10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Anaheim, CA

Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Long Beach make up the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States. These cities are a key part of the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Because there are over 18 million people in the Greater LA area, there are also a lot of colleges and universities. Keep reading to discover some of the top universities and colleges near Anaheim, California.

Featured Colleges in Anaheim, California

The Greater Los Angeles area is home to many fantastic colleges and universities. We've featured some of the top colleges near Anaheim, California below in alphabetical order.

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university in Azusa, about a half hour north of Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

Azusa Pacific was founded in 1899. Today, it enrolls over 7,000 students through its ten colleges and schools.

2. Biola University

Biola University is a private Christian university about ten miles from Anaheim in La Mirada, California. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• psychology
• theology and religion
• visual arts

The university was established in 1908. It currently enrolls over 5,000 students across nine schools.

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton is a public research university just outside of Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs primarily on campus.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

Cal State Fullerton was founded in 1957. Today, it enrolls over 40,000 students, making it the largest member of the California State University system.

4. California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach is a public research university in Long Beach, less than 20 miles from Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• engineering
• health sciences and nursing
• visual and performing arts

The university was established in 1949. With nearly 39,000 students, it's the second-largest in the California State University system.

5. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university about 20 miles north of Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and graduate programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biology and biotechnology
• business and hospitality
• engineering sciences
• social sciences

Cal Poly Pomona was founded in 1938. Today, it enrolls about 27,500 students and is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution.

6. Chapman University

Chapman University is a private university in Orange, just a few minutes from Anaheim. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• visual and performing arts

The university was established in 1861. It currently enrolls over 10,000 students through 11 colleges and schools within the university.

7. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, less than 20 miles south of Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• computer and information sciences
• engineering
• social sciences

UC Irvine was founded in 1965 as part of the University of California system. Today, it enrolls nearly 36,000 students.

8. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles, or UCLA, is a public research university about 40 miles northeast of Anaheim. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• biology and biomedical sciences
• business
• engineering
• social sciences

The university was first established in 1881. It enrolls over 46,000 students and is the largest of the University of California institutions.

9. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university about 30 miles from Anaheim in Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and graduate programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• computer and information science
• engineering
• health sciences and nursing

USC was founded in 1880 and today enrolls nearly 49,000 students. It's the oldest private university in California as well as the largest university in California.

10. Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, roughly 15 miles from Anaheim. It offers bachelor's and master's programs primarily in person.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

The university was established in 1920. It currently enrolls about 2,250 students, most of them in undergraduate programs.

What Is the Biggest School Near Anaheim, California?

The largest school near Anaheim is the University of Southern California, with almost 49,000 students. The largest public university is UCLA, with over 46,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Anaheim, California

There are so many excellent colleges near Anaheim, California. How do you choose?

There are a few things to consider:

• Is the college good for my intended major?
• Where is the college located?
• Are classes on campus or online?
• How much is tuition, and what financial aid is available?

Paying for Your Degree Near Anaheim, California

Tuition can be expensive, and many students use financial aid like grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help pay for their degrees.

To find out what public aid you qualify for, fill out your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your Degree Near Anaheim, California Today

Students in southern California can find many excellent universities and colleges near Anaheim, California. Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect college today.