10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is a midsize city on the California coast, just south of Long Beach. It's near several large cities with top colleges and universities.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the best universities and colleges near Huntington Beach, CA.

Featured Colleges in Huntington Beach, CA

Not only does Huntington Beach have the benefit of being on the coast, but it's conveniently located near many excellent colleges and universities.

Below, we've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Huntington Beach, CA.

1. Biola University

Biola University is a private Christian university in La Mirada, about 16 miles from Huntington Beach. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• psychology
• theology and religion
• visual arts

Biola University was founded in 1908. Today, it enrolls over 5,000 students across nine schools.

2. California State University, Dominguez Hills

California State University at Dominguez Hills is a public university in Carson, roughly 20 miles from Huntington Beach. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

There are six colleges within the university:

• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business Administration and Public Policy
• College of Education
• College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing
• College of Continuing and Professional Education

The university is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1960. It has a student body of just under 16,500 students.

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University at Fullerton is a public research university around 15 miles north of Huntington Beach. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs primarily on campus.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

The university was founded in 1957. It currently 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 at Long Beach is a public research university in Long Beach, right up the coast from Huntington Beach. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

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

Cal State Long Beach was established in 1949. It's the second-largest in the California State University system with nearly 39,000 students.

5. Chapman University

Chapman University is a private university in Orange, about 12 miles from Huntington Beach. 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 and currently enrolls over 10,000 students through its 11 colleges and schools.

6. Concordia University, Irvine

Concordia University at Irvine is a private Lutheran university in Irvine, roughly 10 miles from Huntington Beach. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• coaching and exercise science
• education
• health sciences and nursing

Concordia University at Irvine was established in 1976 as part of the national Concordia University system. Today, it enrolls over 3,700 students.

7. Laguna College of Art and Design

The Laguna College of Art and Design is a private college in Laguna Beach, a city just south of Irvine on the coast. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• drawing
• game design
• graphic design
• painting

The university was established in 1961 and currently enrolls nearly 800 students in fine arts programs.

8. Soka University of America

Soka University of America is a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, about 15 miles south of Irvine. It offers a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a master's in educational leadership and societal change.

The bachelor's program offers the following concentrations:

• environmental studies
• humanities
• international studies
• life sciences
• social and behavioral sciences

Soka University of America was founded in 1987. Today, it enrolls about 450 students and maintains ties with its sister school, Soka University, in Japan.

9. University of California, Irvine

The University of California at Irvine is a public research university in Irvine. 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

The university was established in 1965 and is one of the newer members of the University of California system. It currently enrolls almost 36,000 students.

10. Vanguard University

Vanguard University is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, just inland from Huntington Beach. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

Vanguard University was founded in 1920. Today, it enrolls about 2,250 students, most of them in undergraduate programs.

What Is the Biggest School Near Huntington Beach, California?

The largest college near Huntington Beach is UC Fullerton, with about 40,000 students. UC Long Beach is close behind with 39,000.

How To Choose the Right College Near Huntington Beach, California

Choosing the right college can be difficult. To help you decide, you should ask yourself questions like:

• What college is best for my major?
• What colleges are conveniently located?
• Which colleges have extracurriculars I would enjoy?
• Which colleges fit my budget?
• What kind of financial aid is offered by these colleges?

Paying for Your Degree Near Huntington Beach, California

Financial aid is how most students pay for their degrees. You can use a combination of things like grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.

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

Start Your Degree Near Huntington Beach, California Today

Students can find several top colleges near Huntington Beach, California. Check out the featured schools above to find your perfect fit today.