As the most populous state in the country, California provides education to hundreds of thousands of college students annually. The state houses the largest higher-education system in the United States, as reported by the Public Policy Institute of California. The University of California system, consisting of 10 campuses, serves as the primary academic research institution in the state, while the California State University system stands as the largest public four-year higher-education system in the nation. Additionally, numerous community colleges and private universities are spread across California’s landscape, offering a diverse range of educational opportunities.
The abundance of higher education choices in California contributes to relatively smaller student populations on each campus compared to some other states. Nevertheless, the state’s largest institutions still rank among the top 25 most attended schools nationwide, with the following colleges leading in terms of student enrollment:
University of California, Los Angeles
With 46,430 Bruins enrolled, UCLA holds the distinction of being the most highly attended university in California and shares the top spot for public universities in the U.S., as per the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings. UCLA also excels in serving veterans, ranking seventh among national universities and ninth in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.
University of California, Berkeley
Following closely behind, UC Berkeley boasts a student body of 45,699 California Golden Bears as of fall 2023. The university ties with UCLA as the top public school according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 rankings and has a remarkable academic legacy with nine current faculty members and 35 alumni holding Nobel Prizes.
University of California, San Diego
UC San Diego secures the third position with 43,381 Tritons enrolled in fall 2023. The university has garnered recognition for its quality and affordability, earning five stars on Money’s Best Colleges in America 2023 list and ranking third among public schools in the Forbes 2023 list of America’s Top Colleges.
California State University, Fullerton
In the same period, Cal State Fullerton accommodated 41,962 Titans on its campus. The university stands out for its affordability, innovation, and commitment to Latinx student success, earning accolades such as the top spot on the Wall Street Journal’s “National Champions of Affordability” bracket.
University of California, Davis
UC Davis maintains its popularity with 40,848 Aggies enrolled in fall 2023. The university’s strengths lie in agriculture, forestry, and veterinary science, ranking first in these fields according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
California State University, Long Beach
With 39,530 ‘49ers in attendance during the same period, Long Beach emerges as a sought-after institution within the California State University system. It has received high praise for promoting social mobility and was rated favorably in Money’s rankings of “The Best Colleges in America 2023.”
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