10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Oceanside, CA

Oceanside sits on the coast of California between Los Angeles and San Diego.

This location, between the two largest cities in the state, the city is close to some of the top schools in California.

Keep reading to discover top universities and colleges near Oceanside, California.

Featured Colleges in Oceanside, CA

Oceanside is surrounded by many excellent colleges and universities thanks to its location between LA and San Diego.

Below, we've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Oceanside, California in alphabetical order.

1. California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, just south of Oceanside. 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 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.

Students at Columbia College can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Human Services
• Nursing

The college was first established in 1851. It currently enrolls over 6,000 students through multiple campuses and online programs.

3. Laguna College of Art and Design

The Laguna College of Art and Design is a private college in Laguna Beach, around 40 miles north of Oceanside It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Drawing
• Game Design
• Graphic Design
• Painting

LCAD was founded in 1961. Today, it enrolls nearly 800 students in fine arts programs.

4. MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College is a public college in Oceanside. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business and Technology
• Health Sciences
• Language, Communication, and Humanities
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

The college was established in 1934 and currently 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 fields such as:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Psychology

PLNU was founded in 1902 as a Bible college. Today, it enrolls about 4,300 students, with business and health sciences as the most popular fields of study.

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 areas of study like:

• Business
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences

The university was established in 1897 and is one of the oldest in the California State University system. It currently enrolls nearly 37,500 students.

7. Soka University of America

Soka University of America is a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, 40 miles north of Oceanside.

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 Soka University of America was founded in 1987. Today, it enrolls roughly 450 students and maintains ties with its sister school, Soka University, in Japan.

8. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, about 45 miles north of Oceanside. 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

The university was established in 1965 and is one of the newer members of the University of California system. It currently 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.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Psychology

UCSD is part of the University of California system and was founded in 1960. Today, it 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.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Homeland Security and Criminal Justice

The university was established as a college for women in 1949 and currently enrolls about 8,800 students, both men and women.

What Is the Biggest School Near Oceanside, California?

The biggest college near Oceanside, California is the University of California, San Diego, with more than 42,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Oceanside, California

When choosing the right college, there are a few things to consider. These include:

• Your intended program of study
• The location of the college
• The format of classes
• The extracurriculars and on-campus activities available
• Tuition and fees
• Financial aid opportunities

Paying for Your Degree Near Oceanside, California

Most students use financial aid to help pay for their education. You can find out what you qualify for by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid may be in the form of federal grants, scholarships, student loans, work-study opportunities, or all of the above.

Start Your Degree Near Oceanside, California Today

There are many great universities and colleges near Oceanside, California.

Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect fit for you today.