Higher Education in California: A Competitive Advantage for Business and Industry

At Stanford, our mission of discovery and learning is energized by a spirit of optimism and possibility that dates to our founding. Here you’ll find a place of intellectual expansiveness, wide-ranging perspectives, and freedom to explore new lines of thinking. Buzzing with ideas and innovation, approaching questions with openness and curiosity, pursuing excellence in all we do – this is Stanford.

UC Berkeley researchers work every day to make discoveries that change the world. Whether advancing cures for Alzheimer’s, trailblazing the future of AI, or mapping the edges of the universe, our breakthroughs propel humanity forward.

As a public research university, our mission revolves around the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the advancement of global society. UCLA combines the close-knit, engaging atmosphere of a spirited public institution with the expansive opportunities found in a world-class city.

Claremont McKenna College, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, prepares students to make a difference. Since 1946, Claremont McKenna College’s mission has been to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. The College attracts a student body that is broadly diverse and accomplished beyond the classroom.

UC San Diego is one of the nation’s leading public universities for offering a top-tier education and solid career preparation at an affordable cost, according to The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges 2025 list. More than a top ranking, it’s a testament to a student experience rooted in collaboration, opportunity and real-world learning.

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.

As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, USC is a place where bold ideas and cross-disciplinary collaboration fuel discovery and innovation. Our researchers tackle society’s most urgent challenges, delivering solutions that save lives and improve communities around the world.

Pomona College is a close-knit and diverse community of accomplished scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and artists who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs.

UC Davis was founded in 1908 to serve the state of California. We do and we always will. And today, the seed that was planted those years ago has grown into one of the world’s top universities.