2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California

About

Colleges by Overall concentration of International Students

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Westcliff University	73.15	--	35553	63721	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Westcliff University Irvine, CA Found in Irvine, Westcliff University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 22% of students at Westcliff University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $35,553 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	University of California-Irvine	28.57	1,240 – 1,440	15889	56210	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA The University of California, Irvine offers over 85 undergraduate majors, with many choosing Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. Part of the Big West Conference, over 50 Anteaters have competed in the Olympics and brought home more than 30 medals. Acceptance Rate 28.6% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $15,889 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,210
3	University of California-San Diego	26.71	1,290 – 1,490	14047	65669	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA The southernmost campus of the University of California system, the San Diego campus is located close to the Pacific Ocean. The school offers over 160 undergraduate programs and nearly 20 organized research units. It also hosts the region’s only academic Health System. San Diego has a 94% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 26.7% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $14,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,669
4	Minerva University	3.04	--	13324	63721	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Minerva University San Francisco, CA Minerva University opened recently, in 2012. Entirely online, class sizes always have 19 students or fewer. It is extremely selective, and 44% of accepted students decide to attend Minerva. The most popular area of study is Mathematics and Computer Science. Acceptance Rate 3.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,324 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
5	University of California-Davis	41.83	1,180 – 1,420	17270	58461	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Davis Davis, CA The University of California – Davis is the seventh campus within the University of California system. It was originally an agricultural branch when founded in 1905, and was known as University Farm. Famous alumni have included the CEO of Chevron, John S....Read more Acceptance Rate 41.8% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $17,270 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,461
6	New York Film Academy	52.4	--	51622	25150	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California New York Film Academy Burbank, CA New York Film Academy is a private-for-profit school offering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Arts (MA) programs. The school's philosophy is "learning by doing." Famous alumni include Bill Hader, Mohamad Diab, and James Friend, among others. Acceptance Rate 52.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $51,622 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,150
7	Art Center College of Design	74.54	--	53271	53562	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CA Located in Pasadena, the Art Center College of Design accepts 75% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 60% of students attending the Art Center College of Design will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $53,271 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,562
8	University of California-Berkeley	10.98	1,330 – 1,540	16538	74919	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA The University of California, Berkeley was the state’s first land-grant university and the first campus in the school system. The California Golden Bears, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, have won over 110 team titles. With a 97% first year retention rate, 82% go on to graduate within four years, 94% within six. Acceptance Rate 11.0% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $16,538 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $74,919
9	California College of the Arts	91.1	940 – 1,220	46823	38308	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA Based in San Francisco, California College of the Arts’s acceptance rate is 91% and charges $70 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of students attending California College of the Arts currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 87%....Read more Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 940 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $46,823 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,308
10	University of Southern California	9.81	1,450 – 1,550	43412	74461	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA The University of Southern California is a extremely selective school. The most popular area of study is currently Management Science. Just some notable alumni are LeVar Burton, Neil Armstrong, Will Ferrell, and George Lucas. Acceptance Rate 9.8% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $43,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $74,461
11	Soka University of America	43.38	1,340 – 1,510	15691	51242	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Soka University of America Aliso Viejo, CA The Soka University of America, a fairly new school (founded in 2001), focuses on pacifism, human rights, and the creative coexistence of nature and humanity. It was created by the founder of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, Daisaku Ikeda. Students enjoy a cozy 7 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Acceptance Rate 43.4% SAT Score 1,340 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $15,691 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,242
12	University of California-Los Angeles	8.97	1,320 – 1,540	14512	59063	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA The University of California, Los Angeles is the second-oldest branch of the state school system. Its motto is “fiat lux,” or “let there be light.” Famous alumni have included Sean Astin, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Morhaime, Jim Morrison, and Troy Aikman. Acceptance Rate 9.0% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $14,512 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,063
13	Musicians Institute	77.95	980 – 1,300	49657	24962	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Musicians Institute Hollywood, CA Found in Hollywood, Musicians Institute’s acceptance rate is 78%. They charge $100 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 44% of students attending Musicians Institute currently receive institutional grant aid. 80% of students continued studying at Musicians Institute after completing their......Read more Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $49,657 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,962
14	University of California-Santa Barbara	32.97	1,260 – 1,480	17658	56852	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Part of the University of California system and a Public Ivy, the Santa Barbara campus is located on the Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics is the most commonly chosen area of study. An extremely selective school, it also has a first year retention rate of 93%. Acceptance Rate 33.0% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $17,658 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,852
15	Santa Monica College	0	--	5685	31977	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $5,685 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,977
16	Stanford University	3.61	1,510 – 1,570	25078	102887	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Stanford University Stanford, CA Stanford University is a private college that goes by a Quarter academic calendar rather than a Semester. Alumni have included Fulbright Scholars, members of Congress, astronauts, and billionaires, as well as former President Herbert Hoover. Known as the Stanford Cardinals, athletes wear cardinal and white....Read more Acceptance Rate 3.6% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $25,078 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $102,887
17	Lincoln University	69.49	--	0	44602	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Lincoln University Oakland, CA Found in Oakland, Lincoln University accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $95 for undergraduate applications. About 0% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 89% and......Read more Acceptance Rate 69.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,602
18	Pomona College	7.09	1,490 – 1,560	19938	60850	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Pomona College Claremont, CA Pomona College is a private, liberal arts college offering 38 major programs. Three commonly chosen majors include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Neuroscience. The school was created with a “college of the New England type” in mind. Their mascot is Cecil the Sagehen. Acceptance Rate 7.1% SAT Score 1,490 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $19,938 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,850
19	Claremont McKenna College	9.59	1,470 – 1,560	33895	87603	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CA Claremont McKenna College, a private liberal arts school, was founded as a men’s college in 1946. It became co-educational in 1976. The most commonly chosen major is Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. With an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 98% of students will stay after their freshman year. Acceptance Rate 9.6% SAT Score 1,470 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $33,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,603
20	Whittier College	80.79	1,160 – 1,360	28101	46025	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Whittier College Whittier, CA Found in Whittier, Whittier College accepts 81% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of students attending Whittier College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 80.8% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $28,101 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,025
21	Pepperdine University	62.86	1,310 – 1,450	66585	64934	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Pepperdine University Malibu, CA Pepperdine University has campuses found all over the world, from Washington D.C., to Florence, Italy, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. 90% of students receive institutional grant aid, averaging $23,920 each. The most commonly sought degree is in Clinical Psychology. Acceptance Rate 62.9% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $66,585 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,934
22	Loyola Marymount University	45.08	1,280 – 1,430	59926	62763	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA Loyola Marymount University is home to the LMU Lions, who wear crimson and blue and compete in the NCAA Division I without football West Coast Conference. Their mascot is named Iggy. Law, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General are the three most popular areas of study....Read more Acceptance Rate 45.1% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $59,926 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,763
23	Foothill College	0	--	10805	48920	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,805 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,920
24	University of California-Riverside	76.39	1,090 – 1,310	14562	48593	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA Located in Riverside, the University of California-Riverside accepts 76% of applicants. They request $80 for undergraduate applications and $135 for graduate applications. Approximately 64% of students at the University of California-Riverside will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of California-Riverside,......Read more Acceptance Rate 76.4% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $14,562 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,593
25	San Jose State University	84.61	1,010 – 1,240	13892	62448	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California San Jose State University San Jose, CA Located in San Jose, San Jose State University’s acceptance rate is 85% and requests $70 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 37% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,892 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,448
26	California Institute of Technology	2.57	1,540 – 1,590	14513	132140	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA Also known as Caltech, the California Institute of Technology is a private, doctoral/research university located on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena. The school's motto is, “the truth shall make you free.” Computer Science, Physics, and General are top majors among students, and there have been over 75 Nobel laureates that have......Read more Acceptance Rate 2.6% SAT Score 1,540 – 1,590 Avg. Net Price $14,513 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $132,140
27	Northeastern University Oakland	16.65	1,430 – 1,510	27473	78413	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Northeastern University Oakland Oakland, CA Acceptance Rate 16.7% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $27,473 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,413
28	Santa Clara University	48	1,370 – 1,490	53883	91198	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA Opened in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher education in California. A NCAA Division I without football school, athletes are known as the Broncos and compete in the West Coast Conference. Former Broncos have gone onto play in the NBA, NFL, and MLB....Read more Acceptance Rate 48.0% SAT Score 1,370 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $53,883 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $91,198
29	California State University-Northridge	93.45	900 – 1,110	7536	44372	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA Located in Northridge, California State University-Northridge accepts 93% of applicants and charges $70 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 64% of students at California State University-Northridge will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $7,536 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,372
30	University of California-Santa Cruz	65.79	1,180 – 1,390	18059	49716	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Found in Santa Cruz, the University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 66% of applicants and requests $80 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 49% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. 88% of students decide to stay at the University of California-Santa Cruz after completing their first year....Read more Acceptance Rate 65.8% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $18,059 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,716
31	University of the Pacific	71.32	1,180 – 1,470	31670	62672	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of the Pacific Stockton, CA Located in Stockton, the University of the Pacific accepts 71% of applicants and charges $55 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at the University of the Pacific will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,470 Avg. Net Price $31,670 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,672
32	San Diego State University	36.19	1,100 – 1,320	14704	52620	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California San Diego State University San Diego, CA Located in San Diego, San Diego State University’s acceptance rate is 36%. They request $70 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 27% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 36.2% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $14,704 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,620
33	San Francisco State University	96.44	930 – 1,140	13168	52650	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA Found in San Francisco, San Francisco State University accepts 96% of applicants and charges $70 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 54% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $13,168 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,650
34	University of San Diego	52.38	1,210 – 1,390	37918	64995	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of San Diego San Diego, CA Found in San Diego, the University of San Diego’s acceptance rate is 52%. They charge $55 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. About 84% of students attending the University of San Diego currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 52.4% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $37,918 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,995
35	California State University-Long Beach	46.27	1,030 – 1,240	10607	50062	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA Located in Long Beach, California State University-Long Beach accepted 46% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $70 for undergraduate applications and $70 for graduate applications. About 46% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Acceptance Rate 46.3% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $10,607 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,062
36	California State University-Fresno	95.26	890 – 1,100	7834	44012	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California State University-Fresno Fresno, CA Based in Fresno, California State University-Fresno’s acceptance rate is 95% and requests $70 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 62% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At California State University-Fresno, there is a 82% first year retention rate and a 21% four year graduation rate....Read more Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 890 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $7,834 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,012
37	Occidental College	44.17	1,390 – 1,520	48400	52209	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Occidental College Los Angeles, CA Occidental College is extremely close to Hollywood, so a number of movies and television shows have been filmed on its campus. Some examples include Clueless, Arrested Development, The Good Place, and Star Trek III: the Search for Spock....Read more Acceptance Rate 44.2% SAT Score 1,390 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $48,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,209
38	Chapman University	65.43	1,280 – 1,430	47902	58080	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Chapman University Orange, CA A fairly selective school, Chapman University received 15,600 applications during the last admissions cycle. It opened as the Hesperian College in 1861, within the same hour of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential inauguration. Chapman’s students tend to stay on after their freshman year – it has a 92% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $47,902 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,080
39	Biola University	74.35	1,170 – 1,370	34082	45752	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California Biola University La Mirada, CA Since 2017, Biola University has competed primarily in the Pacific West Conference. Athletes are known as the Eagles, and wear red, white, and black. Some popular sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.4% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $34,082 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,752
40	California State University-Sacramento	93.99	930 – 1,140	10110	51074	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA Based in Sacramento, California State University-Sacramento accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $70 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 57% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At California State......Read more Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $10,110 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,074
41	California Baptist University	84.88	970 – 1,170	27862	52336	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California Baptist University Riverside, CA Located in Riverside, California Baptist University accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $45 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending California Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention......Read more Acceptance Rate 84.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $27,862 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,336
42	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	31.32	1,230 – 1,420	17453	72358	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Also known as Cal Poly, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is one of two polytechnics in the school system. The university’s motto is “Discere Faciendo,” which is Latin for “Learn by Doing.” Cal Poly participates in the NCAA Division I-FCS Big Sky Conference. Known as the Mustangs, they wear green and gold. Acceptance Rate 31.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $17,453 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,358
43	University of California-Merced	90.53	980 – 1,160	13690	48475	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California University of California-Merced Merced, CA Located in Merced, the University of California-Merced accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $80 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 84% of students at the University of California-Merced currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 980 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $13,690 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,475
44	West Los Angeles College	0	--	11164	32538	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California West Los Angeles College Culver City, CA Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,164 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,538
45	MiraCosta College	0	--	9044	37965	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by International Student Concentration in California MiraCosta College Oceanside, CA Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,044 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,965