Private colleges in California: How many?

I'm starting to work on my college application list and I'm drawn towards California. How many private colleges are there in California? And what are some of the top ones that I should consider applying to?

There are approximately 110 private colleges in California, which offer a diverse range of programs, sizes, and locations. Here is a list of some of the top private colleges in the state, as well as links to blog posts from CollegeVine which break down how to tackle their respective school-specific supplemental essay(s):

1. Stanford University, located in Stanford, is a highly prestigious research university known for strong programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, and the humanities. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-stanford-university-essays

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech), located in Pasadena, is renowned for its STEM programs and research, particularly in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-caltech-essays

3. University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, offers a wide range of strong programs, including its well-known School of Cinematic Arts, Marshall School of Business, and Viterbi School of Engineering. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-usc-essays

4. Pomona College, located in Claremont, is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium and focuses on providing a comprehensive liberal arts education, with strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-pomona-college-essays

5. Claremont McKenna College (CMC), also part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, is known for its strong focus on economics, political science, and government. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-claremont-mckenna-college-essays

6. Harvey Mudd College, another member of the Claremont Colleges, primarily focuses on STEM subjects, particularly engineering, mathematics, and computer science. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvey-mudd-college-essays

7. Pitzer College, the fourth member of the Claremont Colleges, has strong programs across the humanities, especially in areas such as journalism, communications, and English. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-pitzer-college-essays

8. Scripps College, the final member of the Claremont Consortium, is all-women and focuses on giving students a well-rounded, empowering liberal arts education. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-scripps-college-essays

9. Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, is a small liberal arts college known for strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-occidental-college-essays

10. Loyola Marymount University (LMU), located in Los Angeles, offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including business, communication, and engineering. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-loyola-marymount-university-essays/

11. Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, is known for its picturesque campus and a wide range of programs, including in business, the applied sciences, and the humanities. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-pepperdine-university-essays

These are just a few of the top private colleges in California, each with its own unique strengths and offerings. It's important to consider factors such as location, available majors, campus size, and campus culture to find the best fit for your needs and goals - while they're all in California, they differ widely in terms of overall vibe. Good luck with your search!