The 5 Best Colleges Near Barstow, California

Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Barstow, California, serves as a pivotal transportation hub with its intertwining highways and railway systems. While the city is renowned for its unique desert landscape and proximity to attractions like Calico Ghost Town, it’s also positioned relatively close to some of Southern California’s finest institutions of higher learning. If you're considering attending college near Barstow, here's a guide to the five best options:

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

Approximately an hour’s drive from Barstow, CSUSB is a public university known for its dedication to student success and research. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, spanning from arts to sciences. The university takes pride in its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, which is evident in its diverse student body and range of cultural programs. CSUSB’s palm-tree-lined campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty make it a top choice for those in the region.

University of California, Riverside (UCR)

A little further southwest from Barstow, you'll find UCR nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire. As part of the esteemed University of California system, UCR is renowned for its research initiatives and boasts numerous accolades for its programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The campus is home to the UCR Botanic Gardens, a 40-acre living plant museum. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and innovation, UCR offers students a vibrant, dynamic learning environment.

Loma Linda University (LLU) 

Loma Linda University is a health sciences institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Approximately 70 miles from Barstow, LLU specializes in healthcare professions, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and dentistry. Their holistic approach to education integrates faith, health, and learning, making it a unique institution dedicated to service and health advocacy.

Victor Valley College (VVC)

Located just a stone’s throw away from Barstow, Victor Valley College is a community college that provides quality, affordable education to the residents of the High Desert region. VVC offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in areas such as arts, sciences, and vocational training. The campus features a planetarium, an advanced aviation program, and a strong commitment to supporting local students in their academic journeys.

Crafton Hills College

Positioned in the scenic foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Crafton Hills College is another excellent community college option for Barstow residents. With an emphasis on transfer education, the college has numerous partnerships with 4-year universities. Their programs in respiratory care and emergency services are especially noteworthy. The serene, natural backdrop of the campus provides a peaceful learning environment for students.

Barstow, with its desert beauty and rich history, may not be the bustling epicenter of academic pursuits. However, its strategic location places it near some of Southern California's top colleges and universities. Whether you're seeking a two-year program or aiming for a doctoral degree, the vicinity of Barstow offers a diverse array of institutions to cater to every academic aspiration.