10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Ontario, CA

Ontario, California is a city located between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. It's part of California's Inland Empire, which is the eastern portion of the Greater Los Angeles area.

As a result, there are many fantastic schools surrounding Ontario. Keep reading to discover our top universities and colleges near Ontario, California.

Featured Colleges in Ontario, California

Because of Ontario's location, there are a handful of colleges and universities in neighboring cities and many more a short car ride away.

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

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university in Azusa, about 18 miles northwest of Ontario. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Psychology

The university was established in 1899. It currently enrolls over 7,000 students through its ten colleges and schools.

2. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university just outside of Ontario. 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 around 27,500 students and is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution.

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton is a public research university around 25 miles southwest of Ontario. 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 established in 1957. It's currently the largest member of the California State University system with over 40,000 students.

4. Cambridge College

Cambridge College is a private college based in Boston Massachusetts with a regional campus in Rancho Cucamonga, just outside of Ontario.

It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in person and online in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences and Nursing
• Psychology

Cambridge College was first founded in 1971. Today, it enrolls over 2,100 students through its main campus, regional campuses, and online programs.

5. La Sierra University

La Sierra University is a private Christian university 20 miles southeast of Ontario in Riverside. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

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

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

The university was established in 1922 and currently enrolls about 1,600 students, most of them in undergraduate programs.

6. Pomona College

Pomona College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, just outside of Ontario. It's part 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 established in 1887. Today, it enrolls about 1,700 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1.

7. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles, or UCLA, is a public research university about 50 miles west of Ontario 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's the largest of the University of California campuses, with over 46,000 students.

8. University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a public research university in Riverside. It's part of the University of California system and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Biology and Biomedical Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Social Sciences

UC Riverside was founded in 1954. Today it 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, about 10 miles from Ontario. It also offers a regional campus in Ontario.

Students at the Ontario campus can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Psychology
• Social Sciences

The university was established in 1891 and currently enrolls over 5,500 students through its main campus, multiple regional campuses, and online programs.

10. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles about 40 miles from Ontario. 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, making it the oldest private university in the state. It enrolls nearly 49,000 students, which also makes it the largest university in the state.

What Is the Biggest School Near Ontario, California?

The biggest college near Ontario, California is the University of Southern California. With almost 49,000 students, it's also the largest university in California.

The largest public university is the University of California, Los Angeles, with a student body of over 46,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Ontario, California

There are several things to consider when choosing a college. These include:

• Your intended program of study
• The college location and campus
• The format of classes (on campus or online)
• Tuition and fees
• Financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Ontario, California

College is expensive, and most students use financial aid like college grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study opportunities to pay for their degrees.

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

Start Your Degree Near Ontario, California Today

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