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California has no shortage of big cities, and even though Fresno isn’t often mentioned with LA, San Francisco, and San Diego, it’s still home to more than half a million people. It sits on the San Joaquin River, and the city’s European-influenced existence began as a trading town, with both the river and a Central Pacific railway station playing large parts in its growth.
Agricultural production and exportation are now the primary economic players, and there is a budding tourism scene catering to those people exploring one of the many national parks within a few hours from Fresno, including Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and the mighty Yosemite.
Universities in Fresno, CA – 4-Year Colleges and Online
As far as education goes, Fresno has a fair amount of options for a city its size, with California State University’s Fresno campus leading the way. Cal State Fresno, or Fresno State as many call it, is north of the Downtown area and has a bit of a college feel near the campus, but the city, as a whole, definitely wears its blue-collar badge proudly while still welcoming a growing arts and entertainment scene.
Other 4-year college options in Fresno include California Christian College and Fresno Pacific University.
Community Colleges in Fresno, CA
On-the-job training is popular in the agriculture and production industries, and a few schools in Fresno offer students a similar experience with certifications and other 2-year degree programs. Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, and State Center Community College all have associate programs available in Fresno, CA.
Get to Know Fresno, CA
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As mentioned above, Fresno is a large city, but it is very spread out. With that, locals say it does have a small-town feel, but all of the opportunities for work that comes with having half a million people.
For the foodies, the Mexican food in Fresno is as good as anything south of the CA border, and as a matter of fact, Fresno is the third-largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population, and the culture is spread beautifully throughout the city with vibrant murals, churches, food, and a warming friendliness that isn’t as pure in some of the other California college towns.