Choosing colleges with high acceptance rates in California can give you an exceptional number of opportunities for your future career.
California is home to some of the most competitive programs from top-ranking institutions, from California State University to Berkeley.
If you’re interested in finding a program that’s most likely to accept you as a student, we’ve found ten great options to consider.
10 Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in California
1. Academy of Art University
Academy of Art University is a phenomenal school that’s home to some of the world’s most talented artists.
You’ll be able to participate in programs to help develop your creative skills while also helping boost your employability.
There are several fantastic programs in their different schools of specialty, which include:
- School of Acting
- School of Advertising
- School of Animation & Visual Effects
- School of Architecture
- School of Art Education
- School of Communications & Media Technologies
- School of Fashion
- School of Fine Art
What makes the Academy of Art University a unique opportunity for students is they have a 100% open admission policy.
There are also many scholarships, such as a graduate scholarship, an emerging artist program, or the Spring Forward scholarship.
Students can have many of their school costs covered, likely upwards of $2000.
Aside from offering in-person programs, there are also plenty of online degree programs for graduate and undergraduate students.
A few examples of the programs include:
- Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Game Development
- Industrial Design
- Illustration
2. California State University – Fresno
California State University – Fresno has a 97% acceptance rate for all its students, making it one of the best institutions to attend.
Not only do they add most of their applicants to their students, but the school is also ranked in the top 50 for economic opportunities for students.
With the added benefit of high-value degrees, fascinating sports teams, and numerous extracurriculars, students will have a unique studying experience at the school.
Like many colleges and universities, the California State University – Fresno accepts freshmen, graduate students, transfer students, and doctoral students.
They also have specialized programs for active duty military members, veterans, and international students.
You can find several learning opportunities for employed professionals seeking continued education to further their existing skills.
You’ll find many fantastic programs when searching for a degree at California State University – Fresno.
They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, certificates, minors, and credentials.
The course catalog is continually changing and updating, ensuring students have the most updated curriculum to study in their specialty.
California State University – Fresno’s course catalog is extensive, offering numerous courses and specialties, including:
- Academic Literacy
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Whitewater Rafting
- Transnational Feminism
3. California Northstate University
With its 95% acceptance rate, California Northstate University is a phenomenal institution with highly competitive science and medical programs.
If you’re looking for a school with state-of-the-art facilities and remarkable learning opportunities, this is one of the top considerations.
California Northstate University features a modernized curriculum, helping all healthcare professionals adapt to ever-changing careers.
It is home to 15 undergraduate and professional programs and has six colleges of study.
Students can enroll in the following learning pathways:
- College of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Psychology
- College of Dental Medicine
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Health Sciences
One of the largest advantages of this school is that they’re building a new state-of-the-art medical center and teaching hospital.
Students will be able to gather even more hands-on experience working in their dream careers alongside their peers and real patients.
In each program, students can work towards a bachelor of science, doctor of dental medicine, doctor of medicine, doctor of pharmacy, or doctor of psychology.
If you’re interested in enrolling, you should pay close attention to the specific admissions processes for each of the colleges of thought.
There are also specific application steps for students pursuing a master of healthcare administration, pharmaceutical sciences, and a pre-med post-baccalaureate degree.
4. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is primarily a Christian university but also offers several great programs for students to consider.
Each course boasts a high-quality curriculum that features Christ in its teachings, which is ideal for religious students.
With over 200 different online and on-campus degree options, students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate from home or in person.
If you’re on the hunt for a school with plenty of unique experiences, Azusa Pacific University is for you.
They feature an extremely diverse on-campus experience for religious and prospective religious students.
The school also ensures each student has equal access to an education so they can experience their dream careers after graduation.
There are several campuses students can enroll in, each with high admissions rates of up to 94%.
The campus locations include:
- Azusa
- High Desert
- Inland Empire
- Murrieta
- Orange County
- San Diego
- Monrovia
As mentioned, there are nearly 200 programs available from this school for students to enroll in.
Each comes from a different college of thought, which include:
- Arts
- Business and Management
- Nursing
- Seminary
- Leung School of Accounting
- Education
- Behavioral and Applied Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Theology
5. Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University takes pride in its 94% acceptance rate for prospective students.
You’ll find a vast collection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, helping you explore some majors and minors during your years of study.
Students will experience a fantastic on-campus lifestyle with access to numerous resources, extracurriculars, and other activities.
There are several different academic schools for students to consider, which include:
- Arts & Humanities
- Business & Economics
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Science & Technology
- International Education
Within each school, you’ll find many degree programs to choose from depending on the specialty you want to focus on for your future career.
There have been numerous awards given to Sonoma State University, thanks to the quality of their education.
For example, their music center is ranked three out of 25 for the best campus art centers.
In addition, the school has been ranked 12 as one of the best colleges for transfer students.
Compared to other major schools in the state, Sonoma State University is home to relatively small class sizes with a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
You’ll also find their university housing is some of the most competitive in the nation, offering top-ranked facilities for students to enjoy.
Sonoma State University is for you if you’re searching for high-end education to experience some fantastic learning adventures.
6. California State University – Channel Islands
California State University – Channel Islands is home to nearly 50 areas of study, making it easier for students to find the right fit for their future careers.
With a stunning campus located against the Santa Monica Mountains, you’ll have an unforgettable learning experience.
Students will also be visiting a campus that’s mere minutes from the ocean, offering a true California learning experience.
As you would expect, California State University – Channel Islands has several competitive programs to note.
Some of their most popular avenues of study include:
- Education
- Biology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Communication
- Global Studies
- Spanish
- Mechatronics Engineering
Innovation is one of the key elements of California State University – Channel Islands, offering students a well-rounded, modern curriculum.
You’ll explore interdisciplinary touches to your learning, helping you combine multiple avenues of study.
By graduation, you’ll know several fundamental areas necessary to excel in your career.
7. California State University – Monterey Bay
California State University – Monterey Bay features a 93% acceptance rate, ranking it as one of the highest acceptance rates in the state.
Along with giving thousands of students renowned educational opportunities, they also offer a sense of community.
When exploring their campus, you’ll find several valuable tools through the student resource center and athletics and extracurricular activities.
Students can choose between 25 undergraduate degrees and 30 minors, depending on the specialty they choose.
After obtaining your undergraduate degree, you can move on to one of the school’s nine graduate degrees.
Another massive advantage of their programs is teachers can find numerous certifications to assist them with their careers.
Located one mile from the beach, you’ll have a stunning campus to enjoy.
As an added benefit, California State University – Monterey Bay has a 27:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring students get the attention they need.
Interestingly, 53% of the student body is first-generation, making it a fantastic opportunity for all students.
8. California State Polytechnic University – Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University – Humboldt doesn’t have the highest acceptance rate in California, but it’s still highly competitive at 91%.
There’s plenty to appreciate with their academic programs, giving students a blend of hands-on and in-class experiences.
You’ll also work towards becoming a larger part of your community and explore your social and environmental responsibility.
California State Polytechnic University – Humboldt is home to a wide array of class projects and extracurricular activities, helping keep students involved.
You’ll not only begin making lifelong memories but also lifelong friends and connections to help you explore prosperous future careers.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the confidence and skills to help you make the world better through your career.
California State Polytechnic University – Humboldt has numerous areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate students.
You’ll find many common areas of study, including:
- Mathematics
- Forestry
- Communication
- Political Science
- Kinesiology
- Social Work
- Journalism
You’ll also find a collection of minors, such as:
- Art Studio
- Geology
- Physics
- Psychology
- American Sign Language and Special Populations
- Fire Ecology
As a teacher, there are four credential programs to enjoy, allowing you to focus on a specialty.
These credential programs include:
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
- Educational Leadership
- Secondary Education
9. California State University – Dominguez Hills
With the 90% acceptance rate from California State University – Dominguez Hills, students can unlock the door to numerous future opportunities.
Whether you want to find your passion or diversify your existing skills, there are many options available to you.
This school has a reputation for academic excellence, offering students with smaller classes, unique internships, and numerous research opportunities.
When attending California State University – Dominguez Hills, you’ll find graduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, credential programs, and certificate programs.
You’ll easily be able to find an avenue of study that best suits your needs for your future career.
If you’re looking for flexible learning opportunities, CSU is also home to online courses.
With these courses, you can work towards your degree without attending in-person classes.
It can be a fantastic opportunity for students with busy schedules, like parents and employed professionals.
10. California State University – Bakersfield
The final school we’ll explore, with a relatively high acceptance rate in the state of California, is California State University – Bakersfield.
Campus life is something students will love, offering opportunities through the student government, student unions, and numerous organizations.
The student housing is also remarkable, offering modern and updated facilities that you’ll love having at your disposal.
When it comes to academics, there isn’t a shortage of programs for you to explore.
Students can dive into topics such as:
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Economics
- Marketing
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Pre-Med
Enroll In Your Dream College Today!
With a list of colleges with high acceptance rates in California, you can find programs that you have the highest chance of attending.
With a ton of competitive programs ranging from English to Anthropology, you’ll always find the ideal specialty.
All you have to do is take the steps to apply today so you can begin working towards your future.
