10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Santa Clara, CA

Located in the South of California's famous Bay Area, Santa Clara is an excellent place to earn a college degree.

Colleges near Santa Clara, California offer students a wide range of different types of college degrees.

Modern degree programs are typically flexible enough to accommodate working students and can help you advance in your career.

Featured Colleges Near Santa Clara, CA

Here are some of our favorite colleges near Santa Clara, California.

1. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University (SCU) has the distinction of being California's oldest institution of higher learning.

SCU was founded in 1851 and combines the Jesuit tradition with an emphasis on technological innovation and creativity.

The university fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and values community outreach and positive global impact.

Students will be able to choose from over 50 majors and the financial needs of students are supported through a range of financial aid programs.

2. Menlo College

Menlo College is a small private college that is perfect for ambitious students with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Students will be able to master both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the modern economy in degrees such as psychology and business.

The student body comes from 88 countries around the world and is highly diverse.

Menlo College's experience-based learning format has supported many innovative entrepreneurs and leaders.

3. University of Silicon Valley

The University of Silicon Valley (USV) is another excellent choice for a college near Santa Clara, California.

USV emphasizes areas of study such as game design, digital arts, audio and media, computer science, and business technology.

Students will benefit from a practical education and personal mentorship from experienced industry leaders.

Graduates often go on to work at major companies such as Atari, Nvidia, and Intel.

4. San Jose State University

San Jose State University (SJSU) is a large public university that supports the learning needs of over 35,000 students.

SJSU has over 300,000 alumni and offers students a rich network for social and professional opportunities.

The University spends over $65 million on research each year and is second in the California state university system for research productivity.

5. Foothill College

Foothill College (FC) is a great choice for students who want to earn a degree flexibly in the Bay Area.

The college has an enrollment of around 13,000 and offers in-person, hybrid, and online learning options.

FC has a diverse student body and supports many adult and professional students as they complete valuable degrees.

Students will be able to access many high-quality learning resources as well as health and wellness support.

6. Sofia University

Sofia University is an innovative institution that presents an exciting option for students looking to earn a valuable degree.

Students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as psychology, business, computer science, and foreign languages.

Sofia University believes in transformational learning through meaningful relationships and real experiences.

Students can apply for merit-based academic scholarships or enter an essay contest to lower the cost of the degree.

7. Unitek College

Unitek College is a respected institution that offers cutting-edge degrees in fields relating to healthcare and medical science.

Students will be able to earn in-demand degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at an accelerated rate.

Unitek College has eight campuses in the Bay Area as well as online learning options.

The college has won awards for its record of developing healthcare leaders.

8. San Francisco Bay University

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) offers students the chance to earn career-focused degrees in a welcoming learning environment.

Students will master cutting-edge technologies and gain the confidence to compete in the fast-paced modern job market.

SFBU offers degrees in areas such as business, engineering, education, and language studies.

The university is committed to sustainable education and makes sure a college degree is accessible to as many students as possible.

9. Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a highly respected private university that emphasizes psychology and counseling degrees.

PAU students will take a deep dive into the human condition and gain the skills needed to support the mental health of a diverse population.

The university is a nonprofit organization and is committed to equitable access to both education and counseling.

10. California State University East Bay

California State University East Bay (CSUEB) offers students an efficient path to a valuable college degree.

CSUEB degrees are designed to accommodate the scheduling needs of professional and nontraditional students.

CSUEB is a public university that offers degree programs in over 130 areas of study.

Students can schedule a campus visit to get a sense of the atmosphere they will be studying in.

What Is the Biggest School Near Santa Clara, California?

San Jose State University (SJSU) is the largest college near Santa Clara, California.

SJSU has a total enrollment of 35,751 students and offers degrees at all levels of study.

How To Choose the Right College Near Santa Clara, California

Each student will have specific criteria they use to evaluate a college.

Degree programs offered, campus atmosphere, cost, financial aid options, and location are typically important factors.

Schedule a visit to any potential university to make sure you like the campus and facilities.

It's also worth researching the course catalog and areas of emphasis in any degree program you are interested in to make sure it will support your needs.

Paying for Your Degree Near Santa Clara, California

Paying for college can be a challenge but there are many ways to lower out-of-pocket costs and make a degree affordable.

Filling out the FAFSA form is the first step to determining what forms of need-based funding, such as the federal Pell Grant, you might be available for.

Speak with the financial aid team about all possible forms of aid such as academic merit scholarships and other institutional funding programs.

Start Your Degree Near Santa Clara, California Today

Finding the perfect college near Santa Clara, California is the perfect way to advance your career through education. Identify a program that fits your needs and get started right away.