5 Best Colleges in Fresno (2025)

The area of Fresno, CA is dedicated to providing a variety of colleges and universities that a wide range of degree programs.

Residents of the area are exposed to colleges that can prepare them for an endless amount of in-demand careers.

Although there are a limited number of institutions, the area is sure to provide students with a high-quality education.

We will identify the top colleges in Fresno, CA, and help to answer commonly asked questions about selecting the right college.

Featured Colleges in Fresno, CA

The following list contains the four best colleges that are available in the Fresno area.

1. California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno is the largest institution that is directly located in Fresno, CA. The public university has around 24,000 students in total and is 388 acres.

The university has a total of eight academic colleges and offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Overall, the most awarded degrees are from the following academic schools:

• College of Science and Mathematics
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Social Sciences
• School of Education and Human Development

Research opportunities are also granted to both undergraduate and graduate students. These experiences help students understand a particular topic while also strengthening their understanding of research methods.

2. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is another institution in Fresno, CA that offers a wide range of degree programs for students to select from. The college has over 100 areas of study and has around 3,000 students in total.

The primary mission of the college is to prepare students for leadership and service roles through excellence in higher education.

The college offers a series of undergraduate and graduate degrees in:

• Business Administration
• Environmental Studies
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Software Engineering

3. California Christian College

California Christian College's mission is to offer academic programs that develop Christian leaders to further serve the community. The programs are Christian-based and are an ideal school for students who are interested in pursuing a Christian education.

The college offers both associate's and bachelor's degree programs that emphasize:

• A major in Bible and Christian ministry
• A Biblical-Christian worldview for the entire curriculum
• Biblical standards of morals and ethics

Students enrolled in this college are required to follow a way of life that avoids the negative influences of contemporary society.

4. Fresno City College

Fresno City College is the first community college in California that was originally established in 1910. The college has:

• 120 associate degrees
• 96 certificates of achievement
• 80+ career and technical education programs

Along with their nursing program, the institution's signature programs include:

• Dental Hygiene
• Respiratory Care
• Radiologic Technology
• Health Information Technology

5. National University

National University offers both online and on-campus degree programs for students to take advantage of.

The Fresno campus offers only an emergency medical technician certificate program that is available on campus.

Aside from this program, the university offers many different online degree programs that residents can enroll in. Some of the programs available include areas of study in:

• Teaching and Education
• Business and Marketing
• Healthcare and Nursing
• Engineering and Technology
• Arts and Humanities

Other Colleges Available Near Fresno, CA

The following list contains community colleges and other universities near the Fresno, CA area.

California Health Sciences University

CHSU is a for-profit graduate school in Clovis, California, which is about 15 minutes away from the Fresno area. The college is the first university of its kind in the Central Valley area and is committed to improving the delivery of healthcare.

The university offers three different academic colleges:

• College of Osteopathic Medicine
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Biosciences and Health Professions

The institution has a small graduate student body with an enrollment of 253 graduate students. This school is a great choice for individuals who are looking to enter the healthcare profession.

West Coast University

West Coast University is another credible institution that is near the Fresno area. The institution has plenty of flexible online and campus programs that are available for individuals to select from.

The university is widely known and has around 58,000 alumni across the globe. Once admitted, students are exposed to experienced faculty and many different degree programs.

The programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels and are mostly healthcare based. Programs, such as nursing, dental hygiene, and business administration are some of the primary programs offered by the school.

Clovis Community College

Clovis Community College is another community college that is located near Fresno, CA. The college serves over 14,000 students and has state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic campus culture.

At the college, students have access to:

• Over 600 classes
• 35 associate degree programs
• 35 certificates of achievement programs

Once enrolled, students are exposed to courses and programs in business, creative arts, education, and much more.

What Is the Biggest School Near Fresno, CA?

California State University, Fresno is the largest college that is located in Fresno, CA. In total, the institution has around 24,000 students and is 388 acres.

How To Choose the Right College Near Fresno, CA

The Fresno, CA area has a diverse set of colleges and universities that are available to suit each student's needs. Although the area has a limited number of colleges, each school has its characteristics to provide to its students.

The most important factors in selecting the right college are:

• Location
• Cost
• Degree Type

Overall, the area only has three main institutions and one Christian-based college that caters to degree seekers.

Paying for Your Degree Near Fresno, CA

Like many other cities, residents of the Fresno area can use a variety of methods to help lower their education costs. Some of the most common methods are:

• Student Loans
• College Grants
• Scholarships
• Work-study Programs
• Tuition Assistance Programs

Students are advised to contact their institution's financial aid department for more information.

Start Your Degree Near Fresno, CA Today

The area of Fresno has a welcoming community that allows students to succeed in their educational endeavors.

If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your program of choice for more information.