While there are all those colleges to choose from for student athletes, not all of them are quality ones. One thing which assists you in making this decision is College providing by AGN-ActionGamesNow, list of top colleges in California for men’s soccer.

We evaluated a total of 10 colleges and universities in the state of California for men’s soccer players. A variety of objective data are used to generate this ranking. These factors include how good the school is in general, evidenced by our ranking of the best colleges, and how competitive the school’s sports teams are. However, the school will need to offer a great sports team and good education if it is to get a good ranking.

California Fire-X post

Making Your List Your Own

We understand that one ranking won’t always help you find the best school for you, so we’ve made it possible to narrow your search by location and compiled other rankings that focus on different aspects of schools you may want to look for, including ones catered to online students, returning adults, those who are looking for diversity, and those who want to get the most bang for their buck.

With our tool, College Combat, you can create your own comparison based on the factors that are most important to you. You can use it to help you decide between two schools by showing you how they compare. Keep it handy so you can use it to compare any new spots that interest you.

Cal-Men-Soccer-2025 10 California Teams Overview Including fees, area, student and faculty* size, environment, and top star players.

01. UCLA — University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles campus view
UCLA is renowned for its strong academic and athletic programs, including a competitive men’s soccer team. Source Getty Image

02. Stanford University

Stanford University campus with iconic architecture
Stanford University is known for its academic excellence and competitive athletics, including a prominent men’s soccer program. Source Getty Image

03. University of California, Berkeley (Cal)

University of California, Berkeley campus with the Campanile tower.
UC Berkeley is celebrated for its academic rigor and vibrant athletic culture, including a strong men’s soccer program. Source Getty Image
  • Cost: Around $14,000 (Inst.) / $44,000 (Outst.) yearly
  • Location: Berkeley, south of San Francisco.
  • Students: Total enrollment: 42,000.
  • Faculty: More than 1,500 faculty members.
  • Setting: Urban campus that features a robust activist culture and a diverse student population.
  • Star Player: Andrew Wiedeman, forward who played professionally in MLS

04. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)

California State University, Fullerton campus with modern architecture.
CSUF is recognized for its community-oriented approach and competitive athletics, including a dedicated men’s soccer program. Source Getty Image
  • Tuition: Roughly $18,000 (resident) / $36,000 (non-resident) per annum
  • Location: Fullerton, Orange County.
  • Students: Approximately 40,000 enrollment.
  • Academic Staff: More than 2,000 academic staff.
  • Environment: Suburban campus with emphasis on community service, diversity.
  • Star Player: Omar Gonzalez, a defender who is best known for playing with the U.S. Men’s National Team.

05. San Diego State University (SDSU)

  • Fees: About $19,000 (in-state) / $37,000 (out-of-state) annually.
  • Area: Located in San Diego.
  • Students: About 35,000 total enrollment.
  • Faculty: More than 1,800 faculty.
  • Environment: Urban campus with a heavy research focus and a flourishing social life.
  • Star Player: Michael Bradley, a midfielder who has played for the U.S. in multiple World Cups.

06. USF | University of San Francisco

  • Tuition: Around $52,000 annually.
  • Region: San Francisco.
  • Boys: Approximately 8,000 total enrollment.
  • Faculty: More than 600 faculty members.
  • University of San Francisco Location: San Francisco Environment: Urban campus with a strong Jesuit tradition and commitment to social justice.
  • Star Player: Brad Guzan, goalkeeper, veteran; Premier League and U.S. National Team.

07. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

  • Costs: About $18,000 (in-state) / $36,000 (out-of-state) per year.
  • Area: Northridge, Los Angeles.
  • Students: About 40,000 total enrollment.
  • Staff: More than 2,000 faculty.
  • Environment: Suburban campus with diverse student body, strong community ties.
  • Star Player: The former MLS defender Jason Hernandez

08. Santa Clara University

  • Cost: About $56,000 a year.
  • Location in California: Area of Santa Clara, near Silicon Valley.
  • Students: Total enrollment of around 8,500.
  • Academics: Over 600 faculty.
  • Ethos: Suburban campus, ​strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility.
  • Star Player: Landon Donovan, the most iconic player in U.S. soccer history.

09. California State University, Sacramento (Sac State)

  • Tuition: $18,000 (in-state) / $36,000 (out-of-state) annually
  • Area: Located in Sacramento.
  • Students: Approximately 30,000 total enrollment.
  • Faculty: More than 1,500 faculty members.
  • Environment: Campus in the city that focuses on ecology and helping the community.
  • Player to Watch: Matt McCoy*

10. University of California, Irvine (UCI)

  • Tuition and fees: $14,000 (in-state)/$44,000 (out-of-state) per year.
  • Location: Irvine, Orange County
  • Students: Total enrollment of about 34,000.
  • Faculty: More than 1,500 faculty.
  • Environment: Suburban campus recognized for its research programs and diverse student body.
  • Key Player: Michael Orozco, a defender who has played for the U.S. National Team.

Further, these schools aren’t just some of the top programs in men’s soccer, but they also foster an environment in which student-athletes can thrive academically and socially.