If you wish to enroll in a college, moving to California is definitely a good way to start. You’ve also heard everything about troubles with the Californian education system and lifestyle in general: the low student/teacher ratio, the high costs of living, and over-the-top real estate tax rates. On the other hand, you’ve also likely heard about the good sides: the amazing weather, the high (minimum) wages, and friendly people. California has it all rolled up in a neat little package. Enrolling in the right college might just make or break your career in years to come. That is why we’ve compiled a list of several institutions of higher learning, which will help you on your way to becoming a successful professional. Hopefully, this article can help you find a suitable college in California and the neighboring areas.
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
It might not be in Beverly Hills proper but it is about 10 kilometers away. Considering it is the world’s 15th best university for academics and researchers, a little stroll or a taxi ride doesn’t sound all too bad. This is a public university where tuition depends on whether you are a resident of California or not. If you are, you will pay significantly less ($20-24 thousand, compared to $53-61 thousand per academic year). Perhaps this sounds like a lot, but keep in mind that there are a lot of financial aid programs you may be eligible for.
Your suitable college in California will bring you golden opportunities later in life.
Currently, UCLA supports six undergraduate colleges, seven professional schools, and four professional health science schools, which is saying something. Not only is UCLA prestigious by all possible academic standards, it also possesses a cultural heritage stretching back to 1919. In other words, there’s almost a century of history right there. During that history, UCLA has produced Nobel laureates, scientists and researchers in all fields. Some famous UCLA alumni are:
- John Williams, composer;
- Jim Morrison of the Doors;
- Ben Stiller, the actor;
- George Takei of the Star Trek fame;
- Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers frontman;
- James Dean, the actor who tragically died at 24.
2. California State University (CSU)
CSU is another public university with a long history and tradition. It is also very large: it contains around 480.000 students, 23.000 faculty members and 24.000 staff. It also produces a large number of Ph. D. graduates, scientists and academics. Like UCLA, this means that there’s some stiff competition during enrollment. Unlike UCLA, however, you only have to pay attendance fees, which vary by campus.
These fees are, in general, much lower than they would be at UCLA, and average about 17-18.000$ annually. Admittance rates also vary, however, in Los Angeles, they are 60-63%. CSU Los Angeles offers 129 Bachelor’s degrees, 112 Master’s degrees, 3 Doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. in special education, Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and 22 teaching credentials.
3. University of Southern California (USC)
USC is, unlike CSU and UCLA, a private research university. This means that the student expenses are much higher. What USC offers in return, however, is financial aid. This aid is given on the basis of merit. There are also grants based on need. Some examples are students from poor families and minority students. The university also has a long tradition. It was founded at the end of the 19th century. Today, it is affiliated with many research institutes. Many of its alumni have founded famous tech companies, such as MySpace, RiotGames, Tinder and Beachmint. It might be a suitable college in California for you if you’re a buff for electronics.
4. Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
Also a very old (1865) university, LMU was founded with Roman Catholic traditions and ethics in mind. It contains several colleges and schools:
- Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts;
- College of Business Administration;
- College of Communication and Fine Arts;
- Loyola Law School;
- School of Film and Television;
- School of Education;
- Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.
Having so many options will certainly help you pick a suitable college in California for yourself. The University being Catholic doesn’t mean it doesn’t accept other religious groups. The estimated expenses are 58,358$, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any subsidies. For example, in 2016, around 97% of students received financial aid. LMU numbers around 16.000 students and the admission fee is around 63%.
5. Mount St. Mary’s University (MSMU)
MSMU is yet another openly Catholic University. Even if you’re not Catholic, you can still apply. Generally speaking, MSMU is expensive by the US and even Californian standards. However, a large number of students can apply for some sort of grant, mostly based on SAT score. The tuition fees are 53,380$. Average scholarship and grants, per students, are 26,812$, which leads us to almost half of the original fee (26,568$). Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?
MSMU student body is in majority comprised of female students.
MSMU student body is 95% female. According to the 2007 U.S. News & World Report listing of America’s Best Colleges, Mount St. Mary’s College is one of the highest ranked masters-granting universities in the western United States. Those are indeed the markings of a suitable college worth moving across the state of California for.
6. Occidental College (OCLA)
Last but not least – OCLA is a private liberal arts college with over 120 years of tradition. It is very culturally diverse. In 2017, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings placed Occidental 27th on its list of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States. Being a private college, the tuition is rather high: 67,806$. However, as is the case with many other colleges, there’s some financial aid. OCLA gives financial aid through merit scholarships, need-based grants and scholarships, work-study and student loans. What may set you off is a slightly lower acceptance rate of about 44%.
In the end, finding a suitable college in California isn’t hard…
There are, of course, plenty of other colleges to consider.
There are, of course, numerous other colleges and universities to be found. You can look them up if none of the above sparked your interest. Keep in mind, before you decide to move, that you should decide what field should you graduate in – labor history, arts, chemistry… One trait you will need is curiosity, especially in California. Not only will that make you more likely to succeed, but you will also come across something fresh and interesting. California is filled with such things.
These and other colleges will help you find your place in society, both public and private. They will spark your interest and broaden your horizons. A saying by Henry Ford goes: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning, stays young.” Do not miss out on the opportunity. And remember, when finding a suitable college in California, play to your talents.