How Acceptance Rate Changes over Past 5 Years for California Colleges

The average acceptance rate for California Colleges in the 2024-2025 academic year is 66.56%. This represents a 1.83% increase compared to the previous year's acceptance rate.

Analyzing acceptance rate trends over the past 5 years (2020-2025), California Colleges has experienced a 6% increase in acceptance rates, moving from 60.56% to 66.56%. Among the 116 competitive 4-year colleges in California Colleges, 71 schools have increased their acceptance rates while 42 schools have become more selective over this 5-year period.

Distribution of Acceptance Rate Changes

The following analysis shows how acceptance rates have changed over the past 5 years for California Colleges. Out of 116 schools with available data, 71 schools (61.2%) have seen an increase in their acceptance rates, while 42 schools (36.2%) experienced a decrease. 3 schools maintained the same acceptance rate over this period.

Breakdown by Change Range:

  • Increased by 20% or more: 15 schools (12.9%)
  • Increased by 10-20%: 21 schools (18.1%)
  • Increased by 5-10%: 15 schools (12.9%)
  • Increased by 0-5%: 20 schools (17.2%)
  • No change: 3 schools (2.6%)
  • Decreased by 0-5%: 14 schools (12.1%)
  • Decreased by 5-10%: 14 schools (12.1%)
  • Decreased by 10-20%: 9 schools (7.8%)
  • Decreased by 20% or more: 5 schools (4.3%)

For comprehensive admission data including acceptance rates, number of applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for 2025, visit our California Colleges admission statistics comparison table.

Comparison Table of Acceptance Rate Changes for California Colleges

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