10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Simi Valley, CA

Simi Valley is in the Greater LA area, which puts it close to some of the best schools in the state. Discover the top universities and colleges near Simi Valley, California.

Simi Valley is located just west of Los Angeles and north of Thousand Oaks.

It's part of the Greater Los Angeles area and has access to everything this area has to offer, including schools.

Keep reading to learn more about the best universities and colleges near Simi Valley, California.

Featured Colleges Near Simi Valley, California

There are no colleges or universities within the city of Simi Valley, but there are several around it.

We've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Simi Valley, California alphabetically below. Some of the best colleges in California are near this area.

1. California Institute of the Arts

The California Institute of the Arts is a private art university about 30 miles northeast of Simi Valley in Santa Clarita.

It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn fine arts degrees in fields such as:

  • Film
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Visual Arts

The university was established in 1883 and currently enrolls over 1,400 students. Famous alumni include Tim Burton and John Lasseter.

2. California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University is a private Lutheran university with multiple campuses. Its main campus is just outside of Simi Valley in Thousand Oaks.

Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs are available in areas of study like:

  • Business
  • Communications
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences

CalLutheran was founded in 1959. Today, it has six campus locations and enrolls roughly 3,600 students.

3. California State University, Channel Islands

California State University, Channel Islands is a public university 20 miles southwest of Simi Valley in Camarillo. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Students can study fields such as:

  • Business
  • Health Scienes
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences

The university was established in 2002 the most recent addition to the California State University system.

It currently is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution and enrolls just over 6,100.

4. California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge is a public university about 18 miles east of Simi Valley in northern Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Health Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Cal State Northridge is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1952.

Today, it enrolls about 37,500 students and boasts alumni like Robert Englund, Alyson Hannigan, and Paula Abdul.

5. College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons is a public community college in Santa Clarita, roughly 30 miles northeast of Simi Valley. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Students can study fields such as:

  • Business
  • Health Sciences and Kinesiology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Sciences

The college is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and was established in 1969.

It currently enrolls about 18,000 undergraduate students.

6. Los Angeles Pierce College

Los Angeles Pierce College is a public community college in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, about 20 miles from Simi Valley. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • Biological and Physical Sciences
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Sciences

Pierce College was founded in 1947 and is part of the Los Angeles Community College District. Today, it enrolls just under 15,400 students.

7. Moorpark College

Moorpark College is a public community college in Moorpark, only a few miles west of Simi Valley. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Students earn degrees and certificates in fields such as:

  • Biological and Physical Sciences
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Sciences

The college was established in 1967 and is part of the Ventura County Community College District. It currently enrolls almost 12,500 students.

8. Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles is a private, Catholic university with two campuses in Los Angeles.

It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in person and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Psychology

MSMU was founded in 1925 and primarily teaches female students. Today, it enrolls almost 2,500 students, 93% of which are women.

9. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a private Christian research university 30 miles south of Simi Valley in Malibu.

It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees through the university's five colleges and schools:

  • Caruso School of Law
  • Frank R. Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
  • Graduate School of Education and Psychology
  • Graziado Business School
  • School of Public Policy

The university was established in 1937 and has produced alumni like Tia and Tamara Mowry and Chace Crawford. It currently enrolls about 10,000 students.

10. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in western Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

  • Biology and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Social Sciences

UCLA was founded in 1881. Today, it's the largest in the University of California system with an enrollment of over 46,000 students and alumni like Carol Burnett, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, and Francis Ford Coppola.

What Is the Biggest School Near Simi Valley, California?

The largest of the colleges near Simi Valley, California, is UCLA with over 46,000 students enrolled.

How To Choose the Right College Near Simi Valley, California

There are many things to consider when choosing a college. These include:

  • Your intended program of study
  • Extracurricular and on-campus activities
  • College location
  • Tuition and fees
  • Financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Simi Valley, California

Degrees can be expensive, and most students use financial aid to help with the cost.

To find out what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid may include federal grants, scholarships, student loans, work-study opportunities, or some combination of the above.

Start Your Degree Near Simi Valley, California Today

Students can find many fantastic universities and colleges near Simi Valley, California.

Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect fit today!