60 Safety Schools in California for A and B Students

Colleges and universities that are very much likely to accept you are called safety schools. For a balanced college list, admissions experts recommend including one to two safety schools.

The rules are simple when it comes to determining whether an institution is a safety school.

First, check that your GPA is higher than the average GPA of recently admitted first-year students.

Second, in case the institution you are applying to isn’t test-optional, see to it that your test score is above the middle 50% of the average test score of admits.

However, even if your GPA and test score are higher than those of accepted students in the last academic year, the college or university cannot be considered a safety school if it doesn’t admit at least 80% of applicants.

So, in other words, if the acceptance rate is below 20%, it’s not a safety school.

Planning to attend an institution in the Golden State?

Don’t stop reading now. Below, we will talk about various colleges and universities in California that would make for excellent safety schools, according to your high school GPA.

Keep in mind that the list below excludes institutions with acceptance rates of less than 20% and have an open-admissions policy.

Warning: Some of the schools are more competitive despite their higher acceptance rates. It is best to consult with a college coach (if you have one) as to whether the college is indeed a safety school for you. If you don’t have a college coach, make sure to build a balanced college list with multiple options.

14 Safety Schools in California for A+ Students

There are plenty of safety schools in California to choose from for college-bound teens whose high school GPAs are over 3.7, thus making them A students and placing them at the top of their high school class.

By the way, the College Reality Check has a number of resources for high-achieving students. For instance, check here to know the best safety schools for Ivy League Applicants. Or learn about the best colleges on West Coast, South East, or East Cost.

Check which of these schools have a GPA requirement (based on admitted students) that your GPA surpasses:

Scripps College

• Location: Claremont, California
• Acceptance rate: 32%
• GPA requirement: 4.13
• SAT score requirement: 1333 to 1490
• ACT score requirement: 30 to 33
• Tuition: $56,970
• US News ranking: #30 in National Liberal Arts College
• Niche ranking: #6 in Best Women’s Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #6 in Best Private Colleges in California

University of California – Santa Barbara

• Location: Santa Barbara, California
• Acceptance rate: 29.6%
• GPA requirement: 3.96
• SAT score requirement: 1230 to 1480
• ACT score requirement: 27 to 34
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #28 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #15 in Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #6 in Best Public Colleges in California

University of California – Irvine

• Location: Irvine, California
• Acceptance rate: 26.5%
• GPA requirement: 3.92
• SAT score requirement: 1170 to 1420
• ACT score requirement: 24 to 33
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #36 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #19 in Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #4 in Best Public Colleges in California

University of San Diego

• Location: San Diego, California
• Acceptance rate: 48.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.88
• SAT score requirement: 1190 to 1370
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 31
• Tuition: $50,450
• US News ranking: #93 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #9 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #10 in Best Private Colleges in California

California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo

• Location: San Luis Obispo, California
• Acceptance rate: 28.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.87
• SAT score requirement: 1240 to 1440
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 32
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #2 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #36 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #20 in Best Colleges in California

Soka University of America

• Location: Aliso Viejo, California
• Acceptance rate: 40.1%
• GPA requirement: 3.86
• SAT score requirement: 1240 to 1430
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 32
• Tuition: $32,250
• US News ranking: #29 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: N/A
• College Simply ranking: N/A

University of California – San Diego

• Location: La Jolla, California
• Acceptance rate: 31.5%
• GPA requirement: 3.82
• SAT score requirement: 1250 to 1490
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 34
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #34 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #28 in Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #3 in Best Public Colleges in California

Westmont College

• Location: Santa Barbara, California
• Acceptance rate: 64.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.8
• SAT score requirement: 1100 to 1330
• ACT score requirement: 21 to 30
• Tuition: $45,410
• US News ranking: #114 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: #59 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #15 in Best Private Colleges in California

University of La Verne

• Location: La Verne, California
• Acceptance rate: 54.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.78
• SAT score requirement: 1040 to 1190
• ACT score requirement: 19 to 24
• Tuition: $43,440
• US News ranking: #136 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #145 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #28 in Best Private Colleges in California

Point Loma Nazarene University

• Location: San Diego, California
• Acceptance rate: 73.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.78
• SAT score requirement: 1140 to 1310
• ACT score requirement: 24 to 29
• Tuition: $36,350
• US News ranking: #12 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #20 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #21 in Best Private Colleges in California

University of California – Davis

• Location: Davis, California
• Acceptance rate: 38.9%
• GPA requirement: 3.99
• SAT score requirement: 1170 to 1410
• ACT score requirement: 24 to 32
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #38 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #23 in Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #5 in Best Public Colleges in California

Thomas Aquinas College

• Location: Santa Paula, California
• Acceptance rate: 78.9%
• GPA requirement: 3.78
• SAT score requirement: 1150 to 1390
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 31
• Tuition: $25,600
• US News ranking: #42 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: N/A
• College Simply ranking: N/A

University of California – Santa Cruz

• Location: Santa Cruz, California
• Acceptance rate: 51.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.73
• SAT score requirement: 1200 to 1380
• ACT score requirement: 26 to 32
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #103 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #4 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #8 in Best Public Colleges in California

Loyola Marymount University

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Acceptance rate: 43.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.72
• SAT score requirement: 1230 to 1410
• ACT score requirement: 27 to 31
• Tuition: $49,550
• US News ranking: #75 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #7 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #8 in Best Private Colleges in California

46 Safety Schools for B and B- California Students

Many of the less selective colleges and universities in California make for wonderful safety schools for high schoolers whose GPAs are not less than 2.7 — they may not be at the top of their class, but they are doing their very best.

Straight B students are not limited to public schools only. For instance, here’s the list of best liberal colleges for B students (target schools). If your main concern is how to pay for education, then check this resource: 425 Colleges Charging In-State Tuition for Out-of-State Applicants.

See which of the following have a GPA requirement (based on admitted students) that your GPA beats:

Occidental College

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Acceptance rate: 36.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.6
• SAT score requirement: 1300 to 1480
• ACT score requirement: 28 to 32
• Tuition: $55,980
• US News ranking: #42 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: #26 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #9 in Best Private Colleges in California

Chapman University

• Location: Orange, California
• Acceptance rate: 55.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.68
• SAT score requirement: 1190 to 1380
• ACT score requirement: 25 to 31
• Tuition: $54,540
• US News ranking: #122 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #17 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #11 in Best Private Colleges in California

Santa Clara University

• Location: Santa Clara, California
• Acceptance rate: 48.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.66
• SAT score requirement: 1280 to 1440
• ACT score requirement: 28 to 32
• Tuition: $52,998
• US News ranking: #55 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #6 in Best Catholic Schools in America
• College Simply ranking: #7 in Best Private Colleges in California

California Lutheran University

• Location: Thousand Oaks, California
• Acceptance rate: 71.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.65
• SAT score requirement: 1070 to 1250
• ACT score requirement: 21 to 27
• Tuition: $43,900
• US News ranking: #8 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #84 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #26 in Best Private Colleges in California

Azusa Pacific University

• Location: Azusa, California
• Acceptance rate: 67.5%
• GPA requirement: 3.64
• SAT score requirement: 1030 to 1260
• ACT score requirement: 20 to 26
• Tuition: $39,640
• US News ranking: #263 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #66 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #16 in Best Private Colleges in California

Mills College

• Location: Oakland, California
• Acceptance rate: 75.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.64
• SAT score requirement: 1005 to 1290
• ACT score requirement: 19 to 29
• Tuition: $29,340
• US News ranking: #10 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #18 in Best Women’s Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #17 in Best Private Colleges in California

The Master’s College and Seminary

• Location: Santa Clarita, California
• Acceptance rate: 67.1%
• GPA requirement: 3.63
• SAT score requirement: 1040 to 1340
• ACT score requirement: 20 to 23
• Tuition: $24,950
• US News ranking: #53 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #45 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: N/A

University of San Francisco

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Acceptance rate: 64.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.61
• SAT score requirement: 1130 to 1330
• ACT score requirement: 23 to 29
• Tuition: $49,740
• US News ranking: #103 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #19 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #14 in Best Private Colleges in California

Saint Mary’s College of California

• Location: Moraga, California
• Acceptance rate: 81%
• GPA requirement: 3.61
• SAT score requirement: 1060 to 1240
• ACT score requirement: 22 to 28
• Tuition: $48,988
• US News ranking: #105 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: #47 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #18 in Best Private Colleges in California

University of California – Riverside

• Location: Riverside, California
• Acceptance rate: 56.5%
• GPA requirement: 3.6
• SAT score requirement: 1130 to 1330
• ACT score requirement: 23 to 30
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #83 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #88 in Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #9 in Best Public Colleges in California

University of Redlands

• Location: Redlands, California
• Acceptance rate: 76.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.6
• SAT score requirement: 1070 to 1270
• ACT score requirement: 23 to 28
• Tuition: $50,630
• US News ranking: #6 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #213 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #19 in Best Private Colleges in California

San Diego State University

• Location: San Diego, California
• Acceptance rate: 34.1%
• GPA requirement: 3.6
• SAT score requirement: 1110 to 1320
• ACT score requirement: 22 to 29
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #148 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #20 in Top Party Schools in America
• College Simply ranking: #10 in Best Public Colleges in California

Pepperdine University

• Location: Malibu, California
• Acceptance rate: 31.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.59
• SAT score requirement: 1230 to 1450
• ACT score requirement: 27 to 32
• Tuition: $55,640
• US News ranking: #49 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #9 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #13 in Best Private Colleges in California

Biola University

• Location: La Mirada, California
• Acceptance rate: 69.9%
• GPA requirement: 3.54
• SAT score requirement: 1080 to 1310
• ACT score requirement: 21 to 28
• Tuition: $41,976
• US News ranking: #196 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #27 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #20 in Best Private Colleges in California

Simpson University

• Location: Redding, California
• Acceptance rate: 52.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.51
• SAT score requirement: 930 to 1140
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 23
• Tuition: $31,180
• US News ranking: #146 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: #256 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: N/A

University of California – Merced

• Location: Merced, California
• Acceptance rate: 72%
• GPA requirement: 3.51
• SAT score requirement: 1000 to 1180
• ACT score requirement: 19 to 25
• Tuition (in-state): $11,442
• Tuition (out-of-state): $41,196
• US News ranking: #93 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #98 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #14 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – Long Beach

• Location: Long Beach, California
• Acceptance rate: 39.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.5
• SAT score requirement: 1040 to 1250
• ACT score requirement: 20 to 26
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #12 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #58 Top Public Universities in America
• College Simply ranking: #11 in Best Public Colleges in California

Dominican University of California

• Location: San Rafael, California
• Acceptance rate: 91.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.5
• SAT score requirement: 1030 to 1220
• ACT score requirement: 20 to 25
• Tuition: $46,260
• US News ranking: #10 in Regional Universities Midwest
• Niche ranking: #295 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #24 in Best Private Colleges in California

California State University – Fullerton

• Location: Fullerton, California
• Acceptance rate: 52.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.48
• SAT score requirement: 1030 to 1200
• ACT score requirement: 19 to 24
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #19 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #87 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #16 in Best Public Colleges in California

University of the Pacific

• Location: Stockton, California
• Acceptance rate: 65.6%
• GPA requirement: 3.47
• SAT score requirement: 1120 to 1360
• ACT score requirement: 23 to 31
• Tuition: $48,904
• US News ranking: #136 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #146 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #12 in Best Private Colleges in California

Whittier College

• Location: Whittier, California
• Acceptance rate: 57.1%
• GPA requirement: 3.47
• SAT score requirement: 1038 to 1220
• ACT score requirement: 20 to 26
• Tuition: $48,924
• US News ranking: #114 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Niche ranking: #98 in Best Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #22 in Best Private Colleges in California

California State Polytechnic University – Pomona

• Location: Pomona, California
• Acceptance rate: 54.6%
• GPA requirement: 3.43
• SAT score requirement: 1010 to 1270
• ACT score requirement: 19 to 27
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #14 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #96 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #13 in Best Public Colleges in California

Concordia University – Irvine

• Location: Irvine, California
• Acceptance rate: 70.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.42
• SAT score requirement: 990 to 1210
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 25
• Tuition: $35,990
• US News ranking: #55 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #287 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #32 in Best Private Colleges in California

Pacific Union College

• Location: Angwin, California
• Acceptance rate: 53.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.35
• SAT score requirement: 930 to 1190
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 25
• Tuition: $29,898
• US News ranking: #25 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #68 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #29 in Best Private Colleges in California

William Jessup University

• Location: Rocklin, California
• Acceptance rate: 65%
• GPA requirement: 3.35
• SAT score requirement: 950 to 1210
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 25
• Tuition: $34,200
• US News ranking: #3 in Regional Colleges West
• Niche ranking: #56 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #30 in Best Private Colleges in California

California Baptist University

• Location: Riverside, California
• Acceptance rate: 78.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.33
• SAT score requirement: 990 to 1210
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 24
• Tuition: $32,942
• US News ranking: #34 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #5 in Best Campuses in America
• College Simply ranking: #33 in Best Private Colleges in California

California State University – Fresno

• Location: Fresno, California
• Acceptance rate: 57.9%
• GPA requirement: 3.33
• SAT score requirement: 940 to 1130
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 22
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #213 in National Universities
• Niche ranking: #103 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #20 in Best Public Colleges in California

La Sierra University

• Location: Riverside, California
• Acceptance rate: 55.2%
• GPA requirement: 3.33
• SAT score requirement: 910 to 1150
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 24
• Tuition: $32,580
• US News ranking: #67 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #164 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #35 in Best Private Colleges in California

San Jose State University

• Location: San Jose, California
• Acceptance rate: 63.6%
• GPA requirement: 3.31
• SAT score requirement: 1020 to 1260
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 27
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #22 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #33 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #12 in Best Public Colleges in California

Fresno Pacific University

• Location: Fresno, CaliforniaAcceptance rate: 66.1%
• GPA requirement: 3.3
• SAT score requirement: 930 to 1150
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 24
• Tuition: $32,458
• US News ranking: #14 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #115 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #34 in Best Private Colleges in California

California State University – Sacramento

• Location: Sacramento, California
• Acceptance rate: 82.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.25
• SAT score requirement: 940 to 1140
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 22
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #46 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #110 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #22 in Best Public Colleges in California

Hope International University

• Location: Fullerton, California
• Acceptance rate: 36.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.25
• SAT score requirement: 910 to 1070
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 23
• Tuition: $32,250
• US News ranking: #77 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #92 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #37 in Best Private Colleges in California

California State University – Chico

• Location: Chico, California
• Acceptance rate: 72.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.21
• SAT score requirement: 990 to 1190
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 24
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #39 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #59 in Top Party Schools in America
• College Simply ranking: #15 in Best Public Colleges in California

Humboldt State University

• Location: Arcata, California
• Acceptance rate: 92.2%
• GPA requirement: 3.21
• SAT score requirement: 970 to 1200
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 25
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #30 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #233 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #26 in Best Public Colleges in California

Holy Names University

• Location: Oakland, California
• Acceptance rate: 63.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.2
• SAT score requirement: 720 to 880
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 21
• Tuition: $39,576
• US News ranking: #84 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #243 in Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: N/A

San Francisco State University

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Acceptance rate: 67.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.2
• SAT score requirement: 940 to 1150
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 23
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #29 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #153 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #18 in Best Public Colleges in California

Sonoma State University

• Location: Rohnert Park, California
• Acceptance rate: 91.2%
• GPA requirement: 3.2
• SAT score requirement: 970 to 1170
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 23
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #37 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #161 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #17 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – Monterey Bay

• Location: Seaside, California
• Acceptance rate: 75.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.2
• SAT score requirement: 955 to 1170
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 23
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #25 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #137 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #23 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – Los Angeles

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Acceptance rate: 47.8%
• GPA requirement: 3.18
• SAT score requirement: 890 to 1080
• ACT score requirement: 15 to 20
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #23 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #99 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #25 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – Northridge

• Location: Northridge, California
• Acceptance rate: 59.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.18
• SAT score requirement: 910 to 1130
• ACT score requirement: 16 to 22
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #39 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #98 in Best Big Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #21 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – San Marcos

• Location: San Marcos, California
• Acceptance rate: 61.7%
• GPA requirement: 3.18
• SAT score requirement: 950 to 1140
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 22
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #41 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #176 in Best College Campuses in America
• College Simply ranking: #19 in Best Public Colleges in California

California State University – San Bernardino

• Location: San Bernardino, California
• Acceptance rate: 68.6%
• GPA requirement: 3.17
• SAT score requirement: 910 to 1090
• ACT score requirement: 15 to 19
• Tuition (in-state): $5,742
• Tuition (out-of-state): $17,622
• US News ranking: #37 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #29 in Most Liberal Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #24 in Best Public Colleges in California

Vanguard University of Southern California

• Location: Costa Mesa, California
• Acceptance rate: 49.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.13
• SAT score requirement: 970 to 1160
• ACT score requirement: 18 to 24
• Tuition: $34,500
• US News ranking: #46 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #87 in Best Christian Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #31 in Best Private Colleges in California

Woodbury University

• Location: Burbank, California
• Acceptance rate: 66.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.11
• SAT score requirement: 940 to 1220
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 27
• Tuition: $39,712
• US News ranking: #53 in Regional Universities West
• Niche ranking: #114 Most Diverse Colleges in America
• College Simply ranking: #25 in Best Private Colleges in California

San Diego Christian College

• Location: El Cajon, California
• Acceptance rate: 55.3%
• GPA requirement: 3.07
• SAT score requirement: 930 to 1170
• ACT score requirement: 17 to 23
• Tuition: $30,760
• US News ranking: #17 in Regional Colleges West
• Niche ranking: #104 in Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America
• College Simply ranking: N/A

Life Pacific College

• Location: San Dimas, California
• Acceptance rate: 91.4%
• GPA requirement: 3.07
• SAT score requirement: 890 to 1112
• ACT score requirement: 15 to 19
• Tuition: $15,792
• US News ranking: #17 in Regional Colleges West
• Niche ranking: #109 in Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America
• College Simply ranking: N/A

Colleges for C Students

It’s a myth the only A and B students can go to college. There are over 4000 colleges and universities in the US, and many of them would be happy to enroll straight C students. The trick is to know how to build a balanced college list that includes reach, target, and safety schools.

To learn more read this post: What Are The Best Schools For C Students.

Just Before You Build Your College List

Above, we checked out a list of various safety schools in California for A and B high school students.

Make sure that you pair one or two safety schools with a good number of match and reach schools for a balanced college list — you don’t need a lot of safety schools as you are 100% certain that what you have on your college list will surely admit you.