10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Sunnyvale, CA

Sunnyvale, California, sits on the southern shore of the San Francisco Bay, just outside of San Jos�. It's not far from other big cities like San Francisco and Oakland, which means it's not far from a variety of schools, either.

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

Featured Colleges near Sunnyvale, CA

Students in Sunnyvale have access to many of the fantastic colleges and universities in the Bay Area.

While there are currently no colleges or universities located directly in the city of Sunnyvale, CA, the surrounding area is home to numerous higher education opportunities. We've listed some of the best universities and colleges near Sunnyvale, California, below in alphabetical order.

Other Colleges Available Near Sunnyvale, CA

California College of the Arts

The California College of the Arts is a private art school in San Francisco. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Students can earn degrees in the college's four core disciplines:

• architecture
• design
• fine arts
• humanities and science

The university was established in 1907. Today, it enrolls about 1,500 art students.

California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay is a public research university in Hayward, on the East Bay. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through three 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 is a member of the California State University system. It was founded in 1957 and currently enrolls over 13,500 students.

Menlo College

Menlo College is a private, business-focused college in Atherton, a city about 12 miles up the west bay. It offers bachelor's degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• accounting and finance
• business administration
• marketing
• psychology

The college was established in 1927 and currently enrolls 800 students.

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University is a private university in Palo Alto, just outside of Sunnyvale. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

The university focuses on counseling and psychology and includes graduate degrees in clinical psychology and clinical mental health counseling.

Palo Alto University was founded in 1975. It currently enrolls just over 1,100 students, primarily graduate students.

Saint Mary's University of California

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic college in Moraga, roughly 33 miles north of Sunnyvale. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees through the college's four schools:

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

The university was established in 1863. Today, it enrolls over 2,750 students.

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.

Degrees are available through the six colleges within the university:

• College of Ethnic Studies
• College of Health and Social Sciences
• College of Liberal and Creative Arts
• College of Science and Engineering
• Graduate College of Education
• Lam Family College of Business
• College of Professional and Global Education

San Francisco State University was founded in 1899 and enrolls over 25,000 students. It's part of the California State University system and is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution.

San Jos� State University

San Jos� State University is a public university in nearby San Jos�. It's part of the California State University system and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

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

The university was founded in 1857, and it's the oldest public university in the state. Today, it enrolls around 37,750 students across its nine colleges.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a Catholic private university in Santa Clara, just outside of Sunnyvale. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available through the university's six colleges and schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Leavey School of Business
• School of Engineering
• School of Education and Counseling Psychology
• School of Law
• School of Theology

Santa Clara University was established in 1851 and is the oldest institution of higher learning still operating in the state. It currently enrolls over 9,000 students.

Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, about eight miles up the shore from Sunnyvale. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• business
• computer and information sciences
• engineering
• social sciences

The university was founded in 1885, and today enrolls over 18,000 students through its seven colleges and schools.

University of California, Santa Cruz

The University of California, Santa Cruz is a public research university in Santa Cruz, about 27 miles south of Sunnyvale. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biological and biomedical sciences
• computer and information sciences
• social sciences
• visual and performing arts

UCSC was established in 1965 as part of the University of California system. It currently enrolls nearly 19,500 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Sunnyvale, California?

The biggest college near Sunnyvale, California, is San Jos� State University, with 37,750 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Sunnyvale, California

There are several questions you can ask yourself to help you choose the right college. These include:

• What is the best college for your major?
• What college has the best location?
• What format are classes offered in?
• What extracurricular activities are available?
• What is the total cost of tuition and fees?
• What financial aid is available?

Paying for Your Degree Near Sunnyvale, California

Degrees are expensive, but financial aid is available to students. This can include scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

To find out what financial aid you qualify for, fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your Degree Near Sunnyvale, California Today

There are many excellent universities and colleges near Sunnyvale, California. Check out the featured programs above to find the best college for you today.