California doesn't get a lot of attention for its colleges, but there are 99 towns in the state with at least one four-year school -- and some of them make great places to spend four years.
We wanted to know which ones are the best college towns. You know the type of place: plenty of students, plenty to do, affordable rent, and safe enough to walk around at night.
So we used Saturday Night Science to rank all 99 of them on the colleges themselves, the town around them, and things to do. Santa Ana came out on top.
The 10 Best College Towns In California For 2026
Want the bigger picture? See where California's towns land among the best college towns in America.
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| Colleges | Santa Ana College, Career Networks Institute, Trinity Law School |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 23,618 (8 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 312,534 |
| Median rent | $2,082 |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $12,375 |
Santa Ana is home to Santa Ana College, Career Networks Institute, Trinity Law School. There are 8 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,082 a month, and the average cost to attend is $12,375 a year. It ranks 38th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley School of Theology, Church Divinity School of the Pacific |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 33,085 (28 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 120,257 |
| Median rent | $2,133 |
| Graduation rate | 94% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $45,619 |
Berkeley is home to University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley School of Theology, Church Divinity School of the Pacific. There are 28 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,133 a month, and the average cost to attend is $45,619 a year. It ranks 95th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | University of California-Davis |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 32,253 (48 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 66,978 |
| Median rent | $2,187 |
| Graduation rate | 88% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $41,238 |
Davis is home to University of California-Davis. There are 48 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,187 a month, and the average cost to attend is $41,238 a year. It ranks 46th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | University of California-Santa Barbara, Westmont College, Antioch University-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 24,470 (28 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 87,779 |
| Median rent | $2,413 |
| Graduation rate | 80% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $56,362 |
Santa Barbara is home to University of California-Santa Barbara, Westmont College, Antioch University-Santa Barbara. There are 28 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,413 a month, and the average cost to attend is $56,362 a year. It ranks 49th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | California State University-Sacramento, Carrington College-Sacramento, Epic Bible College & Graduate School |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 30,584 (6 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 528,706 |
| Median rent | $1,779 |
| Graduation rate | 55% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $22,945 |
Sacramento is home to California State University-Sacramento, Carrington College-Sacramento, Epic Bible College & Graduate School. There are 6 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $1,779 a month, and the average cost to attend is $22,945 a year. It ranks 77th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | California State University-Long Beach |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 35,924 (8 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 455,548 |
| Median rent | $1,871 |
| Graduation rate | 80% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $22,679 |
Long Beach is home to California State University-Long Beach. There are 8 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $1,871 a month, and the average cost to attend is $22,679 a year. It ranks 88th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | University of California-Santa Cruz, Five Branches University |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 17,940 (29 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 61,607 |
| Median rent | $2,452 |
| Graduation rate | 83% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $41,179 |
Santa Cruz is home to University of California-Santa Cruz, Five Branches University. There are 29 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,452 a month, and the average cost to attend is $41,179 a year. It ranks 73rd for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | California State University-Fullerton, Hope International University, Grace Mission University |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 39,178 (28 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 140,968 |
| Median rent | $2,194 |
| Graduation rate | 73% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $35,026 |
Fullerton is home to California State University-Fullerton, Hope International University, Grace Mission University. There are 28 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,194 a month, and the average cost to attend is $35,026 a year. It ranks 50th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | California State University-San Marcos, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 14,877 (16 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 94,882 |
| Median rent | $2,348 |
| Graduation rate | 69% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $21,649 |
San Marcos is home to California State University-San Marcos, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. There are 16 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,348 a month, and the average cost to attend is $21,649 a year. It ranks 4th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
| Colleges | San Diego State University, San Diego Mesa College, University of San Diego |
|---|---|
| Undergrads | 62,073 (4 per 100 residents) |
| Population | 1,389,526 |
| Median rent | $2,313 |
| Graduation rate | 69% |
| Cost to attend (per year) | $47,286 |
San Diego is home to San Diego State University, San Diego Mesa College, University of San Diego. There are 4 undergrads for every 100 residents, the median rent is $2,313 a month, and the average cost to attend is $47,286 a year. It ranks 29th for crime among the 99 towns we ranked.
Saturday Night Science
How we determined the best college towns in California
First, we decided that every town on the list had to have at least one four-year college -- a school that grants bachelor's degrees -- and at least 5,000 residents. There are 99 towns in California that fit the bill.
Then we ranked every town on these categories:
- The town: unemployment rate, median rent, and crime per capita
- The colleges: graduation rate, the average cost to attend, and student body diversity
- Things to do: bars, museums and libraries per capita, and population density
- Students: undergrads as a share of the population
- Size: population, since bigger towns have more going on
We ranked each town on every measure, averaged those ranks into a score for each category, and then averaged the categories. The town with the best overall score is the best college town in California.
Our data comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (enrollment, graduation rates, cost, and diversity), the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 American Community Survey, the FBI's 2024 crime report. We left out colleges that are online-only or mostly online, since their students don't actually live in town. A handful of towns don't report crime to the FBI, so we gave them the average.
We updated this article for 2026. This is our eleventh time ranking the best college towns in California.
Summary
There You Have It -- The Best College Towns In California
If you're looking for the best college towns in California, Santa Ana is where to start.
The best college towns in California are Santa Ana, Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Long Beach, Santa Cruz, Fullerton, San Marcos, and San Diego.
For more college towns, check out the best college towns in America.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best college town in California for 2026?
Santa Ana is the best college town in California for 2026, followed by Berkeley and Davis.
How did you rank the best college towns in California?
We looked at every town in California with at least 5,000 residents and a four-year college, then ranked them on city characteristics, college characteristics, things to do, the share of residents who are students, and size. The town with the best average rank is number one.
What is the worst college town in California?
Rialto ranks last of the 99 college towns we ranked in California for 2026.
Best College Towns In California For 2026
| Rank | City | Population | Undergrads | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Ana, CA | 312,534 | 23,618 | $2,082 |
| 2 | Berkeley, CA | 120,257 | 33,085 | $2,133 |
| 3 | Davis, CA | 66,978 | 32,253 | $2,187 |
| 4 | Santa Barbara, CA | 87,779 | 24,470 | $2,413 |
| 5 | Sacramento, CA | 528,706 | 30,584 | $1,779 |
| 6 | Long Beach, CA | 455,548 | 35,924 | $1,871 |
| 7 | Santa Cruz, CA | 61,607 | 17,940 | $2,452 |
| 8 | Fullerton, CA | 140,968 | 39,178 | $2,194 |
| 9 | San Marcos, CA | 94,882 | 14,877 | $2,348 |
| 10 | San Diego, CA | 1,389,526 | 62,073 | $2,313 |
| 11 | San Bernardino, CA | 222,724 | 15,023 | $1,508 |
| 12 | Los Angeles, CA | 3,857,263 | 91,304 | $1,933 |
| 13 | Pomona, CA | 147,943 | 25,042 | $1,810 |
| 14 | Rohnert Park, CA | 44,575 | 5,166 | $2,279 |
| 15 | Azusa, CA | 49,031 | 2,759 | $1,887 |
| 16 | Chico, CA | 102,188 | 13,631 | $1,488 |
| 17 | Santa Monica, CA | 91,169 | 21,440 | $2,402 |
| 18 | San Bruno, CA | 42,307 | 7,620 | $2,773 |
| 19 | Oakland, CA | 439,418 | 1,386 | $1,979 |
| 20 | Orange, CA | 138,266 | 7,478 | $2,327 |
| 21 | Irvine, CA | 311,690 | 36,739 | $2,997 |
| 22 | San Jose, CA | 990,138 | 31,477 | $2,669 |
| 23 | Turlock, CA | 72,502 | 8,385 | $1,612 |
| 24 | Fairfield, CA | 120,785 | 8,061 | $2,266 |
| 25 | La Mirada, CA | 47,180 | 3,474 | $2,217 |
| 26 | Anaheim, CA | 344,521 | 4,403 | $2,175 |
| 27 | Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,113 | 484 | $2,854 |
| 28 | Rosemead, CA | 50,013 | 32 | $1,834 |
| 29 | Oceanside, CA | 172,242 | 10,278 | $2,303 |
| 30 | Garden Grove, CA | 170,964 | 28 | $2,012 |
| 31 | Santa Clara, CA | 130,256 | 6,552 | $3,016 |
| 32 | San Francisco, CA | 830,235 | 29,663 | $2,476 |
| 33 | Fresno, CA | 545,970 | 23,192 | $1,421 |
| 34 | San Luis Obispo, CA | 48,491 | 23,112 | $1,965 |
| 35 | Elk Grove, CA | 179,155 | 37 | $2,262 |
| 36 | Whittier, CA | 86,165 | 16,606 | $1,906 |
| 37 | Claremont, CA | 36,595 | 6,315 | $2,237 |
| 38 | Pasadena, CA | 136,969 | 3,711 | $2,265 |
| 39 | Stanford, CA | 18,662 | 7,554 | $1,976 |
| 40 | Los Altos Hills, CA | 8,377 | 11,137 | $3,501 |
| 41 | Camarillo, CA | 70,186 | 5,013 | $2,734 |
| 42 | Riverside, CA | 319,069 | 32,301 | $1,914 |
| 43 | National City, CA | 58,893 | 2,112 | $1,692 |
| 44 | Seaside, CA | 31,814 | 6,819 | $2,409 |
| 45 | Cypress, CA | 49,498 | 13,354 | $2,483 |
| 46 | Hayward, CA | 158,801 | 9,809 | $2,391 |
| 47 | Torrance, CA | 142,130 | 157 | $2,280 |
| 48 | Clovis, CA | 124,725 | 0 | $1,792 |
| 49 | San Rafael, CA | 60,433 | 1,114 | $2,377 |
| 50 | Fremont, CA | 228,295 | 5,098 | $2,933 |
| 51 | Signal Hill, CA | 11,468 | 351 | $1,851 |
| 52 | Sunnyvale, CA | 154,236 | 0 | $3,039 |
| 53 | Loma Linda, CA | 25,122 | 909 | $1,855 |
| 54 | Burbank, CA | 5,333 | 1,628 | $2,566 |
| 55 | Merced, CA | 91,953 | 8,372 | $1,393 |
| 56 | Stockton, CA | 322,326 | 3,995 | $1,577 |
| 57 | Escondido, CA | 149,668 | 286 | $2,046 |
| 58 | Glendale, CA | 190,748 | 1,261 | $2,182 |
| 59 | Santa Paula, CA | 31,376 | 566 | $1,736 |
| 60 | Thousand Oaks, CA | 125,205 | 2,296 | $2,664 |
| 61 | Redding, CA | 93,409 | 6,958 | $1,379 |
| 62 | Redwood City, CA | 82,447 | 0 | $2,968 |
| 63 | Modesto, CA | 219,215 | 15,109 | $1,690 |
| 64 | Newport Beach, CA | 83,845 | 97 | $3,316 |
| 65 | Culver City, CA | 39,931 | 7,344 | $2,737 |
| 66 | Alhambra, CA | 81,022 | 615 | $1,939 |
| 67 | Bakersfield, CA | 411,986 | 26,204 | $1,472 |
| 68 | Visalia, CA | 143,939 | 2,207 | $1,490 |
| 69 | Redlands, CA | 73,375 | 2,049 | $2,005 |
| 70 | Rocklin, CA | 73,327 | 1,294 | $2,258 |
| 71 | Santa Clarita, CA | 230,221 | 1,622 | $2,544 |
| 72 | Ontario, CA | 180,547 | 5,929 | $2,030 |
| 73 | Carson, CA | 92,871 | 12,538 | $1,956 |
| 74 | Yucaipa, CA | 54,421 | 5,687 | $1,711 |
| 75 | Santee, CA | 59,332 | 87 | $2,250 |
| 76 | Atherton, CA | 6,993 | 752 | $3,501 |
| 77 | Arcata, CA | 18,607 | 5,612 | $1,327 |
| 78 | Petaluma, CA | 59,247 | 0 | $2,440 |
| 79 | El Dorado Hills, CA | 51,026 | 198 | $2,552 |
| 80 | Costa Mesa, CA | 110,330 | 2,158 | $2,446 |
| 81 | Santa Fe Springs, CA | 18,871 | 55 | $2,033 |
| 82 | Palo Alto, CA | 67,237 | 19 | $3,484 |
| 83 | West Covina, CA | 107,037 | 535 | $2,245 |
| 84 | Moraga, CA | 16,769 | 1,947 | $2,895 |
| 85 | Lancaster, CA | 169,169 | 11,534 | $1,764 |
| 86 | Colton, CA | 53,772 | 0 | $1,661 |
| 87 | Inglewood, CA | 104,569 | 7 | $1,787 |
| 88 | Laguna Beach, CA | 22,710 | 746 | $2,986 |
| 89 | Los Alamitos, CA | 11,794 | 454 | $2,365 |
| 90 | Malibu, CA | 10,421 | 3,553 | $3,501 |
| 91 | Vallejo, CA | 124,268 | 827 | $2,073 |
| 92 | Monterey, CA | 29,613 | 4 | $2,353 |
| 93 | San Dimas, CA | 33,789 | 456 | $2,278 |
| 94 | El Cajon, CA | 104,449 | 32 | $1,856 |
| 95 | Cerritos, CA | 47,867 | 306 | $2,930 |
| 96 | Rancho Cordova, CA | 81,849 | 751 | $1,787 |
| 97 | La Verne, CA | 30,600 | 3,050 | $2,315 |
| 98 | Belmont, CA | 27,337 | 33 | $2,875 |
| 99 | Rialto, CA | 104,143 | 75 | $1,759 |
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