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There are many colleges in California. This article will focus on public and non-profit colleges in California and the school’s surrounding area. California is not only the most populated state, but it is also the third-largest state. Because of its size, this article organized the state into three parts: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Read this article to learn about colleges and universities in each part and some information about the area.
Going to College in Northern California
Northern California is home to breathtaking redwood forests, the Pacific Ocean, and some really cool towns. But this is also matched by bustling cities such as San Francisco and Sacramento. Northern California is also home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions around the world: The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Take a drive north from San Francisco and you’ll be among some of the rockiest coastlines in the United States with cliffs towering over the Pacific Ocean below. Students that live here get all this and many college options to choose from.
University of California in Northern California
We can’t write an article about California’s education system and not feature the University of California (UC). That’s because UC is not just in one location! This university has 10 (you heard that right), 10 campuses across the state with a student body well over 275,000. This makes it one of the most robust universities in the world. In fact, their library is one of the largest in the world. There are three university campuses located in Northern California located in San Francisco, Berkley, and Davis.
California State University, (Sacramento State)
With a student body of over 30,000 students, California State University, Sacramento encompasses over 300 acres and is another option for college. You’ll also see this college referred to as Sacramento State though many just call the school Sac State. In fact, many students transfer to here once they graduate from a community college.
San Francisco State University
If you like access to a big city with plenty to do and love being near the ocean, San Francisco State University may be worth researching. It’s located just 2 miles from the ocean and spans a little over 140 acres. They also have well over 100 different degree programs to choose and even have doctorate degree programs.
San José State University
Located in beautiful downtown San José, this school is the oldest on the west coast and has a student body well over 30,000. Like other universities, it offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs and does offer a few doctorate degree programs as well.
Community Colleges in Northern California
Northern California is also home to the following community and state colleges:
- College of the Redwoods in Eureka
- Yuba College in Marysville
- Shasta College in Redding
- Lassen Community College in Susanville
- Solano Community College in Vacaville
- Humboldt State University in Arcata
- Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park
Going to College in Central California
Central California has a lot to offer students in terms of education and activity. First, it’s home to some of California’s coolest coastal towns like Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz – which even has it’s own beach boardwalk amusement park. It’s also where Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Death Valley are located. Check out a road trip from highway 395.
University of California and California State University
The University of California also has locations in the central part of the state, in Santa Cruz and Merced. California State University has a few campuses as well, located in Monterey Bay, Fresno, and Turlock.
Community Colleges in Central California
Central California is also home to the following community and state colleges:
- Columbia College in Sonora
- Clovis Community College in Clovis
- Fresno City College in Fresno
- Hartnell College in Salinas
- Merced College in Merced
- Modesto Junior College in Modesto
- Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey
- Porterville College in Porterville
- Reedley College in Fresno
- College of the Sequoias in Visalia
- West Hills College Coalinga in Coalinga
- West Hills College Lemoore in Lemoorey
Going to College in Southern California
Though there is a lot to do throughout the entire state of California, Southern California really packs it in! There’s Hollywood, Los Angelas, Disney Land, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, San Diego, Catalina Island, and the Channel Islands. There is literally something for everyone in sunny, Southern California. In fact, it has mild winters and summers with temperatures perfect for a day at the beach! If residents want more adventure, they also have access to major international airports offering inexpensive flights all over the world. And just as residents have a ton of activities to choose from, they also have a ton of college options as well!
University of California in Southern California
The University of California’s five other campuses are located in Southern California in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Riverside, Irvine, and San Diego. Though five campuses seem impressive, that number is far exceeded by California State University’s 12 campuses in the area.
Community Colleges in Southern California
Though there are numerous community colleges in Southern California, a few notable ones include:
- Oxnard College in Oxnard, Oxnard
- Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara
- College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita
- Taft College, Taft
- Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
- Copper Mountain College, Joshua Tree
- Palomar College, San Marcos