Colleges Near Costa Mesa, California
Looking for information about the best colleges and universities serving Costa Mesa? Here's your guide to the top schools offering degrees to students in the area, including institutions located within 20 miles of Costa Mesa, California.
There are at least 55 colleges serving the area, including 27 private colleges and universities, 3 public colleges and universities, and 11 community colleges offering 2-year degrees.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Costa Mesa, with details about cost, enrollment, student type and degree offerings. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Costa Mesa, California Colleges by the Numbers
Associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions near Costa Mesa, California have been growing over the past 5 years. In 2022, students completed 80,699 doctorates at colleges and universities near Costa Mesa. That was an increase of 23% from completions reported in 2018.
Schools with Degree Completions
Est. Total Completions in 2022
Est. Completions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top School For Adults & Online Students
Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,444
Completions By Degree
1,820
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Private Colleges & Universities Offering Degrees Near Costa Mesa, California
There are at least 27 schools offering degrees near Costa Mesa, California, and 27 are four-year private colleges or universities where about 32,187 undergraduate students were enrolled. In 2022, a total of 16,206 degrees were completed at private colleges and universities, including 8,470 that were offered online.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in the Costa Mesa, California area. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2022, 1,011 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 94 associate degrees, 676 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,444
Completions By Degree
1,820
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Hope International University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Hope International University. In 2022, 158 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 9 associate degrees, 140 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
619
Completions By Degree
307
Est. Online Degree Availability
52%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Biola University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Biola University. In 2022, 844 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 367 master's degrees, and 66 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,592
Completions By Degree
1,277
Est. Online Degree Availability
18%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
California University of Management and Sciences is a non-accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at California University of Management and Sciences. In 2022, 30 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1 bachelor's degree, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
31
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Massachusetts Global is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and most programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of Massachusetts Global. In 2022, 1,688 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 157 associate degrees, 1,211 bachelor's degrees, and 158 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,019
Completions By Degree
3,214
Est. Online Degree Availability
88%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Concordia University-Irvine is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Concordia University-Irvine. In 2022, 923 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 440 bachelor's degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,580
Completions By Degree
1,387
Est. Online Degree Availability
67%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Vanguard University of Southern California is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Vanguard University of Southern California. In 2022, 420 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 126 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,972
Completions By Degree
546
Est. Online Degree Availability
23%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America. In 2022, 34 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 9 bachelor's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
41
Completions By Degree
49
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Marshall B Ketchum University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Doctoral degrees are the most popular at Marshall B Ketchum University. In 2022, 159 doctoral degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 56 master's degrees, were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
215
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Grace Mission University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Grace Mission University. In 2022, 9 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 4 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
68
Completions By Degree
13
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Soka University of America is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Soka University of America. In 2022, 97 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 4 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
435
Completions By Degree
101
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Haven University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Haven University. In 2022, 5 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1 bachelor's degree, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
22
Completions By Degree
6
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Chapman University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Chapman University. In 2022, 2,104 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 603 master's degrees, and 357 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
7,469
Completions By Degree
3,064
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Argosy University-Orange County is a non-accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Argosy University-Orange County. In 2022, 45 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 2 associate degrees, 30 bachelor's degrees, and 30 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
145
Completions By Degree
107
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
American University of Health Sciences is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at American University of Health Sciences. In 2022, 77 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 36 master's degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
369
Completions By Degree
137
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
South Baylo University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at South Baylo University. In 2022, 80 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
90
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Trinity Law School is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Trinity Law School. In 2022, 46 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
86
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Bethesda University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Bethesda University. In 2022, 32 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 26 bachelor's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
264
Completions By Degree
60
Est. Online Degree Availability
97%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Laguna College of Art and Design is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Laguna College of Art and Design. In 2022, 119 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 12 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
735
Completions By Degree
131
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Daybreak University is a non-accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Daybreak University. In 2022, 11 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
13
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Anaheim is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Doctoral degrees are the most popular at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Anaheim. In 2022, 43 doctoral degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 42 master's degrees, were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
85
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Orange County is a non-accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-Orange County. In 2022, 123 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 41 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
558
Completions By Degree
164
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
California Intercontinental University is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Doctoral degrees are the most popular at California Intercontinental University. In 2022, 64 doctoral degrees were completed. In addition, 7 associate degrees, 8 bachelor's degrees, 31 master's degrees, were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
160
Completions By Degree
110
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Westcliff University is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Westcliff University. In 2022, 566 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 131 bachelor's degrees, and 62 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,299
Completions By Degree
759
Est. Online Degree Availability
94%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Touro University Worldwide is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Touro University Worldwide. In 2022, 615 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 9 associate degrees, 120 bachelor's degrees, and 66 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
425
Completions By Degree
810
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Western State College of Law at Argosy University is a non-accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Doctoral degrees are the most popular at Western State College of Law at Argosy University. In 2022, 99 doctoral degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Completions By Degree
99
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
West Coast University-Orange County is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at West Coast University-Orange County. In 2022, 1,019 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 483 master's degrees, and 23 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,971
Completions By Degree
1,525
Est. Online Degree Availability
35%
Completions by Program Area
Public Colleges & Universities Near Costa Mesa, California
There are 3 four-year public colleges located near Costa Mesa, California. About 98,705 students were enrolled in undergraduate programs, and about 33,973 degrees were completed at public colleges near Costa Mesa. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of California-Irvine is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of California-Irvine. In 2022, 9,011 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,750 master's degrees, and 763 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
29,438
Completions By Degree
11,524
Est. Online Degree Availability
1%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
California State University-Fullerton is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at California State University-Fullerton. In 2022, 9,717 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,567 master's degrees, and 80 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
35,502
Completions By Degree
11,364
Est. Online Degree Availability
26%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
California State University-Long Beach is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at California State University-Long Beach. In 2022, 9,259 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,772 master's degrees, and 54 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
33,765
Completions By Degree
11,085
Est. Online Degree Availability
3%
Completions by Program Area
Community Colleges Near Costa Mesa, California
There are 11 community colleges near Costa Mesa, California where students can earn 2-year associate degrees. In 2022, about 152,786 students were enrolled in undergraduate courses at community colleges near Costa Mesa, and about 30,138 associate degrees were completed.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Orange Coast College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
15,761
Completions By Degree
2,366
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Coastline Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,719
Completions By Degree
1,407
Est. Online Degree Availability
98%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Long Beach City College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
19,918
Completions By Degree
2,554
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Santiago Canyon College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
11,327
Completions By Degree
1,480
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Cerritos College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
17,437
Completions By Degree
2,591
Est. Online Degree Availability
95%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Golden West College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
8,830
Completions By Degree
4,002
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Cypress College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
12,090
Completions By Degree
1,668
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Irvine Valley College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
9,140
Completions By Degree
4,236
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Fullerton College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
16,287
Completions By Degree
3,497
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Saddleback College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
15,431
Completions By Degree
3,760
Est. Online Degree Availability
13%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Santa Ana College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
20,846
Completions By Degree
2,577
Est. Online Degree Availability
8%
Completions by Program Area
Affordable Colleges Near Costa Mesa, California
Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree near Costa Mesa, California? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Costa Mesa-area's 4-year nonprofit schools is $25,196. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools near Costa Mesa is $18,517, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Colleges Serving Costa Mesa, California
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Costa Mesa, California is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Costa Mesa, California here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Bethesda University
- Biola University
- Haven University
- Chapman University
- Concordia University-Irvine
- Laguna College of Art and Design
- University of Massachusetts Global
- Soka University of America
- Hope International University
- Trinity Law School
- South Baylo University
- Vanguard University of Southern California
- Marshall B Ketchum University
- Touro University Worldwide
- Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Anaheim
- Grace Mission University
- Orange Coast College
- Coastline Community College
- Long Beach City College
- Santiago Canyon College
- Cerritos College
- Golden West College
- Cypress College
- Irvine Valley College
- Fullerton College
- Saddleback College
- Santa Ana College
- American University of Health Sciences
- West Coast University-Orange County
- California Intercontinental University
- Westcliff University
Costa Mesa, California Job Market & Opportunities
What happens after you earn your college degree in Costa Mesa? What's the Costa Mesa, California job market outlook? Get a snapshot of jobs and careers, including annual job openings, median earnings and more.
In 2022, there were about 8,919,263 jobs in the Costa Mesa, California area. From 2021-2022, job growth in Costa Mesa was above the national average, at 4.2%. There were 1,155,056 job openings in the area. In terms of earnings, workers in Costa Mesa do better than the national average, with an average hourly pay of $23.17.