10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Murrieta, CA

Murrieta is an inland city between the Los Angeles metro, the San Diego metro, and California's inland empire. This puts it near many large cities and the schools they offer.

Keep reading to learn more about top universities and colleges near Murrieta, California.

Featured Colleges in Murrieta, California

There is one college within Murrieta, and there are several in the surrounding area. Below, we've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Murrieta, California in alphabetical order.

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university based in Azusa, California, with a campus in Murrieta and online programs. The Murrieta campus offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Degrees at the Murrieta campus are available primarily in three areas of study:

• business
• education
• leadership

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

2. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private Baptist university about 40 miles north of Murrieta in Riverside. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

The university was established in 1950 and currently enrolls almost 11,500 students across ten colleges and schools.

3. California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, roughly 38 miles south of Murrieta. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available 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

CSUSM was founded in 1989 as part of the California State University system. Today, it's designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and enrolls more than 15,000 students.

4. La Sierra University

La Sierra University is a private Christian university around 36 miles north of Murrieta in Riverside. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

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

• 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, primarily in undergraduate programs.

5. MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College is a public college in Oceanside, about 35 miles southwest of Murrieta. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees in person and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business and technology
• health sciences
• language, communication, and humanities
• social and behavioral sciences

MiraCosta College was established in 1934. Today, it enrolls almost 11,000 undergraduate students.

6. Moreno Valley College

Moreno Valley College is a public community college around 35 miles north of Murrieta in Moreno Valley. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• health sciences
• human services
• liberal arts

The college was established in 2010 and is part of the Riverside Community College District. It currently enrolls roughly 9,100 students.

7. Mt. San Jacinto College

Mt. San Jacinto College is a public community college based in San Jacinto with several campuses, including one in Menifee, just outside of Murrieta.

It offers associate degrees and certificates in areas of study such as:

• biological and physical sciences
• business
• liberal arts
• social sciences

Mt. San Jacinto College is a member of the California Community College system and was founded in 1962. Today, it enrolls 15,150 students across four campuses.

8. Soka University of America

Soka University of America is a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, about 50 miles west of Murrieta. It offers a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a master's in educational leadership and societal change.

Students in the bachelor's program can choose one of the following concentrations:

• environmental studies
• humanities
• international studies
• life sciences
• social and behavioral sciences

The university was established in 1987. It currently enrolls around 450 students and maintains ties with its sister school, Soka University, in Japan.

9. University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a public research university around 35 miles north of Murrieta in Riverside. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biology and biomedical sciences
• business
• engineering
• social sciences

UC Riverside was founded in 1954 and is part of the University of California system. Today, it enrolls almost 27,000 students.

10. University of Saint Katherine

The University of Saint Katherine is a private Christian university in San Marcos, about 35 miles north of Murrieta. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• health sciences and kinesiology
• psychology
• visual arts

The university was established in 2011 and currently enrolls about 230 students, most of them undergraduates.

What Is the Biggest School Near Murrieta, California?

The biggest college near Murrieta, California is UC Riverside, which enrolls just under 27,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Murrieta, California

Choosing the right college can be tricky. There are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide.

• Which college has the best program for my major?
• Which college has extracurriculars I would enjoy?
• Which college is most conveniently located for me?
• Which college fits my budget best?
• Which colleges offer financial aid?

Paying for Your Degree Near Murrieta, California

Most students use some amount of financial aid to pay for their degree. To find out what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.

Start Your Degree Near Murrieta, California Today

Students can find several great universities and colleges near Murrieta, California. Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect school for you.