In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 110 four-year California colleges is $35,050, reflecting a -1.34% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 110 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 84 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 4 colleges.
University of Southern California ranks as the most expensive California colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $71,647. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, University of Southern California remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are Pepperdine University at$69,918 and Harvey Mudd College at$68,613 both consistently recognized among the California Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
Among these top-tier California Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, the average acceptance rate is 21.58% and the average SAT score is 1,496, reflecting a competitive admissions environment and strong academic performance.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year | $71,647 $3,410 | $71,515 $3,387 | 9.81% | 46,566 | 1,500 | 92.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 2 - | Pepperdine University Malibu, CAPrivate, 4-year | $69,918 $3,176 | $44,056 $2,036 | 62.86% | 8,976 | 1,370 | 83.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 3 - | Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $68,613 $2,358 | - | 12.66% | 951 | 1,540 | 92.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 4 - | Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $67,980 $3,830 | $72,294 $3,769 | 9.59% | 1,393 | 1,530 | 91.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 5 - | Occidental College Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year | $66,274 $2,828 | $66,274 $2,828 | 44.17% | 1,881 | 1,440 | 81.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 6 - | Scripps College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $65,950 $2,516 | $48,598 - | 38.29% | 1,137 | 1,500 | 83.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 7 3 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate, 4-year | $65,910 $3,426 | $61,878 $2,379 | 3.61% | 18,625 | 1,550 | 92.00% | 6 to 1 |
| 8 1 | California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CAPrivate, 4-year | $65,898 $2,643 | $65,706 $2,643 | 2.57% | 2,430 | - | 94.00% | 3 to 1 |
| 9 2 | Pomona College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $65,420 $3,094 | - | 7.09% | 1,700 | 1,540 | 93.00% | 7 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Pitzer College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $65,192 $2,500 | - | 25.16% | 1,242 | - | 83.00% | 10 to 1 |
| Average | $67,280 | $61,474 | 21.58% | 8,490 | 1,496 | 88.40% | 8 to 1 |