The Top Colleges near Ventura, California: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're planning to pursue higher education in Ventura, California, you're in luck. The area boasts some of the best colleges in the state. From small liberal arts colleges to large research universities, there's something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore the top colleges near Ventura, their addresses, unique features, and history.

Ventura College

Distance: Less than a mile

Ventura College is a community college located in the heart of Ventura. It offers over 80 associate degree programs and certificates, including nursing, automotive technology, and culinary arts. The college is known for its highly acclaimed Performing Arts Center, which hosts music, dance, and theater performances. Ventura College also has a vibrant athletic program, with 16 men's and women's sports teams.

California State University Channel Islands

Distance: 12 miles

Located just a short drive from Ventura, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a four-year public university. It offers 26 undergraduate majors and 8 graduate programs, including nursing, education, and business. CSUCI is known for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and commitment to sustainability. The university's beautiful campus features stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Thomas Aquinas College

Distance: 14 miles

Thomas Aquinas College is a small Catholic liberal arts college located in Santa Paula, just a short drive from Ventura. It offers a unique curriculum based on the great books of Western civilization. Students read and discuss classic works of literature, philosophy, and theology, and engage in Socratic dialogue with their professors and peers. Thomas Aquinas College has been consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

California Lutheran University

Distance: 22 miles

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, a scenic city just a short drive from Ventura. It offers over 35 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs, including business, psychology, and education. CLU is known for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. The university has a beautiful campus with a Mediterranean-style architecture and stunning views of the Conejo Valley.

Ventura and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of colleges to choose from. Whether you're interested in community college, a public research university, a small liberal arts college, or a private university, there's something for everyone. From the stunning views at CSUCI to the unique curriculum at Thomas Aquinas College, these colleges offer a wealth of opportunities to pursue higher education.