14 Best Colleges in Pasadena
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Pasadena, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Pasadena.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Pasadena graduates reach $53,781 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $1,180 to $63,255.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionArt Center College of Design
Annual Tuition
$51,640
Early Salary
$71,958
Acceptance Matrix
75%
California Institute of Technology
Annual Tuition
$63,255
Early Salary
$128,566
Acceptance Matrix
3.1%
Fuller Theological Seminary
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Pacific Oaks College
Annual Tuition
$33,360
Early Salary
$52,485
Acceptance Matrix
10%
Pasadena City College
Annual Tuition
$1,180
Early Salary
$43,937
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Saybrook University
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Capstone College
Annual Tuition
$18,047
Early Salary
$35,348
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Los Angeles College of Music
Annual Tuition
$25,650
Early Salary
$31,758
Acceptance Matrix
81.4%
Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena
Annual Tuition
$30,966
Early Salary
$25,845
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Providence Christian College
Annual Tuition
$35,147
Early Salary
$46,264
Acceptance Matrix
92.5%
Institute of Culinary Education
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$47,865
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Integrity College of Health
Annual Tuition
$18,132
Early Salary
$53,294
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
California College of Music
Annual Tuition
$18,830
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
47.4%
University of the People
Annual Tuition
$1,200
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Pasadena
01
Academic Diversity
Pasadena offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Art Center College of Design, California Institute of Technology, Fuller Theological Seminary and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Pasadena can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Pasadena graduates is notably strong. Institutions like California Institute of Technology lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $128,566. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Pasadena has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Newport Beach, Rancho Cucamonga, Blythe to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the California landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Pasadena
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Pasadena, CA
Selecting a college in Pasadena provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 14 institutions within or near the city limits of Pasadena, California. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Pasadena cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Pasadena area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of California.
Our data for Pasadena, CA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of California.