (IN)

How many Catholic colleges are in California? ›

There are 14 catholic colleges and universities in California enrolling 47,979 students. Explore the list below to find the catholic college match for you.

What is the richest school district in California? ›

California — Piedmont City Unified School District

Piedmont is located just outside of Oakland, California, and its school district boasts the richest inhabitants in the state.

What is the biggest Catholic HS in the US? ›

Francis Preparatory School, commonly known as St. Francis Prep, is a private, independent Catholic college preparatory school in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York City, New York. It is the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States.

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