Best Colleges and Universities Near Lancaster, CA

Lancaster is a city within the Greater Los Angeles metro area. It sits north of LA on the other side of the Angeles National Forest.

Students in Lancaster have access to the top colleges that the Greater LA area has to offer. Keep reading to discover the best colleges near Lancaster, California.

Featured Colleges in Lancaster, California

There is only one college or university located within Lancaster. We've broken it down below.

California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield is a public research university in Bakersfield. While Bakersfield is 85 miles north of Lancaster, the university offers a satellite campus in Lancaster.

The campus offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• education
• nursing
• social sciences

Cal State Bakersfield is a member of the California State University system and was founded in 1965. Today, it enrolls about 9,600 students between the two campuses.

Featured Colleges Near Lancaster, California

Although there's only one college within Lancaster, there are several in the surrounding area. Below, we've listed some additional top colleges near Lancaster, California in alphabetical order.

ArtCenter College of Design

ArtCenter College of Design is a private art university in Pasadena. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in the arts.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• animation and interactive technology
• graphic design
• illustration
• transportation design

The college was originally established in Los Angeles in 1930. It currently enrolls nearly 2,500 students.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university in Azusa, about 45 miles south of Lancaster. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

Azusa Pacific was founded in 1899. Today, it enrolls over 7,000 students through its ten colleges and schools.

California Institute of the Arts

The California Institute of the Arts is a private art university in Santa Clarita, roughly 30 miles southwest of Lancaster. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• film
• music
• theater
• visual arts

The university was established in 1883 and currently enrolls over 1,400 students.

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology, or CalTech, is a private research university in Pasadena. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biological and biomedical sciences
• computer and information sciences
• engineering
• physical sciences

CalTech was originally founded in 1891 and today enrolls almost 2,500 students.

California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge, is a public university about 40 miles away in northern Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• business
• communication and journalism
• health sciences
• social sciences

The university is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1952. It currently enrolls about 37,500 students.

Occidental College

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biology and biochemistry
• psychology
• social sciences
• visual and performing arts

Occidental College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the coast, founded in 1887. Today, it enrolls almost 2,000 students, primarily undergraduate students.

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College is a private college based in Pasadena. It offers bachelor's and master's programs on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• human development
• psychology and counseling

The college was established in 1958 and incorporates Quaker principles and a strong foundation in social justice. It currently enrolls just over 1,000 students.

University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biology and biomedicall sciences
• business
• engineering
• social sciences

UCLA was founded in 1881. It's the largest in the University of California system with an enrollment of over 46,000 students.

Woodbury University

Woodbury University is a private university in Burbank, about 37 miles south of Lancaster. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

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

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Architecture
• School of Business
• School of Media, Culture, and Design

The university was established in 1884 and was originally a business college. It currently enrolls about 950 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Lancaster, California?

The biggest college near Lancaster, California is UCLA, with a student body of over 46,000.

How To Choose the Right College Near Lancaster, California

There are a few things to consider when you try to choose the right college. These include:

• your major
• location
• extracurriculars
• tuition and fees
• financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Lancaster, California

Most students use financial aid, like grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs, to help pay for their education.

To find out what you qualify for, the first step is to fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your Degree Near Lancaster, California Today

There are many excellent universities and colleges near Lancaster, California. Check out the featured programs above to find the right one for you today.