6 Best Colleges and Universities Near Visalia, CA

Visalia is an inland city in the San Joaquin Valley. It sits between Bakersfield and Fresno, and while it's not particularly close to any major California cities, it still offers great opportunities for higher education.

Keep reading to discover some of the best universities and colleges near Visalia, California.

Featured Colleges in Visalia, California

While there are no universities or colleges based in Visalia, there are a few satellite campuses of larger universities. We've broken them down below.

1. California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno is a public university in Fresno, about 50 miles north of Visalia. It's South Valley campus is based in Visalia.

Bachelor's and master's programs are available in fields such as:

• business
• education
• nursing

Fresno State was founded in 1911 and is a member of the California State University system. Today, it enrolls about 24,000 students between the two campuses.

2. College of the Sequoias

College of the Sequoias is a public two-year community college in Visalia. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• business
• criminal justice
• liberal arts and humanities
• psychology

The college was established in 1926 and currently enrolls over 13,000 students.

3. Fresno City College

Fresno City College is a public community college in Fresno, about 45 miles northeast of Visalia. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

Programs are available in fields such as:

• biological and biomedical sciences
• business
• health sciences and nursing
• social sciences

Fresno City College is part of the State Center Community College District and was founded in 1910. Today, it enrolls 22,500 students.

4. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian university in Fresno with a regional campus in Visalia. This campus offers bachelor's and graduate programs.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• psychology
• social sciences

The university was established in 1944 and currently enrolls around 3,000 students through its main campus, four regional campuses, and online programs.

5. Porterville College

Porterville College is a public community college in Porterville, about 35 miles southeast of Visalia. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biological and physical sciences
• family sciences
• liberal studies
• social sciences

Porterville College was founded in 1927 and is part of the Kern Community College District. Today, it enrolls over 4,000 students.

6. Reedley College

Reedley College is a public community college in Reedley, roughly 30 miles north of Visalia. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• biological sciences
• business
• liberal arts
• psychology

The college is part of the State Center Community Colelge District and was established in 1926. It currently enrolls around 7,000 students.

Other Colleges Near Visalia, California

A few other colleges and universities are just over an hour away from Visalia. We've listed these below in alphabetical order.

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield College is a public community college in Bakersfield, about 80 miles south of Visalia. It primarily offers associate degrees and certificates, but also offers a few bachelor's degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biological sciences
• engineering
• liberal arts
• psychology

Bakersfield College was founded in 1913 and is part of the Kern Community College District. Today, it enrolls nearly 27,000 students.

Clovis Community College

Clovis Community College is a public community college in Fresno, about an hour outside of Visalia. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biological sciences
• liberal arts and humanities
• psychology
• social sciences

The college is part of the State Center Community College District and was established in 2007. It currently enrolls around 8,000 students.

California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, about 80 miles south of Visalia. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees through four schools within the university:

• Arts and Humanities
• Business and Public Administration
• Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering
• Social Sciences and Education

The university was established in 1965 and incorporated into the California State University system in 1968. It currently enrolls just under 10,000 students.

University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced is a public university in Merced, about 95 miles north of Visalia. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• biology and biological sciences
• engineering
• psychology
• social sciences

UC Merced was established in 2005 and is the most recent member of the University of California system. Today, it enrolls just over 9,000 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Visalia, California?

The biggest college near Visalia, California is Bakersfield College, with 27,000 students. Of the colleges within an hour of Visalia, Cal State Fresno is the largest, with 24,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Visalia, California

It can be hard to choose the right college. Some things to consider include:

• your intended program of study
• location, both yours and the college's
• class format (on campus, online, or both?)
• extracurriculars and campus activities
• tuition and fees
• financial aid options

Paying for Your Degree Near Visalia, California

Degrees can be expensive, so most students use a combination of grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study opportunities to pay for their education.

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

Start Your Degree Near Visalia, California Today

Students can find many colleges near Visalia, California. Check out the programs above to find your perfect fit today.