2024 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

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1-25 of 33 results

Freshman: Stanford University offers an exceptional academic environment with cutting-edge research opportunities and a vibrant campus life. The access to world-renowned faculty and a diverse, intellectually stimulating community are definite highlights. The collaborative atmosphere fosters innovation and personal growth. However, some areas for improvement could include increasing support for mental health services and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion more robustly. Additionally, enhancing financial aid programs to ensure broader accessibility for students from all economic backgrounds would be beneficial.... Read 1,289 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Stanford University
4 Year,
STANFORD, CA,
1289 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Stanford University offers an exceptional academic environment with cutting-edge research opportunities and a vibrant campus life. The access to world-renowned faculty and a diverse, intellectually...However, some areas for improvement could include increasing support for mental health services and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion more robustly. Additionally, enhancing financial aid....
Read 1289 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 4%,
Net Price: $18,279,
SAT Range: 1500-1580,
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Sophomore: UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution that has a lot to offer in academics and extracurriculars. To me, the people are what make the experience so great, and fortunately, with such a large class, there is a myriad of people and groups to be affiliated with which illustrates the diversity at Berkeley. Some things can be frustrating sometimes such as applying for classes, finding resources, and having intrapersonal interactions with professors and classmates due to Berkeley being such a large institution. Additionally, there are other inconveniences such as the lack of housing for students which in my opinion, needs to start being a priority for the administration. Overall, UC Berkeley has a lot to offer and it is truly what you make of it. As someone who is heavily involved in varsity athletics, extracurriculars, leadership positions, and paraprofessional organizations, I am proud to call UC Berkeley home for me and I carry that with pride and class. Go Bears!... Read 4,521 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
University of California - Berkeley
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
BERKELEY, CA,
4521 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution that has a lot to offer in academics and extracurriculars. To me, the people are what make the experience so great, and fortunately, with such a large class,....
Read 4521 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 11%,
Net Price: $19,257,
SAT Range: 1310-1530,
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Freshman: SCU is just perfect!!! As the oldest university in California, it offers anything you want with robust academic programs in all areas including business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, visual arts, and performing arts as well as super plentiful extracurriculars such as cultural organizations that will host plentiful annual culture shows every year and great Greek life with a combination of community services and career-focused academia. Despite white people making up the majority of SCU's student population, the school is still very diverse, everyone I met here is super friendly and enthusiastic, and they all want you to succeed. The academia here is super collaborative and passionate, almost all professors are expressing their passion for their fields through effective lectures and activities to help students feel more connected and succeed. Located in the world-famous Silicon Valley, you will definitely be able to find an internship!!!... Read 1,485 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Santa Clara University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SANTA CLARA, CA,
1485 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says SCU is just perfect!!! As the oldest university in California, it offers anything you want with robust academic programs in all areas including business, engineering, humanities, social sciences,....
Read 1485 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 52%,
Net Price: $50,551,
SAT Range: 1290-1480,
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SponsoredCollege
Virginia Wesleyan University
4 Year·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
·
Rating 3.53 out of 5 762
SponsoredCollege
University of Silicon Valley
4 Year·
SAN JOSE, CA
·
Rating 3.43 out of 5 110
SponsoredCollege
Regent University
4 Year·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
·
Rating 3.99 out of 5 1,051
Sophomore: I love the location of the school because the campus is in the middle of the city, which allows me to explore different areas. I always have something to do, and everything is accessible due to San Francisco's amazing bus system. As a nursing major, the classes and professors are amazing. Because it is a private school, there are a lot of resources available to students, and I highly recommend taking advantage of them. It is not difficult to register for classes, and professors are incredibly caring and helpful. One major downside is that tuition is very expensive, even with financial aid and scholarships.... Read 2,365 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
University of San Francisco
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
2365 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I love the location of the school because the campus is in the middle of the city, which allows me to explore different areas. I always have something to do, and everything is accessible due to San....
Read 2365 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 71%,
Net Price: $42,953,
SAT Range: 1210-1410,
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Freshman: San José State University (SJSU) is located in downtown San José and offers students a unique combination of academic excellence and proximity to Silicon Valley's tech industry. SJSU is known for its diverse student body and robust programs in engineering, business, computer science, and the arts. It also provides a vibrant campus life enriched by cultural and professional opportunities. Students value access to modern facilities, but they also acknowledge challenges such as large class sizes and a lack of affordable housing options. Improving administrative processes and expanding support services could improve the overall student experience, ensuring SJSU's ability to attract and nurture talent in one of the world's most innovative areas.... Read 4,395 reviews
#5 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
San José State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
4395 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says San José State University (SJSU) is located in downtown San José and offers students a unique combination of academic excellence and proximity to Silicon Valley's tech industry. SJSU is known for its....
Read 4395 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 77%,
Net Price: $14,219,
SAT Range: 1010-1240,
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#6 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
California State University - Maritime Academy
4 Year,
VALLEJO, CA,
163 Niche users give it an average review of 3.1 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says My current experience is great with many opportunities to learn about engineering and maritime life. However, the majors are very unique so transferring in and out of the school is difficult. Making....
Read 163 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 96%,
Net Price: $17,566,
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Freshman: During my time and orientation, I felt very comforted by the community that was around me. There is a diversity of Latino whites and African-American people which gives you a sense of community. I enjoy the environment and the vintage look on it. The people in the school always make you feel welcomed and they’ve already reached out to me as a freshman to give advice. As I come in, I feel like I’m prepared because even the professors are really kind and nice and tell you to reach out and they give you advice of what to do. Overall, I feel like St. Mary’s is just a really good college and it’s a private college so you feel very close to everybody.... Read 1,115 reviews
#7 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Saint Mary's College of California
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
MORAGA, CA,
1115 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says During my time and orientation, I felt very comforted by the community that was around me. There is a diversity of Latino whites and African-American people which gives you a sense of community. I....
Read 1115 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 88%,
Net Price: $32,129,
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Alum: San Francisco State University was a great experience. The weather is always consistently mild and cool, which is a relief compared to the the surrounding areas that can have vastly different temperatures. The University is easily commutable thorough Bart, for students throughout the Bay Area and San Francisco. The University Shuttle from bart takes students directly too campus, and many other busses also have stops around the campus. I like the variety of classes offered, any were fun and creative, from classes about fairy tales and fables, to classes about pandemic literature, astronomy, social movements, etc. The teachers were all really nice and supportive. If any student had trouble with the material, office hours were always available. And if a student needed more time for an assignment for any reason, most teacher were very accommodating. I would have liked to have more variety in student activities and parties, which are not advertised as well as I would have liked.... Read 3,730 reviews
#8 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
3730 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says San Francisco State University was a great experience. The weather is always consistently mild and cool, which is a relief compared to the the surrounding areas that can have vastly different....
Read 3730 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 94%,
Net Price: $13,267,
SAT Range: 930-1130,
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#9 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
Dominican University of California
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN RAFAEL, CA,
851 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Dominican University provided a more stringent academic experience than I was expecting, but in a good way. It was not a "fluff" online education but with standards of conduct and learning. I....
Read 851 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 93%,
Net Price: $49,907,
SAT Range: 1050-1260,
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Senior: Overall a chill university to go to. Nice campus. Different clubs will host different free events which is nice. Has a gym, free food pantry, and some known fast food chains. It doesn’t have much students and not too big on parties or sororities/frats. It can improve on more school spirit on advertising games. Big library for different study spots and other lounge areas around campus. Some teachers are good, others not so much. Some classes are small and others are big.... Read 1,995 reviews
#10 Best Colleges in San Francisco Bay Area.
California State University - East Bay
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
HAYWARD, CA,
1995 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Overall a chill university to go to. Nice campus. Different clubs will host different free events which is nice. Has a gym, free food pantry, and some known fast food chains. It doesn’t have much....
Read 1995 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 96%,
Net Price: $11,464,
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Sophomore: This college has a lot of diversity and very in tune with so many different cultures. You meet and appreciate new people and the staff is so helpful and create a great support system to get you on the right path. I think everything is very well done and a great school. I use to struggle wanting to go to school but since going there I am thriving and enjoying my education. Aside from cultural they provide mental health support and low income support as well. Very blessed to be able to attend.... Read 503 reviews
Skyline College - San Bruno
4 Year,
SAN BRUNO, CA,
503 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says This college has a lot of diversity and very in tune with so many different cultures. You meet and appreciate new people and the staff is so helpful and create a great support system to get you on....
Read 503 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $5,161,
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Alum: This small college is a hidden gem! As a student here, my experience at Menlo College was nothing short of exceptional! The Professors didn't just teach from a book, they also brought real-world experience to the classes. Our lessons went beyond memorizing the "4 P's of marketing" (although we did do that as well, because, you know, fundamentals). And collaboration was a key element in most lectures, our classrooms often became mini-think tanks where we bounced ideas off each other and honed our discussion and brainstorming skills. These were especially useful during group projects. All this to say, if you want a solid foundation in the world of business, where having business acumen is just as important as being book-smart, then Menlo is the place to be!... Read 308 reviews
Menlo College
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
ATHERTON, CA,
308 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says This small college is a hidden gem! As a student here, my experience at Menlo College was nothing short of exceptional! The Professors didn't just teach from a book, they also brought real-world....
Read 308 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Acceptance Rate: 62%,
Net Price: $29,151,
SAT Range: 920-1150,
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Sophomore: It's been a balance between exciting and unpleasant. I am very grateful to be enrolled in a new institution where I can continue my path as a professional artist and animator. However, for a first semester, one of the courses was a let down. Whenever I left the class, it felt like I hadn't learned anything. As a fully online student, during lecture, I felt disengaged with the rest of the class. The semester was also stressful because several financial and academic changes hit unexpectedly and I was ready to tear my hair out! I have hopes my next term will be better, but boy did I have a difficult time.... Read 2,501 reviews
Academy of Art University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
2501 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says It's been a balance between exciting and unpleasant. I am very grateful to be enrolled in a new institution where I can continue my path as a professional artist and animator. However, for a first....
Read 2501 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $35,616,
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Sophomore: As of writing this I am an incoming student, so thought I have not officially attended I have toured the campus. The dorms are right nextdoor which is nice, and you get discounts on gym, travel and the nearby art store. Around the campus is clean and safe. Though San Francisco has a bad reputation to homeless, there is none to be found around the area. The school is currently working on constructing an additional building and it should be done by Fall 2024. I am super excited to attend this school. One thing that's great about CCA is there are lots of different tools many different artists can use, no matter your major. These are right at your disposal. Things like sewing machines, cameras and equipment, even 3D printers. Stuff like this being ready available makes me excited to dip my toes in all different artforms.... Read 394 reviews
California College of the Arts
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
394 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says As of writing this I am an incoming student, so thought I have not officially attended I have toured the campus. The dorms are right nextdoor which is nice, and you get discounts on gym, travel and....
Read 394 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 76%,
Net Price: $47,862,
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Unitek College - Fremont
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
FREMONT, CA,
167 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Unitek College is a great school. I felt welcomed by my peers and professors. All the professors I had were very helpful and really care about your educational goals. They made going back to school....
Read 167 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $33,755,
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Gurnick Academy - San Jose
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
100 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says Haven’t attended but knew a lot of family/friends who attended, heard nothing but great information, I’m looking forward to attending my LVN program here this October!.
Read 100 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $28,082,
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Freshman: What I like the most about Minerva is the unique platform for the lessons. I love the sense of real-class experience it provides although it allows every student to connect to the class from anywhere. Furthermore, there is no school campus but many students say the city is the campus, and it is true! You get to know every corner of the city rather than binding to one campus, which is more incredible - the rotation city changes each semester or every year (depending on the year of study). Hence, you get to know the world around you and travel while studying.... Read 94 reviews
Minerva University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
94 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says What I like the most about Minerva is the unique platform for the lessons. I love the sense of real-class experience it provides although it allows every student to connect to the class from....
Read 94 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 1%,
Net Price: $15,215,
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San Francisco Conservatory of Music
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
86 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I loved the faculty at SFCM as well as the various performing opportunities there. I also liked that all the curriculum was structured around music. I wish that there weren't as many conflicts....
Read 86 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Acceptance Rate: 43%,
Net Price: $45,726,
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Graduate Student: I had studied civil engineering at Hawassa University in Ethiopia and graduated in 2021. I am interested to improve my academic status and to surge my potential of working skill, Although to Propagate the skill that i have, and to learn and share crucial knowledge from colleagues vehemently. I sincerely like living in harmonised way with nations which have enormous cultural status by placing humanity first.meanwhile I am obviously excited to update my self in academic and bing kind person to every one who intend to resive my support in a matters that I am really good at. As a person i definitely like to see people changing there life in different aspect like academic,economic and there social status, like living in a peaceful manner.Although being independent and start making promenades for others to stand by there own and being supportive.... Read 12 reviews
Lincoln University - California
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
12 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says I had studied civil engineering at Hawassa University in Ethiopia and graduated in 2021. I am interested to improve my academic status and to surge my potential of working skill, Although to...As a person i definitely like to see people changing there life in different aspect like academic,economic and there social status, like living in a peaceful manner.Although being independent and....
Read 12 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $28,597,
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University of Silicon Valley
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN JOSE, CA,
110 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says So far I've had excellent interactions with the USV team, they've been extremely kind and sincere, and I look forward to the journey ahead!.
Read 110 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 65%,
Net Price: $29,887,
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Reach University
4 Year (Online),
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Great school! The best option for working professionals in my opinion. The staff is supportive , present and sincerely interested in your success! Highly recommended.
Read 1 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 98%,
Net Price: $15,054,
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Samuel Merritt University
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
147 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Great collage expensive but well worth it. Lots of support for students. Had some issues with communication initially around registration, and financial aid but it was manageable In the end..
Read 147 reviews.
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Alum: The GGU School of Law is a perfect place for International law students. It's not big in the number of staff and students, but it is the best thing about this university. Professors are always available for individual consultation, the administraton is very carying and is always ready to help. It's more like a family. The study process is very comfortable, but at the same time deep and demanding. Most of the professors are former international students and it helps a lot in terms of adapting to new system and socialization. They are always happy to share their experience and to direct you in your career path if you wish. I believe it was the best option I could have chosen when applying for the LLM in International Legal studies.... Read 97 reviews
Golden Gate University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
97 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says The GGU School of Law is a perfect place for International law students. It's not big in the number of staff and students, but it is the best thing about this university. Professors are always...I believe it was the best option I could have chosen when applying for the LLM in International Legal studies..
Read 97 reviews.
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Graduate Student: Overall, I appreciate the education I am receiving at CIIS. I think some of the instructors lack vigor and academic follow-through and then there are others who are stellar. I love the diversity of programs and classes. The wifi at the campus is an ongoing issue, which is frustrating for people who need to zoom into a class. People who work at the school are generally nice and very helpful.... Read 124 reviews
School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA,
124 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall, I appreciate the education I am receiving at CIIS. I think some of the instructors lack vigor and academic follow-through and then there are others who are stellar. I love the diversity of....
Read 124 reviews.
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Oikos University
4 Year,
OAKLAND, CA,
Acceptance Rate: 43%,
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SponsoredCollege
James Madison University
4 Year·
HARRISONBURG, VA
·
Rating 3.85 out of 5 3,244
SponsoredCollege
San Francisco State University
4 Year·
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
·
Rating 3.54 out of 5 3,730
SponsoredCollege
San Francisco Bay University
4 Year·
FREMONT, CA
·
Rating 3.75 out of 5 20

2024 Best Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area

Best programs

Students

Social scene

Campus

Athletics

Stanford University

Stanford University

University of California - Berkeley

University of California - Berkeley

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University

University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco

San José State University

San José State University

California State University - Maritime Academy

California State University - Maritime Academy

Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University

Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California

California State University - East Bay

California State University - East Bay

Skyline College - San Bruno

Skyline College - San Bruno

Menlo College

Menlo College

Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University

California College of the Arts

California College of the Arts

Unitek College - Fremont

Unitek College - Fremont

Gurnick Academy - San Jose

Gurnick Academy - San Jose

Minerva University

Minerva University

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Lincoln University - California

Lincoln University - California

University of Silicon Valley

University of Silicon Valley

Reach University

Reach University

Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University

Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University

School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies

School of Undergraduate Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies

Oikos University

Oikos University