Best STEM Colleges in California

The demand for STEM careers is on the rise. Many people are attracted to STEM jobs because of their attractive salaries, security, and valuable hands-on experiences. California has some of the best STEM colleges in the country.

These STEM colleges offer various undergraduate degrees from which students can choose. Higher education is expensive, so choosing a STEM college that offers financial aid is important. Thankfully, many of these colleges and universities offer great financial aid programs.

Top STEM Colleges in California

California is rich with some of the most esteemed universities in the country. These colleges offer trailblazing STEM degree programs focusing on research opportunities, collaborative projects, and innovation. Some schools may provide free online STEM degrees with the right combination of financial aid.

Along with in-person STEM programs, many California universities offer top online STEM degrees. These colleges also focus on campus life so students can make the most of their college years.

1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is a private university in Pasadena, CA. Caltech is renowned for its many scientific advancements in the modern age.

Students seeking a STEM degree from Caltech have many options to choose from. Some STEM undergraduate degree programs include:

• applied and computational mathematics
• computer science
• electrical engineering
• environmental science and engineering

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is a historical private university in Stanford, CA focused on research. Stanford University is one of the most globally well-known higher education institutions. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Stanford has an acceptance rate of 4%. An exceptional high school GPA is only one of the requirements at Stanford.

Stanford University offers many top engineering programs through its engineering school, including:

• BS in biomechanical engineering
• BS in biomedical computation
• BS in chemical engineering
• BS in electrical engineering

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

The University of California, Berkeley, is a public research university in Berkeley, CA. It was built in 1868 and is the first campus in the University of California system.

UC Berkeley provides students with a robust catalog of STEM majors for diverse career paths. Some of the bachelor's programs in STEM include:

• BS in genetics and plant biology
• BS in materials science and engineering
• BS in nuclear engineering
• BS in chemistry

4. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

The University of California, San Diego is a public research university in San Diego, CA. UC San Diego's campus is the southernmost of all the University of California campuses.

The school is a billion-dollar research enterprise offering students the opportunity to make a difference in their chosen field. Some STEM majors here include:

• BS in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience
• BS in computer engineering
• BS in mathematical biology
• Bs in nanoengineering

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university. UCLA prides itself on its diversity and mission to address social issues. This university is a great option for STEM majors who want to be in the middle of California's urban center.

STEM majors at UCLA include:

• BS in applied mathematics
• BS in bioengineering
• BS in systems and computational biology
• BS in ecology, behavior and evolution

6. University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)

The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, CA. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and has a high public university ranking.

Aspiring STEM majors can explore various degree paths at UC Irvine. STEM degree options at UC Irvine include:

• BS in civil engineering
• BS in developmental and cell biology
• BS in microbiology and immunology
• BS in neurobiology

7. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, CA. The university is unique because of its proximity to the coast.

UC Santa Barbara students will find no shortage of STEM majors at this oceanfront university. STEM majors here include:

• BS in aquatic biology
• BS in biopsychology
• BS in zoology
• BS in environmental studies

8. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)

The University of California, Davis is a public university in Davis, CA. The university has a bustling student life where students can easily walk from the campus to the main street.

Like other schools in the University of California system, UC Davis provides degree options in numerous STEM fields. These STEM majors include:

• BS in biochemistry and molecular biology
• BS in biological systems engineering
• BS in chemical physics
• BS in human biology

9. University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in California. The university is in Los Angeles, CA.

Students at USC can choose between various degrees in the arts or STEM subjects. STEM degree options at USC include:

• BS in aerospace engineering
• BS in applied and computational mathematics
• BS in astronautical engineering
• BS in biomedical engineering

10. San Diego State University (SDSU)

San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego, CA. This university is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution.

San Diego University offers many undergraduate and graduate programs in several fields. STEM undergraduate degrees here include:

• BS in microbiology
• BS in chemical physics
• BS in geological sciences
• BS in environmental engineering

11. California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly)

California State Polytechnic University is a public university with notable campuses in San Luis Obispo and Pomona, CA. Cal Poly boasts over 150 undergraduate majors and minors from its six academic colleges.

Of the over 150 undergraduate majors and minors, many are STEM programs. Cal Poly's STEM majors include:

• BS in general engineering
• BS in manufacturing engineering
• BS in physics
• BS in software engineering

12. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

California State University, Long Beach is a public research university in Long Beach, CA. It is also known as Long Beach State University for those in athletics.

The university has several colleges and departments offering degree programs. STEM programs at CSULB include:

• biological sciences
• biochemistry
• chemistry
• mathematics and statistics

13. California State University, Chico (CSU Chico)

California State University, Chico is a public university in Chico, CA. CSU Chico is the second-oldest university in the California State University system.

Many CSU Chico attendees choose to major in business and psychology. However, there are many STEM majors here, including:

• BS in animal science
• BS in computer science
• BS in environmental science
• BS in mathematics

14. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, CA that was established in 1851. The university markets itself as the ''Jesuit University in Silicon Valley.''

Santa Clara University offers many STEM degrees within its College of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering. These STEM degrees include:

• BS in computer science and engineering
• BS in neuroscience
• BS in public health science
• BS in mathematics

15. Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college in Claremont, CA focused on science and engineering. Aspiring STEM majors shouldn't shy away from Harvey Mudd College because of its status as a liberal arts college.

The college offers a diverse catalog of STEM majors. These majors include:

• general engineering
• computer science
• biology
• mathematics