Stanford University

The number one on the list is the world-renowned Stanford University located not far from Palo Alto. Stanford University is one of the leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranked among the best in the US and globally. At Stanford, you can explore a wide array of disciplines, from music, literature, economics, bioengineering, and anthropology to mechanical engineering, psychology, and engineering.

University of California, Berkeley

The second spot is taken by UC Berkeley, the oldest and most popular institution in the University of California system composed of ten campuses. It stands out as one of the world's top five public research universities. UC Berkeley shines in fields like computer science, economics, law, biology, and physics.

California Institute of Technology

Among the top three universities in California, is the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) located in Pasadena. This institution of higher education is renowned for its excellence in the United States and in other parts of the world. Caltech is one of the two major universities specializing in science and engineering. Caltech boasts numerous Nobel Prize laureates and other esteemed award winners.

California Polytechnic State University

The fourth place in the ranking goes to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) situated in San Luis Obispo. The university is recognized globally as a haven for students keen on diving deep into information technology, exact sciences, and engineering. In addition to its excellent educational programs, Cal Poly offers hands-on practical experience in various specializations.

University of Southern California

Rounding off the top five of the ranking is one of the most prestigious private institutions in the country - the University of Southern California (UCS). With its campuses located in the iconic City of Los Angeles, USC is considered the oldest research university in the US. It stands out in various fields, including architecture, business, arts and design, journalism, pharmacology, music, medicine, and law.