10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Escondido, CA
Escondido is nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, meaning students have access to top schools. Discover some of the best universities and colleges near Escondido, California.
Escondido is a slightly inland city between Los Angeles and San Diego. Its location between the two largest cities in California means it's close to several excellent colleges and universities.
Keep reading to discover some of the top universities and colleges near Escondido, California.
Featured Colleges in Escondido, CA
While there aren't many colleges within Escondido, there are plenty in the surrounding areas. Below, we've featured some of the best universities and colleges near Escondido, California.
1. California State University, San Marcos
California State University, San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, just outside of Escondido. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Students can earn degrees through four colleges within the university:
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education, Health, and Human Services
- College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The university is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1989. It currently enrolls over 15,000 students and is designated a Hispanic-serving institution.
2. Columbia College
Columbia College is a private college based in Missouri with campuses across the country, including two in San Diego. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
Degrees are available in fields such as:
- business
- criminal justice
- human services
- nursing
Columbia College was founded in 1851. Today, it enrolls over 6,000 students through multiple campuses and online programs.
3. John Paul the Great Catholic University
John Paul the Great Catholic University is a private Catholic university in Escondido. It offers bachelor's degrees.
Four types of degrees are available through the university:
- Bachelor of Arts in humanities
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts
- Bachelor of Science in business
- Bachelor of Science in communications media
The university was established in 2003 and currently enrolls 300 undergraduate students.
4. MiraCosta College
MiraCosta College is a public college in Oceanside, a city roughly 17 miles northwest of Escondido. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees on campus and online.
Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- business and technology
- health sciences
- language, communication, and humanities
- social and behavioral sciences
MiraCosta College was founded in 1934. Today, it enrolls almost 11,000 undergraduate students.
5. Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian liberal arts university in San Diego. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.
Degrees are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- health sciences
- psychology
The university was first established as a Bible college in 1902. It currently enrolls about 4,300 students.
6. San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- business
- engineering
- health sciences
- social sciences
SDSU was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest in the California State University system. Today, it enrolls nearly 37,500 students.
7. Soka University of America
Soka University of America is a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, 52 miles north of Escondido.
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
The university was established in 1987. It currently enrolls about 450 students and maintains ties with its sister school, S?ka University, in Japan.
8. University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, around 60 miles north of Escondido. 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 is one of the newer members of the University of California system, founded in 1965. Today, it enrolls almost 36,000 students.
9. University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego is a public research university in San Diego. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- biological and biomedical sciences
- engineering
- physical sciences
- social sciences and psychology
The university is part of the University of California system and was established in 1960. It currently enrolls over 42,000 students.
10. University of San Diego
The University of San Diego is a private Catholic research university in San Diego. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Degrees are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- health sciences
- homeland security and criminal justice
USD was established in 1949 as a college for women. Today, it's a co-ed institution and enrolls about 8,800 students.
What Is the Biggest School Near Escondido, California?
The largest college near Escondido, California is the University of California, San Diego, which enrolls over 42,000 students.
How To Choose the Right College Near Escondido, California
It can be difficult to determine which college is right for you. Try asking yourself the following questions:
- what college is best for my intended major?
- what college is most conveniently located for me?
- what college offers extracurriculars or activities I would enjoy?
- what college fits my budget the best?
- what college offers the best financial aid opportunities?
Paying for Your Degree Near Escondido, California
Because degrees are expensive, most students use financial aid like grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs to pay for their education.
To find out what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
Start Your Degree Near Escondido, California Today
Students in Escondido are close to many top schools. Check out the featured colleges near Escondido, California above to find the right one for you today.