When it comes to determining the worst universities in California, this is a highly subjective topic. One person’s worst university might be another person’s dream school. That being said, there are some factors you might want to consider.
Firstly, technical schools or colleges that specialize in specific majors might not be the best fit for you if you’re not interested in those particular fields. These schools often have a very focused curriculum that might not be enjoyable for someone who is looking for a more well-rounded education.
On the other hand, state-funded universities that are well-known and have a diverse range of programs might be a better option. These schools tend to offer a more balanced education and have a wider variety of majors to choose from. However, you need to do your research and read reviews from current and former students. Everyone has a different experience, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Private schools, religious institutions, and technical colleges often have strict rules and regulations that might not appeal to everyone.
Again, the ‘worst’ university is subjective. Some might say that the worst university is the one that rejects your application, while the best university is the one that accepts you and ultimately grants you a degree. The decision is yours to make.
Worst Universities in California
1. California State University, Chico
Ranks as the least favorable college in California. The students there have an average SAT score of 1350 and an ACT score of 19. However, the tuition is reasonably priced at $22,414.
California State University, Chico (Chico State) faces criticisms as its sister institution, CSU. Chico State has been criticized for its party school reputation, which some believe detracts from its academic environment. The university has also faced issues with outdated facilities and limited resources, which can hinder academic experiences. Furthermore, Chico State’s location in a small, rural town may not offer the same opportunities and experiences as universities located in larger, more urban areas.
2. California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield, might be one of the worst universities in California. They offer a variety of 120 clubs and 4 opportunities to study abroad. The yearly tuition is about $17,000.
Often criticized for its low graduation rates and large class sizes. Some argue that the university’s focus on accessibility and affordability comes at the expense of academic excellence. CSU’s faculty-to-student ratio is higher than that of other universities, which can result in less personalized attention for students.
3. California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles is considered the third lowest-ranked school in California.
There’s one teacher for every 27 students, and they have 250 clubs. However, their test scores are a bit low with an average SAT score of 1350 and an ACT score of 20.
This University, CSULA, has faced criticism for its low graduation rates and high student-to-faculty ratio. Some students have reported dissatisfaction with the quality of education and lack of support from faculty and administration. The campus facilities and resources are also said to be outdated and insufficient to meet the needs of the student body.
4. Concordia University
Concordia University ranks as the fourth lowest in California. A notable 99% of students get financial help, with an average yearly tuition of $44,760. They have 20 clubs.
Concordia University in California has been criticized for its high tuition costs and lack of financial aid options for students. The university has also faced scrutiny for its low graduation rates and limited academic programs.
Some students have reported dissatisfaction with the quality of education and lack of support from faculty and administration. There have been concerns about the university’s financial stability and accreditation status.
4. California State University, Northridge
CSUNR is ranked fifth lowest in California. Their students’ average test scores are 1250 for the SAT and 16 for the ACT. They provide 16 clubs and one study-abroad option.
Criticized for its high tuition costs and lack of financial aid options for students. The university has also faced scrutiny for its low graduation rates and limited academic programs.
5. California State University, Sacramento
California State University, Sacramento ranks sixth from the bottom in California. It has an average tuition of $23,324. Graduates typically earn about $82,700 annually. The university offers two study-abroad programs.
Some people consider California State University, Sacramento, as one of the worst universities in California due to various reasons. One common complaint is the lack of parking spaces.
There is reported dissatisfaction with the quality of education and the unavailability of certain courses or programs. Campus safety is also a concern, with some students feeling unsafe due to incidents of crime in the surrounding area. The administration has not been responsive to student needs and concerns.
6. San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is ranked seventh from the bottom in California. Most students, about 70%, get financial aid, with tuition costing $24,206. The university has 58 clubs and six study-abroad programs.
San Francisco State University has faced criticism for several reasons, including the high cost of attendance. The campus facilities are also considered to be outdated and in need of renovation. The university has faced issues with overcrowding; some students struggle to get the classes they need to graduate on time. Regarding the location, the university is in a high-cost city like San Francisco.
7. California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach is the eighth lowest-ranked college in California. Students usually score around 1400 on the SAT and 19 on the ACT. The university boasts 240 clubs and seven study abroad programs. However, there’s one teacher for every 25 students.
Some people consider California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to be one of the worst universities in California due to various reasons. One common complaint is the lack of parking spaces. Also, the campus is known to be overcrowded. There have also been concerns about the safety of the surrounding area.
8. California State University, Channel Islands
CSUCI is considered the 9th least preferred college in California. It costs about $25,392 per year. Most students, about 79%, get financial help. There’s one teacher for every 18 students.
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) is sometimes criticized for being one of the worst universities in California. One of the main reasons for this is its remote location. Some students say that a lack of diversity among both the student body and faculty members. There have also been complaints about the limited availability of classes and the difficulty of getting into required courses.
9. California State University, Dominguez Hills
CSUDH ranks as the 10th least preferred college in California. Students here typically score around 1140 on the SAT and 15 on the ACT. There’s one teacher for every 27 students.
Some people consider California State University, Dominguez Hills to be one of the worst universities in California due to its low graduation rates and lack of academic rigor. The campus is located in an area with high crime rates. However, the university has made efforts to improve its academic programs and campus safety in recent years.
10. Mount St. Mary’s College
Mount St. Mary’s is the 11th least preferred college in the state. It costs around $39,890 each year. The college offers 80 clubs and 6 opportunities to study abroad and is one of the worst universities in California.
Mount St. Mary’s College is often criticized for its high tuition costs and lack of financial aid options for students. The college has a small campus and limited academic programs, which can restrict the educational opportunities available to students. Additionally, some people have raised concerns about the college’s administration and its handling of student complaints. Despite these criticisms, Mount St. Mary’s College is known for its strong nursing program and commitment to serving the local community.
11. California State University, Fresno
CSUF ranks 12th on the list of less favorable colleges in CA. It has a student-teacher ratio of 22-1 and charges an average yearly tuition of $20,929.
Fresno State has faced criticism for various reasons. Some students and alumni have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration and faculty. There have been concerns about campus safety and the surrounding area, with some people feeling unsafe due to crime. Fresno State has faced scrutiny over its academic programs, with some arguing that they are not as strong or comprehensive as those offered by other universities in California.
12. Biola University
Biola ranks 13th on this list. Students typically score 1400 on the SAT and 29 on the ACT. About 65% of students get financial aid, and graduates earn around $68,700 on average.
Biola University, a private Christian university located in La Mirada, California, has faced criticism for its strict religious affiliation and conservative values. Some students and alumni have expressed concern that the university’s religious beliefs can sometimes overshadow the academic experience.
14. Whittier College
Whittier College is 14th on the list. Graduates earn about $60,650 on average. A high 97% of students receive financial aid, and it has a student-teacher ratio of 13-1.
The college is often criticized for its high tuition fees compared to the quality of education it provides. Some students and parents feel that the college does not offer enough value for the money spent.
There have been complaints about the lack of diversity among both the student body and faculty. The college’s location in Whittier, California, is also seen as less desirable compared to other universities situated in more culturally rich areas.
15. California State University, Monterey Bay
CSUMB is 15th on the list. It has a more affordable average yearly tuition of $19,628. The university offers 70 clubs and 30 study abroad programs.
California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), one of the worst universities in California, has faced criticism for its lack of academic rigor and limited courses. Also, there have been complaints about the quality of the faculty, with some students feeling that the professors are not engaged or invested in their success.
The campus facilities and resources have also been criticized for being outdated and insufficient.
16. Cal Polytechnic Pomona (CSU)
Cal Polytechnic Pomona is ranked 16th in CA. They offer four study abroad options. There’s one teacher for every 28 students.
People consider Cal Poly Pomona to be one of the worst universities in California due to its perceived lack of academic rigor compared to other institutions in the state. Critics argue that the university’s curriculum is not challenging enough and that the faculty is not as qualified or dedicated as those at other universities. The university’s location in Pomona is not known for being a particularly desirable or safe area.
17. California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton is 17th on the list. Tuition is $24,386 a year, but 78% of students get financial help.
California State University, Fullerton has been criticized for its large class sizes and high student-to-faculty ratio, which can make it difficult for students to receive individualized attention and support from their professors.
Some have expressed concerns about the quality of education at the university, making it one of the worst universities in California. Lastly, the university’s location in Fullerton is known for its high cost of living.
18. San Jose State University
San Jose State University is 18th in CA. They have two study abroad options and a 21-1 student-teacher ratio. Graduates earn around $90,100 a year.
Some students claimed that the curriculum is outdated and not adequately preparing students for their future careers.
19. California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles is 19th. They have a 27-1 student-teacher ratio and 250 clubs. The average SAT score is 1350 and ACT is 20.
California State University, Los Angeles, has been criticized for its low graduation rates and lack of academic support for students. Some have claimed that the university does not provide enough resources and services to help students succeed. Some even say that the courses are not challenging enough and that the faculty is not engaged with the students.
The campus has also faced issues with safety and cleanliness, which has contributed to a negative perception of the university.
The university has been criticized for its handling of financial aid and tuition increases, making it difficult for some students to afford.
20. University of California, Merced
University of California, Merced is 20th. 90% of students get financial aid. They offer 224 clubs and five study abroad programs.
The University of California, Merced, has faced criticism primarily due to its location in a remote location. Students have limited access to the opportunities and resources available in more urban areas.
As a newer institution, UC Merced lacks the historical prestige and alumni network that older universities boast. Some also argue that the academic programs and faculty at UC Merced are not as strong or established as those at other UC campuses. UC Merced is continuously growing and developing, with efforts to improve its academic offerings and campus facilities.
21. Academy of Art University
Academy of Art University is the 21st least-liked college in California. It costs $24,600 a year. There’s 1 teacher for every 8 students.
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco has faced criticism for several reasons. One major concern is its low graduation rate, with many students failing to complete their degrees. The university has been criticized for its high tuition fees, which can lead to significant student debt.
There have also been allegations of deceptive recruitment practices, with some claiming that the university misrepresents its job placement rates to prospective students.
The quality of education and facilities has been questioned, with some arguing that they do not justify the high costs. These factors contribute to the negative perception of the Academy of Art University in California.
22. California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay is the 22nd least-liked college in California. Students there usually score around 1200 on the SAT. There’s 1 teacher for every 25 students. But, 92% of students get money help from the school.
Some people consider California State University, East Bay as one of the worst universities in California due to various reasons. The university has faced criticism for its lack of diversity among faculty and staff, which does not reflect the diverse student body.
Some students have reported dissatisfaction with the quality of education and the lack of resources available to them. The campus facilities are also said to be outdated and in need of renovation. The location of the university in Hayward is far from major cities.
23. Pitzer College
Pitzer College is the 23rd least liked college in California. After graduating, students earn about $75,600. It costs $45,018 a year. But, only 47% of students get money help.
Pitzer College is often criticized for its high tuition costs, which some argue do not match the quality of education provided. The college has a strong focus on social justice and environmental sustainability, which, while commendable, can sometimes overshadow the academic rigor.
Some students have also reported a lack of diversity among the student body, which can create a homogeneous campus culture.
The small size of the college can be a drawback for those who are looking for a more traditional college experience with a wider range of extracurricular activities and academic options. The location in Claremont, while beautiful, is far from major cities and cultural attractions.
24. University of Redlands
University of Redlands is the 24th least liked college in California. They have 230 clubs but only 9 programs for studying in other countries. It costs $41,290 a year. Also, 93% of students get money help.
The University of Redlands has faced criticism for its high tuition costs and perceived lack of value for money. Some students and parents argue that the education and facilities provided do not justify the expense.
The location of the university in Redlands, a small town, is also seen as a drawback for those seeking a more vibrant college experience. Some alumni have reported difficulty in finding employment in their field of study after graduation.
25. Scripps College
Scripps College is the 25th least-liked college in California. They have 170 clubs and 17 programs for studying in other countries. There’s 1 teacher for every 10 students.
Scripps College, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, has faced criticism for its high tuition costs, which are among the highest in the country.
Some argue that the college’s focus on liberal arts education does not provide students with the practical skills needed for the job market.
The college’s location in Claremont, a small and affluent town, is also seen as a drawback for those seeking a more diverse and urban college experience. Some students have reported a competitive and stressful academic environment.
