Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California | Public Liberal Arts Colleges, USA
Last Updated on 21st December 2025
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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California | Rankings, Acceptance Rate and Tuition Fees
Read: Best Liberal Arts Colleges | Top Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings in USA
California’s Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges
Pomona College: A Top Choice for International Students in the USA
Pomona College is a top-ranked private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, USA. Founded in 1887, the college is consistently placed in Tier 1 by U.S. News & World Report and is known for academic excellence and small class sizes.
Pomona enrolls around 1,500 undergraduate students, offering personalized learning and close faculty interaction. Popular majors include Computer Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physical Sciences, making it an excellent choice for academically motivated international students.
Admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 7%. Competitive SAT scores generally range from 670–770 in both Reading & Writing and Math. Despite high selectivity, Pomona offers strong financial aid, with the average annual cost after aid around $18,000.
With a 94% graduation rate, a vibrant campus life, and access to the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona College provides an outstanding study-abroad experience in the United States.
For more information about Pomona College’s programs, admissions, and financial aid opportunities, visit their official website.
Address:
333 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Phone: +1 909-621-8000
Website: https://www.pomona.edu/
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Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is a top private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, USA. Founded in 1946, the college is known for academic excellence and leadership-focused education.
The college has about 1,400 undergraduate students, offering small classes and close contact with professors. It is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 9–11%, and is ranked Tier 1 (Ranked 11) by U.S. News & World Report.
Popular majors include Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science, Psychology, International Relations, and Accounting. Tuition and fees are around USD 51,000 per year, but after financial aid, the average cost is about USD 22,000. The college also has a strong graduation rate of 93%.
Claremont McKenna College is an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality liberal arts education in the USA.
Claremont McKenna College Address:
Address: 888 N Columbia Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Phone: +1 909-621-8000, Website: https://www.cmc.edu/
Harvey Mudd College: Leading Science and Engineering Institution
Harvey Mudd College, established in 1955, is a distinguished private residential undergraduate college specializing in science and engineering. Located in Claremont, California, it is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to STEM education. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, Harvey Mudd provides personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment.
Ranked #23 among National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie), Harvey Mudd College boasts a total enrollment of 893 students. The total tuition and fees amount to $58,359 USD, reflecting its investment in high-quality education and resources. The college’s strong emphasis on science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines attracts students passionate about these fields from across the globe.
Harvey Mudd College prepares graduates for successful careers and advanced studies through its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on research opportunities. The institution’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence continues to solidify its reputation as a top choice for students pursuing STEM disciplines.
For more information about admissions, programs, and life at Harvey Mudd College, visit their official website.
Address: Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
Website: www.hmc.edu
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Scripps College: Leading Women’s Liberal Arts Institution
Located in Claremont, California, Scripps College is a top-ranked private residential women’s liberal arts college, founded in 1926. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Scripps provides a personalized and supportive academic environment. The college enrolls 1,048 undergraduate students and hosts 19 post-baccalaureate students, fostering a close-knit community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.
Scripps College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, securing a Tier 1 position at #25 according to U.S. News. Its commitment to empowering women through education and leadership development is reflected in its rigorous curriculum and vibrant campus life.
Address: 1030 N Columbia Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Website: https://www.scrippscollege.edu/
For more information about admissions, programs, and campus life at Scripps College, visit their official website.
Occidental College (Oxy): A Premier Liberal Arts Institution in Los Angeles
Occidental College, commonly known as Oxy, is a prestigious private liberal arts college located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, Occidental College has a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, Occidental College emphasizes personalized learning and close interactions between students and faculty. The college enrolls approximately 2,055 students, maintaining a vibrant and inclusive community.
Occidental College boasts a high freshman retention rate of 91%, reflecting its supportive environment and strong student engagement. The college offers a diverse range of popular majors including Economics, Diplomacy and World Affairs, Mathematics, Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Urban and Environmental Policy, among others.
Address: 1600 Campus Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90041, United States
Website: https://www.oxy.edu/
Pitzer College: A Distinguished Liberal Arts Institution in Claremont
Located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in Claremont, California, Pitzer College is a renowned private residential liberal arts college. Established in 1963, Pitzer College has built a reputation for its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and interdisciplinary education.
Total Enrollment: 1,062 students
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Popular Majors:
- Psychology
- Environmental Analysis
- Economics
- Sociology
- Media Studies
- Self-designed degrees
Pitzer College emphasizes a personalized learning environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close relationships between students and faculty. The college encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to explore diverse academic interests and tailor their educational experiences through self-designed degrees.
Programs and Ranking
Pitzer College offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, with a strong focus on social sciences, environmental studies, and media studies. The college is known for its innovative approach to education and its commitment to community engagement and global citizenship.
Address and Website
Address: 1050 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Website: https://www.pitzer.edu/
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Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula
Thomas Aquinas College is a liberal arts college in Ventura County, California. It was founded in 1971 and the college has 439 students. Generally, the college has been provided Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degrees. Thomas Aquinas College ranked 800th US Rankings 2018 by times higher education. Address: 10000 Ojai Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
Westmont College, Santa Barbara
Westmont College is a liberal arts college in Montecito near Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California. It was established on October 29, 1937 and its graduation rate is 78%. Business, Management, Marketing; Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Communication and Journalism; and English Language and Literature are the popular majors of Westmont College. Address: 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States
Whittier College, Whittier
Whittier College is a private liberal arts college in Whittier, California, United States and Whittier has 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. It was founded in 1887. The student-faculty ratio is 12 to 1 and its graduation rate is 65%. Address: 13406 E, Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90602, United States
American Jewish University, Bel Air
American Jewish University (AJU) is a Jewish institution in Los Angeles, California and it was founded in 1947. Address: 15600 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90077, United States
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Best Small Colleges in California for Liberal Arts
- Allan Hancock College
800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, California 93454 USA - California State University-Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, California 91330 USA - Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90263 USA - Pasadena City College
1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California 91106 USA - Scripps College
1030 North Columbia Avenue, Claremont, California 91711 USA - Cypress College
9200 Valley View, Cypress, California 90630 USA - Soka University of America
1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, California 92656 USA - Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, California 91401 USA - Antelope Valley College
3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, California 93536 USA - College of the Desert
43-600 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, California 92260 USA - San Bernardino Valley College
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, California 92410 USA - Los Angeles City College
855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, California 90029 USA - Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, California 91910 USA - Community Christian College
1174 Nevada St Suite 200, Redlands, CA 92374, United States - Porterville College
100 E College Ave, Porterville, CA 93257, United States - College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, United States
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Best Private Liberal Arts Colleges in California, USA
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Occidental College
- Pitzer College
Liberal Arts Colleges in Northern California
Westmont College
Address: 955 La Paz Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Ph: +1 805-565-6000
Website: westmont.edu
Thomas Aquinas College
Address: 10000 Ojai Rd, Santa Paula, CA, United States
Ph: +1 805-525-4417
Website: thomasaquinas.edu