10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Modesto, CA

Modesto is a large city just outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. This grants students in Modesto access to the many colleges and universities the area offers.

Keep reading to discover some of the top universities and colleges near Modesto, California.

Featured Colleges in Modesto, California

While Modesto doesn't have many colleges and universities, its proximity to the Bay Area means students are near some of the best colleges in California.

Below, we've listed some of the top universities and colleges near Modesto, California, in alphabetical order.

1. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay is a public research university in Hayward, California, about 60 miles west of Modesto. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through 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 is a member of the California State University system and was founded in 1957. Today, it enrolls over 13,500 students.

2. California State University, Stanislaus

California State University is a public university in Turlock, a city just south of Modesto. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees through the university's four colleges:

• College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Education, Kinesiology, and Social Work
• College of Science

The university was established in 1957 as a member of the California State University system. It currently enrolls over 10,000 students.

3. Humphrey's University

Humphrey's University is a private university with a campus in Modesto as well as one in Stockton. It offers associate through doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Legal Studies

Humphrey's University was founded in 1896, and today has nearly 400 students through its two campuses and online programs.

4. Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic college in Moraga, California, about 65 miles from Modesto. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees through the college's four schools:

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

The university was established in 1863. It currently has a student population of over 2,750 and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.

5. San Francisco Bay University

San Francisco Bay University is a small university in Freemont, California, roughly 55 miles from Modesto. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Degrees are available in three fields:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering

The university enrolls about 160 students, allowing for small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 3:1.

6. San Jos� State University

San Jos� State University is a public university in San Jos�, California. It's part of the California State University system and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Engineering
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Visual and Performing Arts

San Jos� State was founded in 1857, making it the oldest public university in the state. Today, it enrolls about 37,750 students across its nine colleges.

7. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a private Catholic university in Santa Clara, about 60 miles from Modesto. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

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

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Leavey School of Business
• School of Engineering
• School of Education and Counseling Psychology
• School of Law
• School of Theology

The university was established in 1851, making it the oldest institution of higher learning still operating in the state. It currently enrolls over 9,000 students.

8. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Engineering
• Social Sciences

Stanford University was founded in 1885. Today, it enrolls over 18,000 students through its seven colleges and schools.

9. University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced is a public research university in Merced, about 40 minutes from Modesto. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees through the university's three schools:

• School of Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts

The university was established in 2005 and is the newest member of the University of California system. It currently enrolls over 9,000 students.

10. University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific is a private Methodist university about 30 miles north of Modesto in Stockton. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Biology and Biological Studies
• Business
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Law

The University of the Pacific has a varied history that traces back to 1851. Today, it enrolls over 6,000 students across nine colleges and schools.

What Is the Biggest School Near Modesto, California?

The biggest college near Modesto, California is San Jos� State University, with over 37,750 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Modesto, California

There are a few things to think about when choosing the right college, including:

• The program you intend to study
• Where the school is located
• If classes are on campus or online
• What the tuition is
• What financial aid is available

Paying for Your Degree Near Modesto, California

Most students use financial aid to help cover the cost of their education. To find out what you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Typically, financial aid includes a mix of federal grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.

Start Your Degree Near Modesto, California Today

While there aren't many colleges near Modesto, California, there are many in the Bay Area. Check out the featured programs above to find your perfect program today.