As the nation’s most populous state, California educates hundreds of thousands of college students each year.
Therefore, the Golden State has the largest higher education system in the United States, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
The 10 campuses that make up the University of California System are the state’s major academic and research institutions, and the California State University System is the largest public four-year higher education system in the United States.
Community colleges and private universities are also dotted throughout the state.
The virtues of courage, compassion, work, friendship — these must be taught, say Bill Bennett and Elaine Bennett
Because there are so many options for higher education, the number of students on each campus is small compared to other states.
Despite this, California’s largest schools still rank among the top 25 most attended schools in the nation. Within the state of California, these universities are the largest by population size.
University of California Los Angeles
46,430 Bruins
According to U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings, UCLA is the highest-attended university in California and the No. 1 public university in the United States (tied with the University of California, Berkeley).
The University of California, Los Angeles, also ranked seventh among national universities for being the best for veterans.
The school was ranked 9th out of 100 universities in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, which represent the thoughts of leading published scholars from around the world.
Gene Block, current president of the University of California, Los Angeles, stands in front of Royce Hall on the UCLA campus on July 31, 2023. According to fall 2023 data, UCLA has the highest admission rate of any California university. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
University of California, Berkeley
45,699 California Golden Bears
It was closely followed by the University of California, Berkeley, which enrolled 45,699 students in fall 2023. The university tied with UCLA for the top spot among public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings of American universities.
At the University of California, Berkeley, nine current faculty members have won Nobel Prizes, and a total of 35 awards have been won by alumni. Additionally, UC Berkeley students and alumni have won 121 Olympic gold medals.
University of California, San Diego
43,381 Triton
In third place is UC San Diego, with a total student enrollment of 43,381 as of fall 2023.
The university received 5 out of 5 stars on Money magazine’s 2023 list of America’s Best Colleges for its quality and affordability, and was ranked #3 among public schools on Forbes magazine’s 2023 list of America’s top colleges. , has earned honors including 6th place among American public universities. News & World Report 2024 Best Universities List.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
The school is ranked fourth among American public universities in the 2023 Academic Rankings of World Universities.

California State University, Fullerton has been ranked No. 1 in the Wall Street Journal’s 2021-2022 National Champions of Affordability rankings. (David McNew/Getty Images/File)
California State University Fullerton
41,962 Titans
In fall 2023, California State University, Fullerton had an enrollment of 41,962 students.
Fullerton College is ranked No. 1 in the Wall Street Journal’s 2021-2022 “National Affordable Champions” ranking and U.S. News & World Report’s 2021-2022 “Most Innovative Regional College in the West.” ” No. 3 on the list, and boasts the university’s seal. Excellencia.
The Seal of Excelencia is awarded by Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accelerate the success of Latinx students in higher education. To earn the seal, universities had to demonstrate that they intentionally admit Latino students, who make up nearly half of the school’s student population.
University of California, Davis
40,848 Aggies
UC Davis remains popular, with 40,848 students enrolled in fall 2023.
According to the 2021 QS World University Rankings, the school is number 1 in Agriculture and Forestry and also number 1 in Veterinary Medicine. It was ranked 6th in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Public Universities ranking.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The University of California, Davis also received a record $1.07 billion in research funding for 2021-2022.

Graduates attend a graduation ceremony for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at California State University, Long Beach, at Angel Stadium on May 15, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press Telegram via Getty Images)
California State University Long Beach
39,530 ’49ers
As of fall 2023, Long Beach had an enrollment of 39,530 students, making it the most highly applied school in the California State University system at the time.
It also received 4 out of 5 stars in Money magazine’s 2023 Best Colleges in America ranking.
The Beach, as its students call it, was No. 1 among national universities in promoting social mobility, according to 2023 U.S. News & World Report.
For more lifestyle articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

