10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Fontana, CA

Because Fontana is nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino, there are many excellent schools nearby. Check out the best colleges near Fontana, California.

Fontana is a large city near San Bernardino and Riverside, in California's Inland Empire. This area makes up the eastern portion of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Keep reading to discover some of the best universities and colleges near Fontana, California.

Featured Colleges in Fontana, California

While there are no colleges within Fontana, the Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles area provide access to many top colleges and universities.

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

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Riverside, just south of Fontana. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

Cal Baptist was founded in 1950 and today enrolls nearly 11,500 students across its ten colleges and schools.

2. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university roughly 18 miles west of Fontana. It offers bachelor's, master's, and graduate programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

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

The university was established in 1938. It currently enrolls about 27,500 students and is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution.

3. California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino is a public research university about nine miles northwest of Fontana in San Bernardino. and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through the five colleges within the university:

  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration
  • James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education

Cal State San Bernardino is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1965. Today, it enrolls almost 20,000 students.

4. Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, a city about 15 miles west of Fontana. It's part of the Claremont Colleges consortium.

Students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in areas of study like:

  • biology and biomedical sciences
  • business
  • science and math
  • social sciences

The university was established in 1946. It currently enrolls almost 1,400 students, mainly undergraduates.

5. La Sierra University

La Sierra University is a private Christian university in Riverside. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through the university's four colleges and schools:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • Divinity School
  • School of Education
  • Zapara School of Business

La Sierra University was founded in 1922 and today enrolls about 1,600 students.

6. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University is a private Christian university in Loma Linda, around 12 miles east of Fontana. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in health science fields such as:

  • medicine
  • nursing
  • pharmacy
  • physical therapy

The university was first established in 1905 as a sanatorium. It currently enrolls over 4,000 students in health sciences programs.

7. Pomona College

Pomona College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont. It's another member of the Claremont Colleges consortium and offers bachelor's degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

  • biological and biomedical sciences
  • computer and information sciences
  • social sciences
  • visual and performing arts

Pomona College was founded in 1887. Today, it enrolls about 1,700 students with a low student-teacher ratio of 7:1.

8. University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a public research university in Riverside. 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 is part of the University of California system and was established in 1954. It currently enrolls nearly 27,000 students across its seven colleges and schools.

9. University of La Verne

The University of La Verne is a private university based in La Verne, roughly 18 miles west of Fontana. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • education
  • psychology
  • social sciences

The University of La Verne was founded in 1891. Today, it enrolls over 5,500 students through its main campus, multiple regional campuses, and online programs.

10. University of Redlands

The University of Redlands is a private university in the city of Redlands, around 17 miles east of Fontana. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees through the following colleges and schools within the university:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business and Society
  • School of Education
  • School of Continuing Studies
  • San Francisco Theological Seminary

The university was established in 1907 and currently enrolls about 3,500 students, primarily in undergraduate programs.

What Is the Biggest School Near Fontana, California?

The largest college near Fontana, California is California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with about 27,500 students. UC Riverside is close behind with around 27,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Fontana, California

When choosing a college, there are a few things you should consider.

These include:

  • your intended major
  • the school's location
  • extracurricular activities
  • tuition and fees
  • financial aid options

Paying for Your Degree Near Fontana, California

Most students use financial aid to pay for their degrees. To find out what you qualify for, start by filling out your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Typically, financial aid includes a combination of grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study opportunities.

Start Your Degree Near Fontana, California Today

Fontana is conveniently located near several excellent colleges and universities. Check out the featured colleges near Fontana, California, above to find the right one for you today.