10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Orange, CA

Orange is a city in Orange County that sits between Anaheim and Irvine. It's perhaps best known for its historically preserved Old Town District.

The city's location in the Greater Los Angeles area means it's near everything the region has to offer, including a variety of colleges and universities.

Keep reading to discover some of the best colleges near Orange, California.

Featured Colleges in Orange, California

Students can find many excellent colleges and universities within and near Orange. We've listed some of the best colleges near Orange, California, below in alphabetical order.

1. Bethesda University

Bethesda University is a private Christian university in Anaheim, about seven miles north of Orange. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• early childhood education
• ministry and biblical studies
• music

Bethesda University was founded in 1976. Today, it enrolls just under 300 students.

2. Biola University

Biola University is a private Christian university 15 miles northwest of Orange in La Mirada. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Students can earn degrees through the university's nine schools in fields such as:

• business
• psychology
• theology and religion
• visual arts

The university was established as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles in 1908 and currently enrolls over 5,000 students.

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton is a public research university in Fullerton, about eight miles straight north of Orange. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

Cal State Fullerton was founded in 1957. Today, it enrolls over 40,000 students, making it the largest university in the California State University system.

4. Chapman University

Chapman University is a private university in Orange. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• visual and performing arts

The university was established in 1861. It currently enrolls over 10,000 students across its 11 colleges and schools.

5. Chicago School at Anaheim

The Chicago School is a private university based in Chicago. It has campuses across the United States, including a graduate campus in Anaheim.

Master's and doctoral degrees are available in three areas of study:

• marriage and family therapy
• organizational leadership
• psychology

The original campus of The Chicago School was founded in 1979. Today, the Anaheim campus enrolls about 500 graduate students, most of them in psychology programs.

6. Concordia University, Irvine

Concordia University, Irvine is a private Lutheran university 15 miles south of Orang in Irvine. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• coaching and exercise science
• education
• health sciences and nursing

The university is part of the national Concordia University system and was established in 1976. It currently enrolls over 3,700 students.

7. Hope International University

Hope International University is a private Christian university in Fullerton, about eight miles north of Orange. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in person and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• psychology
• theology and religious studies

Hope International University was founded in 1928 as the Pacific Bible Seminary Today, it enrolls just over 1,100 students.

8. Santiago Canyon College

Santiago Canyon College is a public community college in Orange. It offers associate degrees and certificates on campus and online.

Students can earn degrees and certificates in fields such as:

• business
• engineering
• liberal arts
• psychology

The college was established in 1985 and is part of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. It currently enrolls nearly 11,700 students.

9. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, less than 15 miles south of Orange. 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

UC Irvine is part of the University of California system and was founded in 1965. Today, it enrolls almost 36,000 students.

10. Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, roughly 12 miles southwest of Orange. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences and nursing
• psychology

The university was established in 1920 and currently enrolls about 2,250 students, most of them in undergraduate programs.

What Is the Biggest School Near Orange, California?

The largest college near Orange, California is Cal State Fullerton, with over 40,000 students. It's also the largest in the California State University system.

How To Choose the Right College Near Orange, California

Choosing the right college can be difficult. There are a few things to consider, including:

• your intended program of study
• location of the school
• format of classes
• extracurriculars available
• tuition and fees
• financial aid options

Paying for Your Degree Near Orange, California

Many students use financial aid to pay for their degrees. To find out what you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid usually includes things like grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. Some students may use a combination of these to pay for their education.

Start Your Degree Near Orange, California Today

Orange is conveniently located near a variety of universities and colleges. Check out our featured colleges near Orange, California today to find the perfect school for you.