Best Design Colleges & Programs in California
How are the Top Design Programs Chosen in California
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Stanford University is a research institution located in the California town of the same name. The more than 8,000-acre campus features seven schools, the largest of which is the School of Humanities and Sciences, and 80 residential facilities. With...
The sheer diversity of classes is amazing and the quarter system means that you have the opportunity to take a lot of them without overloading youself
” – Charlene from Sandy, UT
The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
Founded in 1868, the University of California at Berkeley is the flagship of the University of California system of higher education, with a campus overlooking the San Francisco Bay. UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence, student activism...
Berkeley is a great school chock full of award-winning, book-publishing, enthusiastic professors who really know their stuff. If you take classes you're really interested in, you'll learn more. Don't forget about office hours, tutoring sessions, and...
” – Karina from Los Angeles, CA
The University of California in Los Angeles, better known as UCLA, is one of 10 campuses in the UC system. With 109 academic departments and more than 125 majors offered, as well as an average of one billion dollars funded for research every year and...
The amount of knowledge you will gain during your first year at UCLA will be more valuable than any previous experiences. First, there is the academic aspect. Essentially, the material being taught in college is the same for any school, so self...
” – Joanna from Carson City, NV
Founded in 1960, the University of California of San Diego is a research institution located in La Jolla, CA. The 1,200 coastal woodland campus along the Pacific Ocean is home to six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, 5 graduate and...
Teachers can be great, but you must go to class to actually learn. I never thought I'd be skipping classes, but it happens and I learned the hard way that this is NOT smart. Discussions with TAs can be incredibly helpful as well. I had a math class...
” – Current Student from San Diego Area
The University of California in Irvine was founded in 1965 in the town and state of the same name, and is the youngest member of the Association of American Universities. This high-research institution offers 92 majors and 86 minors and the campus is...
Being that I have only been at UCI for one year so far, I feel that I am really learning a lot from my professors and from the students that I have surrounded myself with. No matter where you are at, it is the people you are around that you can...
” – Emi from Temecula, CA
With a campus overlooking Malibu Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine University is a 4-year Christian institution in Malibu affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Pepperdine is home to colleges of Business, Law, Arts & Sciences, Public Policy...
definitely an expensive school! but they're pretty good about financial aid and it's well worth it.
” – Rachael from Spokane, WA
The University of California in Davis is a public institution in northern California and one of the largest universities by enrollment in the UC System. UC Davis is home to four colleges conferring undergraduate degrees and six professional schools...
If your looking for a great learning experience, there is something important that you have to know, it all depends on YOU. So if you are, the advice I would give you and stuff you've probably already heard is to get to know your professor, research...
” – Vianey from rancho cucamonga, CA
The California Institute of the Arts is a private university that offers degree programs in visual and performing arts. CalArts offers degrees in more than 70 degree-granting programs in Art, Music, Dance, Theater, and Film, with all undergraduate...
Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do.
” – Marvin from Norwalk, CA
California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...
I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...
” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...
After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...
” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA
Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...
Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...
” – theCollegeKid
San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...
I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...
” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA
Centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert in the heart of Southern California, the University of Redlands offers more than 40 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs. The unique combination of liberal arts, pre...
I just completed my freshman year here so I have not taken many classes, however, every class I have taken has taught me quite a bit. My favorite part about the classes is the size; even introductory classes are never above 40 students. In fact, I...
” – Alaina from Portland, OR
Founded by Jesuits in the mid-nineteenth century, the University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university and the first university established in the city. The 55-acre urban campus located near Golden Gate Park is home to 49 academic majors...
Considering the fact that USF has different types of students from different areas, I feel strong to say that I will definitely learn a lot throughout ethnicity, religion, and culture.
” – Laura from Tustin, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in southern California and one of two polytechnic institutions in the Cal State system. Cal Poly Pomona is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. In...
CPP's staff is unmatched in many ways. Being an architecture major, I've met some of the best in the field and have been taught by professors who have been in the business a long time. Some classes can be frustrating if you have a teacher who doesn't...
” – Beau from Napa, CA
Founded as a teachers college in 1887, California State University-Chico is a 4-year public school in northern California and the second oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State is home to 10 colleges and schools...
Every class that I have taken at Chico State has taught me something I am able to refer to in other classes. The professors teach you above and beyond the class subject you picked including subject material and how that material can be applied to...
” – Jessica from Victorville, CA
Founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. PLU offers undergraduate degrees in over 60 fields of study and the university’s Office of Strengths and Vocation provides...
The school has a great academic atmosphere. Because of the policy prohibiting drugs or alcohol on campus, students can focus on learning and enjoy their studies in a healthy environment. The school provides great opportunities for extra-curricular...
” – Adam Corfman from San Diego, CA
University of La Verne is a nonprofit private school committed to supporting students as they pursue their passions and prepare for a lifetime of success. Founded in 1891, the university offers a distinctive learning experience in more than 40 majors...
The professors at ULV are amazing and so knowledgeable. All of my professors have been really approachable and helpful. They really want you to succeed in your academics.
” – Korynn from LA Puente, CA
La Sierra University is a private nonprofit liberal arts college based in Riverside, California. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. LSU is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and its campus is a designated...
I learned more at this school then any other I have attended. It is a great small school and I loved it!
” – Nikki from Perris, CA
Founded in 1908, Biola University is an Evangelical Christian University in the Los Angeles metro area with a focus on Bible-centered education. Biola offers over 150 academic majors and programs and every student is required to complete 30 credits...
I have learned more during my Freshman year at Biola than I did any other year of high school. Not only have I been challenged in my Bible, General Education, and Intercultural Studies classes, but I have learned how a college student needs to...
” – Christine
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University Irvine is a school of liberal arts in southern California. CUI is home to five colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 26 academic majors and 50 specializations...
The ratio of student to Professor at Concordia is about 15:1. This means that each student receives personal attention. The Professors and other faculty really get to know each student. When it comes time to ask for a Professors Recommendation Letter...
” – Bianca from Irvine, CAFounded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The private university is located at the base of San Pedro Mountain and operates a...
At Dominican, class sizes are, at most, twenty students per teacher; however, if you plan to major in nursing (a competitive major), be sure to expect classes of at least fifty students. All the teachers I have encountered have been easy to get along...
” – Amber from El Sobrante, CA
California State University-Fresno is a 4-year public school and the second largest university in the Cal State system. Fresno State encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees. In addition, Fresno State has been designated...
Even when taking my general ed. classes, I've learned more than what I've expected. The teachers that I've had this semester all seem thrilled about teaching and hearing student responses.
” – Zachary from Fresno, CA
California State University, Monterey Bay is changing the way students experience college! Featuring a diverse student body on a campus located just one mile from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. California State University, Monterey Bay offers students...
The classes are not too large so the teachers have more one-on-one time with their students. The only problem are furlough days that take away more time to learn.
” – Pauline from Whittier, CA
Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...
I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.
” – Liza from Bolinas, CA
California State University-Sacramento is a 4-year public institution and a member of the Cal State system in California’s state capital. A Native American Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Hispanic-Serving institution, Sac State is home to seven...
You can say I've learned quite a lot since I've been here.
” – Judy from Sacramento, CA
Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is a 4-year institution located in Los Angeles, CA. Offering 26 fully-accredited professional and liberal arts undergraduate and graduate majors, classes average 15 students and the institution maintains a student...
i could not be happier coming here; i have never learned more in such a short period of time. the people who come here are amazing, the teachers are even better, and the work i'm producing is so different than my stuff i was working on a year ago...
” – Haley from Burbank, CACogswell College is a for-profit institution in Silicon Valley specializing in creative technology industry training. Cogswell offers six bachelor’s degrees in technological fields such as Digital Audio Technology and Game Design Engineering as well...
Originally founded as a Bible school, Vanguard University of Southern California is a Christian liberal arts college in Orange County. Vanguard confers bachelor’s degrees in 32 fields of study. As a Christian institution, Vanguard holds chapel...
In my time at Vanguard, I have learned more than I possibly could have imagined in general education and theatre. They have provided me with multiple opportunities to gain experience and I couldn't have asked for more.
” – Amanda from Bakersfield, CAOtis College of Art and Design is a private school of fine arts and fashion design in Los Angeles. Otis grants bachelor’s degrees in seven art & design-centered majors such as Digital Media, Fashion Design, and Architecture. Additionally, all first...
OTIS is an amazing place, I went to a few other schools before settling down here and I learned more in the first weeks at OTIS than I did in and entire year at some other schools.
” – Nicole from Los Angeles, CA
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is a Bay Area-based school of art and design with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland. CCA is home to 22 undergraduate programs in core disciplines of Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities...
I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it...
” – Matthew from Oakland, CAFresno Pacific University is a private Christian institution based in Fresno, California. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches. All academic programs offered at FPU highlight the importance of ethics, character development, and...
The student there seem to really love it, the campus is beautiful and the classes are small enough for one on one learning so you don't feel left behind. The school offers many various programs all with an underlying message of faith and God.
” – Kourinthia from Tulare, CA
California Baptist University is a private, Christian institution. With over 11,000 students, the 160-acre campus in Riverside, CA, features 10 schools and colleges that offer 80 bachelor’s degrees with Christ-centered curriculum in majors ranging...
Two of my favorite things about California Baptist University are the class sizes and the professors. You will have small classes and will have the opportunity to get to know your professors. I have only been at CBU for a semester but my largest...
” – Rebecca from Riverside, CAArtCenter College of Design is a conservatory of visual arts and design principles in the greater Los Angeles area. ArtCenter confers undergrad degrees in 11 artistic fields of study including Entertainment Design, Fine Art, and Film. To display...
Art Center has provided me with not only the skills to excell in my profession, but more of a life lesson. Our school takes pride in simulating the real world. Currently working professionals to state of the art equipment, this is the place to not...
” – Daniel from La Crescenta, CA
Pacific Union College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Napa Valley, California. While the college offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, the vast majority of students in attendance are undergraduates. PUC is part of...
PUC is a beautiful campus with a strong academic program, friendly students and helpful faculty. You will learn a little bit of everything there is to know about the world and a whole lot about yourself.
” – Anonymous
Founded by two nuns, Notre Dame de Namur University is a Catholic school in Silicon Valley and the third oldest college in California. NDNU is home to schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education granting bachelor’s degrees in 15 areas of...
I enjoyed my stay in Belmont in July, and am looking forward to going to their holiday concert in December. The campus is small and the people are so welcoming, The counselor, Julie, is so humble and helpful. They offer an amazing tutoring program...
” – Laura from Tustin, CA
The Laguna College of Art and Design is a private college of fine arts in Laguna Beach, California. LCAD offers undergraduate degrees in 10 art and design-related fields of study such as Animation, Game Art, and Graphic Design and the college also...
It's a great school for people who are interested in small classes with the focus on the students. The classes work you as hard as any other school and fun to take. The school is located near the beach, also allowing you to walk around the...
” – StudentThe Academy of Art University is a for-profit college of art and design in San Francisco and the largest private school dedicated to training artists in the United States. The Academy of Art University confers bachelor’s and associate degrees in 22...
Established in 1976, Bethesda University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Anaheim, California. All undergraduate students are required to participate in extracurricular ministry, as well as to attend a weekly chapel event...
National University is a private not-for-profit institution with multiple locations throughout California and one campus in Nevada. NU provides concentrated programs aimed at adult learners with courses scheduled on weeknights and weekends. The...
National University has a wide range of courses. Their instructors are quite diverse in knowledge and experience. Ever since I transferred here I stopped screwing around and got my academic path together, you kind of have no choice but to succeed...
” – Andrew from La Quinta, CA
Modesto Junior College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of California. While the college primarily awards associate’s degrees and certificates, it also offers Skills Recognitions options and a singular bachelor’s degree program...
Had some of the best teachers here!
” – Elizabeth from Tracy, CA
Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is a 2-year community college in the greater Los Angeles area and one of the five largest community colleges in LA County. Cerritos is home to 87 associate degree and certificate-granting programs in over 180...
Cerritos is a great place to start off if you dont really know where you want to go or what you want to do for your future. The professors are nice and help you as much as they can, they want you to learn and will not make you feel dumb. They treat...
” – Gloria from Maywood, CAWith a campus overlooking San Francisco Bay, SAE Expression College is a for-profit college in the Bay Area specializing in film, media, and entertainment studies. SAE Expression confers bachelor’s degrees in Digital Film, Animation & Visual Effects...
Moorpark College is a 2-year community college with open admissions based in Ventura County, California. The school operates an on-site zoo for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, the only one in the nation, and is also home to the...
Great teachers! Most of whom have been in the professional world. There are tons of interesting classes as well!
” – Zachary from Moorpark, CACuesta College is a public 2-year community college based in San Luis Obispo County and serves the Central Coast of California. Cuesta offers associate degrees as well as technical and professional certifications. Noted programs include health...
Cuesta College is one of the top community colleges in California, located just outside of Beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. If you are interested in Nursing, Music and the Arts, History, or Engineering, Cuesta college is a great great place to start...
” – Jacob from Atascadero, CAFounded as a training center for civilian soldiers in World War II, American River College is a 2-year community college in California’s state capital of Sacramento. ARC confers associate degrees and certificates in over 80 academic fields of study...
I am currently studying as a music major at American River College. The teachers are excellent and push you to become a better musician. For a community college, we have teachers that are willing to help their students through the internet, office...
” – Jessica from Sacramento, CASan Diego Mesa College is a public community college based in San Diego, California. It is the largest community college in the city and part of the San Diego Community Colleges District. Noted programs include culinary arts and food service...
The professors here at Mesa are amazing!!! The professors and students alike are very helpful here. Academics are a major aspect of this college. If you want to go to a college where the students are friendly, the professors strict but helpful, many...
” – Amy from San Diego, CA
Los Angeles Harbor College is a public, 2-year institution established in Wilmington, California. LAHC academics feature the Harbor Advantage program, which is divided into two years (the Harbor Promise year and the Harbor Success year) and provides...
I learned as much as I could depending on how well the teachers and books presented the material. The classroom environment is relaxed so there's no pressure for deadlines and stuff like that.
” – LISETTE from San Pedro, CASan Joaquin Delta College is a community institution established in Stockton, California. The school offers programs to complete a wide variety of associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, with its primary focus being STEM and the arts...
the instructors are helpful and supportive. They aren't afraid to review and give out extra credit. They are willing to meet with students outside of class but they aren't afraid to really pile on the homework.
” – Alejandra from Stockton, CA