Bells HardingstoneCalifornia is home to some of the largest college grants in California, with universities and colleges receiving substantial funding to support groundbreaking research, student development, and community projects. These grants come from federal agencies, state programs, private foundations, and philanthropic donors, ensuring that institutions remain leaders in innovation and education. From world-class universities like Stanford and UCLA to regional state colleges, these grants strengthen academic excellence while driving social change, sustainability, and regional development across California.
Top 50 College Grants in California
1. Stanford University — Stanford, CA
Stanford consistently ranks among recipients of the largest college grants in California due to its world-class research programs, large private endowment, and deep industry partnerships in Silicon Valley. Federal agencies and private foundations fund multidisciplinary work spanning medicine, AI, and energy. Its proximity to tech companies enables sponsored research and entrepreneurship funding. For universities seeking transformational gifts and big grants, Stanford’s combination of faculty prestige, commercialization pathways, and philanthropic networks explains why it attracts top-tier awards.
2. University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley often receives some of the largest college grants in California thanks to its historic research strength across STEM, social sciences, and public policy. Berkeley attracts federal research dollars, National Science Foundation grants, and philanthropic gifts that support labs, centers, and fellowships. Its collaborative partnerships with national labs and industry, plus high-impact faculty, make it a frequent choice for large-scale, multidisciplinary grants aimed at tackling climate, computing, and public health challenges.
3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — Los Angeles, CA
UCLA ranks highly among recipients of the largest college grants in California because of its extensive medical center, engineering programs, and social science research. Large NIH awards flow to its medical and life-science researchers, while NSF and industry fund engineering and computing projects. UCLA’s scale, urban setting, and partnerships with regional health systems and entertainment/tech industries help secure multimillion-dollar grants for translational research, population health, and innovative technology development.
4. University of Southern California (USC) — Los Angeles, CA
USC regularly secures some of the largest college grants in California due to strong professional schools (medicine, engineering, cinematic arts), extensive donor engagement, and active industry collaboration. The university’s research centers attract federal and private funding for neuroscience, cancer research, and media/technology studies. USC’s proximity to major hospitals, entertainment studios, and technology firms increases opportunities for sponsored projects and philanthropic gifts that translate into sizable institutional grant awards.
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) — Pasadena, CA
Caltech is a frequent recipient of the largest college grants in California because of elite faculty, concentrated focus on basic research, and deep ties to NASA and federal agencies. Its small size belies a high per-capita success in securing NSF, DOE, and NASA funding for physics, astronomy, and engineering. Caltech’s leadership in fundamental science and partnerships with JPL and national labs help it attract large, competitive grants that support advanced instrumentation and long-term research programs.
6. University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) — La Jolla, CA
UC San Diego receives many of the largest college grants in California, thanks to robust biomedical research, oceanography, and engineering programs. UCSD’s medical school and research institutes secure significant NIH and NSF funding, while its Scripps Institution collaborations enhance ocean and climate grants. Strong industry ties in biotech and partnerships with regional research organizations translate into large awards supporting translational medicine, neuroscience, and environmental science initiatives.
7. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) — San Francisco, CA
UCSF is consistently among recipients of the largest college grants in California because it is a top-tier health sciences campus focused on medicine, biomedical research, and clinical trials. Major NIH grants, foundation funding, and industry-sponsored studies support its hospitals and research centers. UCSF’s concentration of translational research, clinical infrastructure, and collaborative networks positions it to win large, sustained grants for cancer, neuroscience, and public health programs.
8. University of California, Davis (UC Davis) — Davis, CA
UC Davis ranks among institutions receiving the largest college grants in California due to strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and biomedical research. Federal and state grants support large-scale agricultural research, food systems, and One Health initiatives. UC Davis’s cooperative extension network and partnerships with government agencies and industry lead to substantial, multidisciplinary grants addressing sustainability, food security, and health at regional and national scales.
9. University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara) — Santa Barbara, CA
UC Santa Barbara frequently attracts some of the largest college grants in California because of excellence in materials science, physics, and environmental engineering. Its faculty secure major NSF and DOE awards for quantum materials, optics, and climate-related research. UCSB’s strong research clusters and collaborative centers help compete for sizable grants that fund instrumentation, interdisciplinary teams, and graduate training programs, contributing to its reputation for large-scale sponsored research.
10. University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) — Irvine, CA
UC Irvine is a major recipient of the largest college grants in California thanks to strengths in health sciences, computing, and environmental studies. Large NIH and NSF awards, plus industry-sponsored work in AI and biomedical engineering, fuel research growth. UCI’s regional biotech ecosystem and medical center provide platforms for translational projects, attracting philanthropic and federal funding for programs focused on cancer, neuroscience, and data-driven healthcare innovations.
11. University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) — Santa Cruz, CA
UC Santa Cruz secures large awards and is often included among places receiving the largest college grants in California because of its astronomy, ocean sciences, and computational research. UCSC’s proximity to observatories and emphasis on data-intensive science attract NSF and NASA funding. Interdisciplinary centers that blend environmental science, computing, and engineering compete well for multi-investigator grants supporting long-term projects and graduate training in critical research areas.
12. University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) — Riverside, CA
UC Riverside is recognized among institutions that receive some of the largest college grants in California due to growth in agricultural science, entomology, and environmental health research. USDA, NSF, and state grants support large projects addressing climate impacts on crops, water resources, and community health. UCR’s strategic emphasis on community-engaged research and partnerships with government agencies helps it attract significant awards focused on regional challenges and equity-oriented science.
13. University of San Diego — San Diego, CA
The University of San Diego appears among colleges receiving substantial grants in California, often earning large philanthropic and federal awards for law, public policy, and health-related programs. Its research centers partner with community organizations and agencies to secure grants focused on public health, social justice, and education. The university’s active fundraising and targeted research priorities enable it to win sizeable, programmatic grants supporting community impact and student training initiatives.
14. San Diego State University — San Diego, CA
San Diego State is notable among recipients of the largest college grants in California due to growth in public health, engineering, and applied research. SDSU’s research centers obtain federal and state funding for health disparities, border studies, and sustainability projects. Its urban setting and community partnerships position it to lead large, multi-partner grants that address regional challenges while supporting faculty research and workforce development programs.
15. University of the Pacific — Stockton, CA
University of the Pacific secures meaningful grants and is often cited among institutions attracting larger awards in California, particularly in health sciences, pharmacy, and education. Federal and foundation support help fund clinical training, community health programs, and teacher preparation initiatives. The university’s focus on professional programs and community partnerships makes it competitive for programmatic grants that improve regional healthcare access and educational outcomes, explaining its inclusion among larger grantees.
16. Chapman University — Orange, CA
Chapman University attains notable grants and is included among those receiving larger college grants in California due to expanding research in film, health, and the sciences. Philanthropic gifts and federal awards support its medical partnerships, cinematic arts initiatives, and interdisciplinary research. Chapman’s investments in research infrastructure and community-engaged projects enable it to compete for sizable targeted grants, particularly in areas that blend creative industries with applied research and professional training.
17. Pepperdine University — Malibu, CA
Pepperdine appears among institutions that receive larger grants in California because of funding for law, public policy, education, and community programs. Foundations and federal sources support research and outreach that align with the university’s mission, including international development and leadership training. Pepperdine’s strong donor base and focused programmatic priorities help attract grants that enable sustained projects in ethics, education, and community service, placing it among notable California grantees.
18. Loyola Marymount University — Los Angeles, CA
Loyola Marymount is among colleges that receive larger grants in California by winning philanthropic and federal awards for education, social justice initiatives, and health-related research. LMU’s community partnerships and emphasis on service-learning attract foundation support and programmatic grants that bolster undergraduate research and community impact. Strategic development efforts and interdisciplinary centers make LMU competitive for grants that fund student-centered projects, civic engagement, and applied research.
19. Pomona College (Claremont Colleges consortium) — Claremont, CA
Pomona College, as part of the Claremont Colleges, ranks among small liberal arts institutions that receive large grants in California when considering consortium-wide funding. The consortium model pools resources, enabling competitive proposals for graduate training, humanities initiatives, and collaborative STEM projects. Foundations and federal sources sometimes fund multi-college initiatives that include Pomona, explaining why it is associated with some of the larger college grants in California for focused, high-impact educational and research programs.
20. Harvey Mudd College (Claremont) — Claremont, CA
Harvey Mudd is notable among institutions tied to larger college grants in California for STEM education, engineering, and computing initiatives. Its emphasis on undergraduate research and partnerships within the Claremont consortium attract foundation and federal funding for curriculum innovation, faculty research, and diversity programs in STEM. While smaller in size, targeted grants supporting hands-on, high-impact STEM education help Harvey Mudd appear among colleges receiving significant awards.
21. Scripps Research (California labs) — La Jolla and Palm Beach Gardens, CA
Scripps Research, with major California operations, consistently secures some of the largest college grants in California because it is a premier biomedical research institute focused on drug discovery and translational science. NIH, foundation, and industry contracts fund high-value projects in immunology and structural biology. Its collaborative ties to universities and biotech firms amplify grant opportunities, generating large, multi-year awards for cutting-edge biomedical research and clinical translation.
22. Claremont Graduate University — Claremont, CA
Claremont Graduate University participates in consortium-level grants and receives significant funding for graduate research, policy studies, and applied social science. Through partnerships with other Claremont Colleges, CGU competes for larger, multi-institutional grants that support interdisciplinary scholarship, graduate training, and community-engaged projects. Foundation and federal awards for humanities, education, and social policy research contribute to its standing among institutions associated with larger college grants in California.
23. California State University, Long Beach (CSU Long Beach) — Long Beach, CA
CSU Long Beach is notable among California institutions receiving substantial grants due to applied research in engineering, health, and education. CSU Long Beach secures federal and state awards that support workforce development, aviation, and urban sustainability projects. Its scale, industry ties, and regional role in serving diverse communities position it to win large, programmatic grants focused on training, applied research, and community impact.
24. California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton) — Fullerton, CA
CSU Fullerton attracts sizable grants and is included among recipients of larger college grants in California because of its strong applied research programs in business, education, and health. State and federal funding support initiatives for teacher preparation, public health outreach, and workforce development. The university’s engagement with local industry and school districts enables large collaborative proposals that address regional needs and secure meaningful project funding.
25. San Jose State University — San Jose, CA
San Jose State is frequently among institutions that receive large grants in California thanks to its strategic location in Silicon Valley and strengths in engineering, technology, and education. Industry partnerships, federal workforce grants, and foundation support fund applied research, incubator programs, and K–12 STEM initiatives. SJSU’s role as a talent pipeline for tech companies and its collaborative projects with industry and government explain why it competes successfully for sizable, impact-driven grants.
26. California State University, Los Angeles — Los Angeles, CA
CSU Los Angeles secures some of the largest college grants in California through programs in public health, engineering, and education. Federal and state agencies fund projects supporting minority student success, urban health disparities, and workforce development. Its location in a diverse metropolitan area provides opportunities to win competitive grants that emphasize community impact, social mobility, and applied research, making it a major participant in large-scale funding initiatives.
27. California State University, Northridge — Northridge, CA
CSU Northridge ranks among institutions receiving the largest college grants in California because of its emphasis on accessibility, diversity, and applied research. Federal and state grants support projects in disability services, teacher training, and sustainability. Its strong engagement with the Los Angeles region enhances grant competitiveness, while large awards strengthen its role as a leader in applied community-based research, particularly benefiting underserved populations.
28. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo — San Luis Obispo, CA
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is included among institutions that attract some of the largest college grants in California thanks to its hands-on approach to engineering, agriculture, and sustainability. Federal and industry-sponsored funding supports applied research in food systems, renewable energy, and technology development. Its polytechnic model and strong industry partnerships allow it to secure large awards that directly benefit workforce training and practical innovations.
29. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona — Pomona, CA
Cal Poly Pomona consistently secures large awards and is recognized among recipients of the largest college grants in California due to its polytechnic focus on agriculture, engineering, and hospitality. Federal grants support programs addressing STEM workforce pipelines and sustainable food production. Industry collaborations strengthen its competitiveness for multimillion-dollar grants, making it a key player in applied research that supports California’s economy and community development.
30. California State University, Sacramento — Sacramento, CA
CSU Sacramento is known for securing some of the largest college grants in California because of its emphasis on teacher preparation, engineering, and public policy. Located near the state capital, Sacramento State attracts federal and state grants for educational equity, public administration, and infrastructure research. Its position allows unique collaborations with government agencies, enhancing its ability to secure large-scale programmatic grants that serve both students and the broader region.
31. California State University, San Bernardino — San Bernardino, CA
CSU San Bernardino receives some of the largest college grants in California thanks to its research in cybersecurity, public health, and education. It is designated as a leader in cybersecurity workforce training, which attracts federal defense and technology funding. State and federal programs also support its efforts in community health and teacher development. These large grants help CSU San Bernardino advance regional economic growth and student opportunities.
32. California State University, Fresno — Fresno, CA
CSU Fresno secures significant awards and is often included among colleges receiving the largest college grants in California due to strengths in agriculture, water resources, and education. Located in the Central Valley, it attracts USDA, state, and foundation funding for research in food security, irrigation, and community health. Its agricultural research centers make it highly competitive for multimillion-dollar grants that impact both local communities and statewide agricultural systems.
33. California State University, Chico — Chico, CA
CSU Chico is a recipient of notable awards among the largest college grants in California, particularly for sustainability, rural health, and education. Federal and state agencies fund large projects focused on wildfire management, renewable energy, and rural community development. Chico State’s applied research centers and its regional impact attract programmatic grants designed to address pressing environmental and community challenges in Northern California.
34. California State University, Stanislaus — Turlock, CA
CSU Stanislaus secures some of the largest college grants in California through projects in education, health, and agricultural research. Federal and state support backs programs that improve teacher preparation and address health disparities in rural areas. Its role in serving diverse student populations positions it well to win large equity-focused grants that strengthen both academic and community resources across California’s Central Valley.
35. California State University, Bakersfield — Bakersfield, CA
CSU Bakersfield is recognized among recipients of the largest college grants in California because of funding in energy, agriculture, and education. Grants from federal agencies support research on renewable energy and regional workforce training. Its location in the Central Valley creates opportunities for partnerships with local industries and government, leading to competitive grant awards that directly impact regional economic development and sustainability.
36. California State University, East Bay — Hayward, CA
CSU East Bay receives some of the largest college grants in California through programs in public health, education, and diversity initiatives. Federal and state funding supports projects addressing health equity and workforce pipelines in the Bay Area. Its commitment to serving diverse communities attracts programmatic grants designed to improve outcomes for underrepresented students and enhance community well-being, solidifying its place among institutions securing larger awards.
37. California State University, Monterey Bay — Seaside, CA
CSU Monterey Bay secures notable funding and is counted among colleges receiving the largest college grants in California due to its research in marine science, sustainability, and education. Its proximity to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary strengthens grant competitiveness for oceanography and environmental science. Federal and state awards support projects that address both ecological preservation and educational equity, resulting in sizable funding awards.
38. California State University, San Marcos — San Marcos, CA
CSU San Marcos appears among recipients of the largest college grants in California for health sciences, education, and community research. Federal grants fund initiatives in nursing and public health, while partnerships with local organizations attract programmatic awards focused on social equity. The university’s regional engagement and commitment to student access make it competitive for large-scale, impact-driven grants.
39. Sonoma State University — Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State ranks among smaller institutions that secure some of the largest college grants in California due to programs in education, environmental research, and health. Grants from federal and state agencies support teacher training, sustainability, and community health programs. Its regional role in Northern California enhances its competitiveness for awards that support student access and applied community projects, resulting in meaningful grant funding.
40. Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt) — Arcata, CA
Cal Poly Humboldt is included among colleges receiving the largest college grants in California because of its focus on environmental science, forestry, and renewable energy. Federal and state agencies fund major research on climate change, renewable resources, and Indigenous community engagement. These large-scale grants support hands-on education and sustainability projects, strengthening its reputation as a leader in applied environmental research.
41. Mills College at Northeastern University — Oakland, CA
Mills College, now partnered with Northeastern University, receives some of the largest college grants in California through combined research efforts in social justice, public policy, and health. Philanthropic and federal support back programs focused on equity, women’s leadership, and community engagement. The merger with Northeastern strengthens access to multi-million-dollar awards for applied research and innovation, keeping Mills on the list of institutions with larger grants.
42. Occidental College — Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College is among liberal arts institutions that receive large college grants in California for humanities, environmental studies, and community programs. Federal and philanthropic awards fund interdisciplinary projects and equity-focused initiatives. Occidental’s location in Los Angeles enhances access to community partnerships and foundation support, making it a competitive recipient of larger programmatic grants.
43. Santa Clara University — Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara University secures some of the largest college grants in California thanks to its strengths in law, engineering, and ethics research. Philanthropic foundations and federal agencies support projects related to technology ethics, renewable energy, and social justice. Its location in Silicon Valley boosts opportunities for industry partnerships, resulting in large-scale awards that enhance both academic and applied research programs.
44. University of Redlands — Redlands, CA
The University of Redlands appears among institutions receiving larger college grants in California because of programs in education, business, and environmental studies. Federal and state awards support initiatives in teacher preparation, sustainability, and community engagement. Its partnerships with local organizations and emphasis on applied projects contribute to securing sizable grants that directly impact the surrounding region.
45. California Lutheran University — Thousand Oaks, CA
California Lutheran receives some of the largest college grants in California for programs in business, psychology, and education. Grants from federal and philanthropic sources support diversity, equity, and inclusion projects, as well as applied research initiatives. Its regional partnerships and emphasis on access for underrepresented students position it to win significant awards that strengthen both academic and community programs.
46. Point Loma Nazarene University — San Diego, CA
Point Loma Nazarene secures larger awards and is counted among institutions receiving the largest college grants in California for education, health, and sustainability projects. Federal and foundation support fund programs in teacher development, nursing, and environmental stewardship. Its community-focused approach helps attract grants that support both students and regional development.
47. Azusa Pacific University — Azusa, CA
Azusa Pacific receives some of the largest college grants in California through programs in health sciences, theology, and education. Federal and state awards support nursing workforce expansion, teacher preparation, and community service initiatives. Its Christian mission combined with a strong professional focus makes it competitive for multimillion-dollar grants that enhance student training and public impact.
48. Dominican University of California — San Rafael, CA
Dominican University secures notable awards and is included among institutions with the largest college grants in California thanks to programs in nursing, education, and health research. Federal and foundation grants fund projects aimed at community health and diversity in the workforce. Dominican’s focus on applied learning and partnerships with regional organizations strengthens its ability to win sizable grants.
49. Saint Mary’s College of California — Moraga, CA
Saint Mary’s College receives some of the largest college grants in California through initiatives in education, business, and social justice. Federal and philanthropic funding supports projects in teacher preparation, diversity, and applied research. Its Catholic heritage and community focus enhance opportunities for winning grants that fund meaningful programs with broad social impact.
50. Westmont College — Santa Barbara, CA
Westmont College is included among smaller institutions that attract some of the largest college grants in California for liberal arts, religious studies, and community engagement. Grants from foundations and federal programs support interdisciplinary learning, leadership initiatives, and local outreach. Its commitment to student-centered education and applied community service helps Westmont secure notable awards that strengthen both academic offerings and regional development.
Reasons Why They Are The college grants in California
- Strong partnerships with federal agencies such as the NIH, NSF, and DOE.
- Significant philanthropic contributions from wealthy donors and foundations.
- Cutting-edge research centers in medicine, technology, and environmental science.
- Location advantages near tech hubs, hospitals, and state government.
- Large student populations requiring expanded educational support.
- Industry collaborations that drive applied research and innovation.
- Commitment to diversity and serving underrepresented communities.
- Long-standing reputations for academic excellence and groundbreaking discoveries.
Why You Should Visit These college grants in California
- To explore state-of-the-art research facilities and innovation hubs.
- To experience campuses that drive advancements in medicine, engineering, and sustainability.
- To connect with world-renowned faculty and student researchers.
- To see how grants are applied to solve real-world problems.
- To learn about educational equity initiatives funded by major awards.
- To witness collaborative partnerships between universities and industries.
- To discover inspiring programs shaping the future of California’s communities.
Conclusion
The largest college grants in California play a vital role in shaping higher education, research, and community development. They allow universities and colleges to expand opportunities for students, strengthen their research infrastructure, and create solutions that impact not only the state but also the world. Visiting these institutions provides a deeper understanding of how strategic funding can transform education and society, making California a national leader in academic innovation and community engagement.