2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California

About

Liberal arts colleges are the epitome of a “well-rounded” education. At these schools, you’re not just a number, you’re part of a close-knit community that values both individuality and collaboration. Students are encouraged to explore a broad range of disciplines, from literature and the sciences to business and the arts, building the skills to think critically. With smaller class sizes and a vibrant campus atmosphere, the best liberal arts colleges offer a holistic, people-centered approach to education.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Pomona College	1766	7.09	1,490 – 1,560	17423	60850	#1 Best Colleges – Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California Pomona College Claremont, CA Pomona College is a private, liberal arts college offering 39 major programs. Three commonly chosen majors include Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, and Neuroscience. The school was created with a “college of the New England type” in mind. Their mascot is Cecil the Sagehen. Undergraduates 1,766 Acceptance Rate 7.1% SAT Score 1,490 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $17,423 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,850
2	Harvey Mudd College	921	12.66	1,500 – 1,580	42720	115107	#2 Best Colleges – Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CA Harvey Mudd College only offers programs related to Science and Engineering. Part of the Claremont Colleges, their colors are black and gold. The men’s teams are known as the Stags, and the women are known as the Athenas. It has a 96% first year retention rate and 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates 921 Acceptance Rate 12.7% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,580 Avg. Net Price $42,720 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $115,107
3	Soka University of America	476	69.52	1,220 – 1,460	18807	42696	#3 Best Colleges – Best Liberal Arts Colleges 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. Undergraduates 476 Acceptance Rate 69.5% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $18,807 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,696
4	Claremont McKenna College	1390	9.59	1,470 – 1,560	29978	87603	#4 Best Colleges – Best Liberal Arts Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,390 Acceptance Rate 9.6% SAT Score 1,470 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $29,978 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,603