Study Abroad Content Specialist
The USA has always been a popular destination for international students going to study abroad. States like California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts and Illinois are the top 5 major attractions for them. Among them, California had the highest number of international students (138,393) in the 2022-23 academic year as per Statista. Students always look for the top universities in California for international students such as Stanford University, CalTech, UCLA among others. In the US News and World Reports ranking 2025, 9 of the top 50 universities are located in California.
This article will guide you through the top 10 universities in California for international students, their rankings, and average annual tuition fees.
Top 10 Universities in California
Here, we have tabulated the top 10 universities in California with their latest rankings and average annual tuition fee range.
| Rank in California 2025 | US News and World Report ranking, 2025 | University | Average Fee Range/ year |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | #4 | Stanford University | 61,095-82,455 USD |
| #2 | #6 | California Institute of Technology | 63,402 USD |
| #3 | #15 | University of California--Los Angeles | 21,215-50,328 USD |
| #4 | #17 | University of California, Berkeley | 12,762-13,146 USD |
| #5 | #27 | University of Southern California | 22,320-72,798 USD |
| #6 | #29 | University of California, San Diego | 34,053-53,874 USD |
| #7 | #33 | University of California, Davis | 48,636 USD |
| #8 | #33 | University of California--Irvine | 12,264-61,000 USD |
| #9 | #39 | University of California, Santa Barbara | 12,264-48,636 USD |
| #10 | #58 | University of California, Merced | 33,238-48,636 USD |
Currency exchange rate: 84.48 INR as on November 16, 2024
Note: We haven't listed the top universities in California for masters programs separately, as most of them are already included in the above list and to avoid repetition.
Other Popular Universities in California, USA
California is a large state, with more than 39 million residents. And so are the universities. Apart from the top 10, there are many other universities in California that are also highly ranked in US News global university rankings. Majority of these universities come under the list of public universities in California for international students. Here, we have tabulated some of them.
| Rank in California, 2025 | US News and World Report ranking, 2025 | University | Average Fee Range/ year |
|---|---|---|---|
| #11 | #63 | Santa Clara University | 21,780-72,960 USD |
| #12 | #76 | University of California, Riverside | 11,350-66,939 USD |
| #13 | #80 | Pepperdine University | 42,020-99,510 USD |
| #14 | #84 | University of California, Santa Cruz | 15,102-34,200 USD |
| #15 | #91 | Loyola Marymount University | 18,432-55,441 USD |
| #16 | #109 | California State University--Long Beach | 6,450-8,064 USD |
| #17 | #109 | San Diego State University | 10,252-25,200 USD |
| #18 | #109 | University of San Diego | 24,462-58,420 USD |
| #19 | #109 | University of San Francisco | 19,200-67,650 USD |
| #20 | #121 | Chapman University | 41,940-86,940 USD |
Currency exchange rate: 84.48 INR as on November 16, 2024
Also check:
| Study in USA Guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Why Study in USA | Requirements to Study in USA | US Education System |
| Cost of Studying in USA | Top Courses in USA | Documents Required to Study in USA |
Job Opportunities in California
Indian students, who are willing to study in a US university, must consider job opportunities in that particular location while choosing a university. As per the Employment Projections published by the Employment Development Department (EDD), State of California, the industry wise projections are as follows.
| Industry Type | Projection % by 2030 |
|---|---|
| Leisure and Hospitality | +50.7% |
| Professional and Business Services | +20.5% |
| Educational Services, Healthcare, and Social Assistance | +20.5% |
| Trade, Transportation and Utilities | +15.1% |
| Construction | +16.6% |
| Information | +15.4% |
| Financial Activities | +11.4% |
| Government | +8.3% |
| Manufacturing | +2.9% |
| Others | +25.9% |
Insight: If you are wondering about what to study in the USA, you can choose any program related to these industries to be in advantage.
Occupations with the Most Job Openings in California by 2030
Check out the occupations with the most job openings in California by 2030, as projected by the Employment Development Department (EDD), State of California.
| Job Title | Median Wage/ hour | Median salary/ year |
|---|---|---|
| Fast food and counter workers, waiters and waitresses | 15.99 USD | 33,261 USD |
| Home, health and personal care aids | 15.99 USD | 33,261 USD |
| Laborers and Freight, | 18.47 USD | 38,429 USD |
| Cashiers and retail salespersons | 15.62 USD | 32,499 USD |
| Stockers and order fillers | 17.45 USD | 36,280 USD |
| Janitors and Cleaners | 15.99 USD | 33,261 USD |
| Cooks | 18.71 USD | 38,906 USD |
| General office clerks | 19.14 USD | 39,826 USD |
Currency exchange rate: 84.48 INR as on November 16, 2024
Read also: Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students
Popular Job Roles and Average Salaries in California
According to PayScale, the average annual salary in California is 92,000 USD per year. This can vary depending on industry, job role, experience and other variables. Here, we have added some of the popular job roles in California along with their average salary for your reference.
Currency exchange rate: 84.48 INR as on November 16, 2024
Also read:
| Post Study Work Guide in USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Post Study Work Visa in USA | H1-B Visa | Differences Between OPT and CPT |
| US Work Visa Types | What is EAD | Top US Cities for Job Opportunities |
Whether you're pursuing STEM, business, or the arts, studying in California can pave the way for a successful future. This article will help you to know what are the best universities in California for international students and the job opportunities in California. For the admission requirements, intakes and other university specific information, please visit the official university websites or our study abroad section.
FAQs
Ques: What is the #1 university in California?
Ans: Stanford University is often ranked as the #1 university in California due to its prestigious academic programs, world-class faculty, and extensive research opportunities, particularly in STEM and business fields.
Ques: What are the top 4 in the University of California?
Ans: The top 4 UC campuses are:
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Ques: Which university in California is best for international students?
Ans: UCLA and UC Berkeley are highly regarded for their international student support, offering diverse academic programs, career services, and cultural integration opportunities, making them ideal for global learners.
Ques: Why is California best for international students?
Ans: California is home to top-ranked universities, a vibrant multicultural environment, excellent job opportunities in tech, entertainment, and healthcare, and pleasant weather, making it an attractive destination for international students.
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