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
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.
| Institution Name | City | State | Website | Degree Levels Offered | Modality | Profit Status (CNTLAFFI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Christian College | Fresno | CA | www.calchristiancollege.edu | Associates Bachelors |
Campus | No |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno | CA | www.fresnostate.edu | Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Clovis Community College | Fresno | CA | www.cloviscollege.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |
| Fresno City College | Fresno | CA | www.fresnocitycollege.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |
| Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | CA | www.fresno.edu | Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Lyle's College of Beauty | Fresno | CA | lylescolleges.com | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Milan Institute-Fresno | Fresno | CA | www.milaninstitute.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Fresno | Fresno | CA | paulmitchell.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| State Center Community College District | Fresno | CA | www.scccd.edu | Certificates Associates |
No | |
| UEI College-Fresno | Fresno | CA | www.uei.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |