2025 Most Expensive California Private Colleges

In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 77 four-year private California colleges is $38,140, reflecting a -4.36% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 77 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 52 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 4 colleges.

University of Southern California ranks as the most expensive private 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 Private Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.

Among these top-tier California Private 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.

Comparison between California Private Colleges With The Highest Tuition & Fees

Table. California Private Colleges With The Highest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year $71,647
$3,410		$71,515
$3,387		9.81%46,5661,50092.00%9 to 1
2
-		Pepperdine University Malibu, CAPrivate, 4-year $69,918
$3,176		$44,056
$2,036		62.86%8,9761,37083.00%12 to 1
3
-		Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year $68,613
$2,358		-12.66%9511,54092.00%8 to 1
4
-		Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year $67,980
$3,830		$72,294
$3,769		9.59%1,3931,53091.00%8 to 1
5
-		Occidental College Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year $66,274
$2,828		$66,274
$2,828		44.17%1,8811,44081.00%9 to 1
6
-		Scripps College Claremont, CAPrivate, 4-year $65,950
$2,516		$48,598
-		38.29%1,1371,50083.00%10 to 1
7
3		Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate, 4-year $65,910
$3,426		$61,878
$2,379		3.61%18,6251,55092.00%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%1,7001,54093.00%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$61,47421.58%8,4901,49688.40%8 to 1