10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Oakland, CA (2025)

Oakland is a part of the San Francisco Bay Area, along with other large cities like San Francisco and San Jose.

Despite its large population, there aren't many colleges or universities within the city. However, there are many in the surrounding Bay Area.

Keep reading to discover some of the best universities and colleges near Oakland, CA.

Featured Colleges in Oakland, California

Students can find dozens of excellent colleges and universities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Below, we've featured some top universities and colleges near Oakland, CA.

1. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay is a public university in Hayward, a city less than 20 miles from Oakland. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available through the four colleges within the university:

• College of Business and Economics
• College of Education and Allied Studies
• College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• College of Science

Cal State East Bay was founded as a member of the California State University System in 1857. Today, it enrolls nearly 14,000 students, primarily in undergraduate programs.

2. Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California is a private university in San Rafael, a city about a half-hour north of Oakland. It primarily offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• Business
• Computer Science
• Education
• Health Sciences and Nursing

The university was established in 1890. It currently enrolls just under 2,000 students on a sprawling 80-acre campus.

3. Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic liberal arts college in the Oakland suburb of Moraga. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through four schools within the college:

• Kalmanovitz School of Education
• School of Economics and Business Administration
• School of Liberal Arts
• School of Science

Saint Mary's College of California was founded as a college for men in 1863. Today, it enrolls over 2,500 students, both men and women.

4. Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University is a private health sciences university based in Oakland, CA. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in areas of health science like:

• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Podiatry

The university was established in 1909. It currently enrolls just under 2,000 students and boasts an exceptionally high graduation rate and licensure rate.

5. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a public research university in San Francisco. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• Business
• Education
• Fine Arts
• Social Sciences

San Francisco State University was founded in 1899 and joined the California State University system in 1960. Today, it enrolls over 25,000 students.

6. San Jose State University

San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and online and graduate degrees on campus.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences

Established in 1857, the university is the founding campus of the California State University system and one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. It currently enrolls over 35,000 students.

7. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a private catholic university in Santa Clara, a city on the southern point of the San Francisco Bay. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Legal Studies

Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 and is the oldest operating institution in the state. Today, it enrolls nearly 10,000 students across six colleges and schools.

8. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, a city diagonally across the bay from Oakland. It offers bachelor's programs on campus and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Health and Biological Sciences
• Social Sciences

The university was established in 1885. It currently enrolls over 18,000 and is known for its research and contributions to science.

9. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, a city that borders Oakland to the north. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Biological Sciences
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Social Sciences

UC Berkeley was founded in 1868 as the first member of the University of California system. Today, it's the second-largest in the system with an enrollment of over 45,000 students.

10. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university in San Francisco. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees through five colleges and schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• School of Education
• School of Law
• School of Management
• School of Nursing and Health Professions

The university was established in 1855 and sits between the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. It currently enrolls nearly 10,000 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Oakland, California?

The biggest school in the San Francisco Bay area is UC Berkeley, which enrolled 45,307 students in the fall of 2022.

Of schools in the city of Oakland, the largest is Samuel Merritt University, which enrolls 1,911 students according to the most recent data.

How To Choose the Right College Near Oakland, California

There are a few things to consider when choosing a college near Oakland, CA. These include:

• Does the college have a good program for your chosen major?
• Where is the college located?
• How much is tuition?
• What financial aid options are available?

Paying for Your Degree Near Oakland, California

Using financial aid options like scholarships, federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities can help you pay for your degree, no matter what school you choose.

Start by filling out your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help you discover what financial aid you're eligible for.

Start Your Degree Near Oakland, California Today

There are many fantastic universities and colleges near Oakland, California. Check out the featured programs above and find the perfect school in the Bay Area today!