10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Antioch, CA

Antioch sits between the San Francisco Bay and Stockton, California, along the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Valley.

This means it's close to many excellent colleges and universities in the Bay Area and nearby cities. This area is home to some of the best colleges in California.

Featured Colleges Near Antioch, California

There are no colleges or universities within Antioch, but there are many in the nearby Bay Area and Central Valley.

We've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Antioch, California, below in alphabetical order.

1. California State University East Bay

California State University, East Bay is a public university in Hayward, about 50 miles southwest of Antioch. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available through the four colleges within the university:

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

Cal State East Bay was founded as a member of the California State University System in 1857. Today, it enrolls nearly 14,000 students.

2. California State University Maritime Academy

The California State University Maritime Academy is a public maritime university about 30 miles west of Vallejo. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Students can study through three schools within the university:

• School of Engineering
• School of Letters and Sciences
• School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics, and Management

The university was founded in 1929 and joined the California State University system in 1995. It currently enrolls 850 students and is the only maritime academy on the West Coast.

3. Diablo Valley College

Diablo Valley College is a public community college based in Pleasant Hill, around 18 miles west of Antioch. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Degrees and certificates are available in areas of study like:

• Business
• Computer and Information Science
• Health Sciences
• Liberal Arts and Humanities

DVC is part of the Contra Costa Community College District and was founded in 1949. Today, it enrolls about 16,100 students.

4. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is a private university roughly 40 miles southeast of Antioch in Oakland. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in business administration
• Bachelor of Science in diagnostic imaging
• Master/Doctor of Business Administration
• Master of Science in finance management
• Master of Science in international business

The university was first established in 1919 as a law school for working adults and veterans. It currently enrolls close to 400 students.

5. Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College is a public community college in Pittsburg, California, just outside of Antioch. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Degrees and certificates are available in areas of study like:

• Biological and Physical Sciences
• Business
• Human Services
• Liberal Arts and Humanities

Los Medanos College is another member of the Contra Costa Community College District and was founded in 1974. Today, it enrolls about 7,800 students.

6. Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic liberal arts college around 30 miles southwest of Antioch in Moraga. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can study through the college's four schools:

• Kalmanovitz School of Education
• School of Economics and Business Administration
• School of Liberal Arts
• School of Science

The college was established as a men's college in 1863. It became co-ed in the 1970s and currently enrolls nearly 2,800 students.

7. Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University is a private health sciences university in Oakland, about 36 miles southwest of Antioch. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in areas of health science like:

• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Podiatry

Samuel Merritt University was founded in 1909. Today, it enrolls just under 2,000 students, many of them in nursing programs.

8. Solano Community College

Solano Community College is a public community college 35 miles north of Antioch in Fairfield. It offers a few bachelor's programs, but mainly associate degrees and certificates.

Students can study fields such as:

• Applied Technology and Business
• Health Sciences
• Liberal Arts
• Social and Behavioral Science

The college is part of the California Community Colleges System and was established in 1945. It currently enrolls almost 8,500 students.

9. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, about 35 miles west of Antioch. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Business
• Biological Sciences
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Social Sciences

UC Berkeley was founded in 1868 as the first campus in the University of California system. Today, it enrolls over 45,000 students.

10. University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific is a private Christian university based a little less than an hour east of Antioch in Stockton. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can study fields such as:

• Biological Sciences
• Business
• Health Sciences
• Law

The university was established in 1851, making it one of the first universities in the state. It currently enrolls almost 6,300 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Antioch, California?

The largest college near Antioch is the University of California, Berkeley, with over 45,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Antioch, California

Choosing the right college can be difficult. You'll want to consider things like:

• Your intended major
• Extracurricular activities
• Location
• Tuition and fees
• Financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Antioch, California

Most students use financial aid to help pay for their degree. 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 programs, or a combination of the above.

Start Your Degree Near Antioch, California Today

Students can find many excellent universities and colleges near Antioch, California. Check out the featured programs above to find the right one for you today.