10 Best Colleges and Universities Near San Francisco, CA

Picking the right college can be a huge challenge, even more so when trying to find the right college in a specific area or city. In the case of San Francisco, there are a huge number of universities and colleges to choose from.

Read on to find all the info you'll need on the best colleges near San Francisco, CA. We'll explore some of the best options for both universities and community colleges.

Featured Colleges in San Francisco, CA

Here are some of the best colleges near San Francisco, California.

1. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University, located within the city itself, has been providing education access for over a century. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and has nearly 30,000 enrolled students.

SFSU has a huge amount of programs from which to choose. The university has bachelor's and master's degrees offered in well over 100 combined areas of study, as well as certificate, credential, and doctoral programs.

The tuition cost for two full-time semesters as an undergraduate at San Francisco State University is $7,522.

2. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay has a total of three locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its main campus is in Hayward, with another location in Concord, and one in Oakland.

In addition to its three physical locations, this university also offers courses online. Across its locations and online learning, students of California State University, East Bay have access to four academic colleges:

• College of Business and Economics
• College of Education and Allied Studies
• College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• College of Science

The estimated tuition cost for the 2023 - 2024 academic year at California State University, East Bay is $7,105.

3. Lincoln University

Often highly ranked among universities in California, Lincoln University is a private institution located in Oakland. The school has been in operation for more than a century.

As a private university with a smaller student body, Lincoln University offers fewer programs than large public institutions. In total, the school offers two bachelor's degrees, three master's degrees, and two doctoral programs.

Prospective students should consult Lincoln's website for full tuition information, as costs vary by course. They range from $300 to $650 per credit hour.

4. Skyline College

Skyline College has been providing education to students for nearly 50 years. Located in San Bruno, Skyline College is a public community college with a student population of over 17,000.

This college offers degrees and certificates within four general categories of study:

• arts, language, and communication
• business, entrepreneurship, and management
• science, technology, and health
• society and education

The Skyline College website outlines the different fee requirements depending on resident status, etc.

5. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, commonly referred to as UC Berkeley, was initially founded in 1868. This prestigious university has nearly 200 distinct academic departments and programs, as well as an acclaimed faculty to teach them.

Across all of its departments, UC Berkeley offers 300 degrees:

• business
• education
• engineering
• journalism
• law

There truly are an extraordinary amount of options at UC Berkeley.

Estimated undergraduate tuition per semester at UC Berkeley is $5,721 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

6. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco is a private Jesuit university. The college has been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and other publications for its value, ethnic diversity, and overall quality.

USF offers over 80 undergraduate programs with an additional 60+ graduate and certificate programs.

Just a few of the university's undergraduate majors include things like:

• engineering
• fine arts
• sociology
• nursing
• media studies
• English

As a private university, USF comes in at a higher tuition cost, with undergraduate tuition for one academic year estimated to be $57,670.

7. City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco is a public community college with several locations throughout the city. The college offers over 250 degrees and certificates, including online programs.

CCSF offers not only degrees and certificates but also transfer pathways to allow students to transfer to a four-year university.

Across all their offerings, students can study in areas like:

• arts, media, and entertainment
• business, management, and entrepreneurship
• education and child development
• science, technology, and mathematics
• society, culture, and social justice

For California residents, tuition at CCSF is $46 per 'unit.' However, thanks to the Free City partnership, residents of San Francisco may be eligible for free tuition.

8. Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic university that is located in Moraga in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Saint Mary's is focused on providing quality education through small class sizes and personalized experiences.

SMC offers a large amount of undergraduate programs, both majors and minors. Across a number of departments, students can study in areas such as philosophy, economics, art history, English, and many more.

Annual full-time undergraduate tuition at SMC is estimated to be $55,634.

9. Northeastern University in Oakland

Northeastern University Oakland is another private university in the San Francisco Bay Area. This particular university is very involved with the community of the city of Oakland.

The undergraduate degrees offered at Northeastern University in Oakland fall into four broad academic categories:

• technology
• science
• healthcare
• business

The undergraduate tuition estimate for an academic year at Northeastern University is $63,141.

10. Menlo College

Menlo College is a private, non-profit university located in Atherton, California. Menlo has an emphasis on business education and a liberal arts-based approach to education.

Menlo offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Some of its undergraduate majors and programs include:

• accounting
• business analytics
• finance
• international business

The estimated tuition cost for an academic year at this private university is $50,190.

What is the Biggest School Near San Francisco, California?

The biggest college near San Francisco, CA, is UC Berkeley. By student enrollment, this university has the largest student body with over 45,000 students.

How to Choose the Right College Near San Francisco, California

There are many important factors to consider when picking the right college. Location is an important consideration, but there are also many other factors, like:

• programs offered
• tuition cost
• room and board options
• student/faculty ratio

Ultimately, prospective students should find a balance between all of these things and choose the college where they can pursue their passions as easily and as affordably as possible.

Paying for Your Degree Near San Francisco, California

There are many options for paying for college across the country, including those located in or near San Francisco. Students should be sure to fill out the FAFSA form, which stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Once this is accomplished, students will know what kinds of federal aid they qualify for. The main types of aid to look for include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Students should prioritize scholarships and grants, as these do not need to be repaid. Student loans do need to be repaid, and often private loans have a much higher interest rate than federal loans.

Start Your Degree Near San Francisco, California

Now that you know more about the best colleges near San Francisco, CA, you are ready to pick the perfect college. Start your degree near San Francisco, California today.