Higher Education Opportunities in Ventura, California

Ventura, California is a vibrant seaside community located on the Southern California coast in Ventura County. While perhaps best known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and temperate climate, Ventura also offers exceptional opportunities for higher education.

The city is home to one public university campus, one private university campus, one community college, and a research institution—providing access to undergraduate programs, graduate and professional degree programs, vocational certificates, and continuing education courses across diverse fields of study.

Whether you’re a prospective student seeking the right college fit, a lifelong learner aiming to acquire new skills, or simply interested in learning more about Ventura’s academic landscape, this local guide outlines key features of colleges and universities located right here in our coastal community.

Ventura College

Ventura College is Ventura’s local community college, enrolling over 13,000 students annually in associate degree and certificate programs across more than 100 majors. With its exceptional transfer programs, career-ready offerings, and range of student services, Ventura College provides accessible and affordable higher education to the community.

Academics & Areas of Study

Ventura College confers Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions. Popular majors include:

• Business
• Computer Science
• Health Sciences
• Liberal Arts

The college also offers vocational Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) and over 40 certificate programs in career-oriented fields like:

• Automotive Technology
• Construction Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Paramedic Studies
• Welding Technology

This range of programming suits students seeking direct workforce entry as well as those aiming to further studies at public and private universities.

Key Programs & Areas of Distinction

• Nursing: Ventura College nursing graduates consistently achieve stellar first-time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). The program maintains strong hospital and clinical partnerships to provide robust hands-on training.
• Global Studies: Students interested in global issues can complete an International Studies degree, augmented by study abroad options including exchanges in countries like South Korea, France, Austria, and more.
• Honors College: Those seeking an enriched academic curriculum can apply to the Ventura College Honors College, featuring smaller seminar-style classes, research projects, and other benefits.
• Athletics: As a member of the Western State Conference, Ventura College has 12 competitive intercollegiate sports teams, from basketball to cross country to football and more. State-of-the-art wellness facilities support student-athlete development on and off the field.

Student Life

Beyond the classroom, Ventura College empowers students to explore interests and access support through diverse student life programming, including:

Clubs & Organizations

With over 50 student clubs ranging from cultural groups to professional organizations and honor societies, students can connect over shared identities and ambitions. Some popular clubs include:

• Black Student Union
• Engineering Club
• Model United Nations
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Events & Activities

Special programming like musical performances, cultural heritage celebrations, lectures by high-profile figures and more give students a break from academics to gather with peers. Favorite yearly happenings range from:

• Coastal Cleanup Days
• Dia de Los Muertos Festivities
• Ventura College Promise Speakers Series

Support Services

To foster student wellbeing and success, Ventura College offers counseling, advising, tutoring, disability accommodations, employment assistance, food pantries, mental health services and more—free of charge.

Facilities & Campus Atmosphere

Situated at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains with views of the Channel Islands, Ventura College’s 112-acre campus provides a beautiful setting for learning. Modern educational facilities include:

• Performing Arts Complex housing theater, dance and music spaces
• Athletic Center with a fully-equipped fitness room, 25-yard pool and more
• Library and Learning Resource Center with multimedia tools, digital archives and expansive study areas

The grounds also feature comfortable indoor and outdoor gathering spots—from quiet reflection ponds to bustling dining patios—that encourage meaning connection outside instructional environments. With 60% of Ventura College students aged 24 and under, the campus maintains a youthful, energetic ambience.

Admissions & Aid

As California residents themselves, Ventura College students pay low in-state tuition of $46 per unit, with additional fees averaging under $900 annually in total. Financial assistance is available via:

• Federal Pell Grants
• California Promise Grants
• Ventura College Promise Grant (covering first year tuition for recent local high school graduates)
• Scholarships

With open access policies, the college accepts all students possessing a high school degree equivalent. Exceptions include students in the Nursing program, which applies selective entry criteria due to incredible demand.

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California State University Channel Islands

As Ventura County’s first four-year public university, California State University Channel Islands (CI) provides local access to high-quality Baccalaureate and Graduate level programming, research opportunities and more—all with a student-centered approach.

Academics & Areas of Study

CSU Channel Islands offers over 25 Bachelor’s degrees in fields like:

• Arts and Humanities
• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Health and Human Development
• Math and Sciences

The university also has 10 Master’s programs, including niche degrees in:

• Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• Education Programs with teaching credentials
• Computer Science

Other academic highlights include:

Research Initiatives

Undergraduate students participate in highly-regarded research initiatives through the CI Scholar’s Program. In particular, the university’s location within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area facilitates ecology and biodiversity studies.

Study Abroad Exchanges

Students can incorporate international experience via study abroad exchanges with over 36 global university partners spanning 15 countries.

Student Life

The Dolphin experience extends beyond coursework via diverse involvement opportunities like:

Clubs and Organizations

• Academic groups like Model United Nations
• Cultural associations, such as MECha which supports the Latinx community
• Recreational clubs like surfing, gaming and more

Events and Activities

Signature CSUCI happenings range from concerts in the grove, to Lantern Floating ceremonies honoring graduates.

Support Services

Wellness programming supports mental health, survivors of abuse, members of marginalized communities and other students via free workshops, counseling, basic needs assistance and more.

Facilities and Campus Atmosphere

CSU Channel Island’s modern campus spans 1,200 acres in Camarillo, abutting the Western edge of Ventura. State-of-the-art facilities include:

John Spoor Broome Library

This impressive, light-filled library provides extensive academic resources, multimedia studios, laptop vending services and panoramic mountain-to-ocean views.

Manzanita and Anacapa Student Housing

Contemporary, LEED-certified housing villages create accessible on-campus living options just steps from classes and amenities.

With over 60% of students hailing from Ventura County itself, CSUCI maintains an intimate, spirited campus culture focused on community betterment.

Admissions and Aid

As a public university, CSU Channel Islands offers a high caliber yet affordable education. Estimated annual costs average just $7,400 for in-state tuition and fees. Admissions are reasonably accessible for California residents with:

• GPAs over 3.0
• SAT scores over 940
• ACT scores over 18

Merit scholarships, Pell grants and room/board waivers make an CI education financially within reach.

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Thomas Aquinas College

While Ventura County lacks extensive private college options, Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) provides a special opportunity to pursue Liberal Arts studies rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Academics & Areas of Study

Thomas Aquinas College follows an integrated Great Books curriculum guided by philosophical ideals—rather than conventional majors/disciplines. Discussions with expert faculty are the focal point. All students complete a unified sequence spanning:

The First Two Years

• Seminal texts on logic, ethics, mathematics, natural science
• Works by Aristotle, Ptolemy, Galileo and other historical great thinkers

The Final Two Years

• Interdisciplinary exploration of theology, philosophy, political science and literature classics
• Influential works by Augustine, Shakespeare, St. Thomas Aquinas and more

Student Life

TAC nurtures discovery beyond instruction through:

Traditions & Celebrations

Beloved occasional events range from festive Homecoming Weekends to Honors Convocations recognizing students’ intellectual and creative achievements.

Clubs & Organizations

• The college has over a dozen clubs tied to academics, arts, culture/identity and faith
• Notable groups include pro-life advocates, the jazz ensemble and yearbook club

Continuing Studies

Lifelong learning events—like summer programs and guest lecture series—give regional residents a taste of the distinctive TAC classroom experience.

Facilities & Campus Culture

Thomas Aquinas resides upon a gorgeous 150-acre Santa Paula campus, complete with mission-style architecture boasting views of the Topatopa Mountains and Santa Clara River Valley. With just 400 students enrolled at a time, the grounds facilitate meaningful connections. Sports and recreation are not formally offered, allowing full immersion in the contemplative academic environment.

Admissions & Affordability

As a private Catholic college, TAC maintains selective admissions requisites including:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• ACT score over 23
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Admissions interview

While yearly tuition tops $24,000, the majority of students receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, student employment and loans.

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Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Ventura also provides proximity to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI)—one of the world’s premier ocean science research institutions.

Academics & Areas of Study

While HBOI does not offer undergraduate or typical graduate degrees, it facilitates:

Postdoctoral Research

Opportunities exist for scientists to conduct research in residence following Ph.D. conferral with expert faculty mentors.

Marine-Focused Coursework

Select classes in specialized ocean science topics are available via HBOI’s partnership with 4-year research university, Florida Atlantic University.

Research & Areas of Distinction

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute thrives in 3 primary realms:

Drug Discovery

• Scientists leverage the untapped potential of marine organisms to develop new pharmaceutical compounds combatting cancer, infections, pain and more.

Marine Ecosystem Conservation

• Research informs policy and action protecting vulnerable ocean habitats and endangered species ranging from coral reefs to right whales.

Ocean Engineering

• Engineers pioneer submersibles, aquatic sensors and instruments advancing how we access, study and harness resources in the deep sea.

These initiatives engage partners from research centers, biopharmaceutical companies, conservation non-profits and government agencies across the globe.

Facilities & Resources

Situated on the Indian River Lagoon just over the county line, HBOI’s facilities astound:

• Johnson-Sea-Link Submersibles: these advanced manned vehicles journey over 30,000 feet under sea facilitating discoveries no robot can.
• Seawater Research Aquariums: totaling over 450,000 gallons, these tanks enable up-close experimentation with living marine species.
• Plus extensive benchtop labs, sequencing technology, specialty microscopy equipment enabling science seen nowhere else.

Getting Involved

While not a traditional academic institution, community members can still engage with HBOI’s groundbreaking work via:

Public Lectures & Events

Free programming gives locals a window into the exciting exploration underway down the shoreline.

Volunteer Initiatives

Citizen scientists help collect data during coastal cleanups and biological surveys documenting local ecological shifts.

Student Research Apprenticeships

Qualified high school and undergraduate students periodically gain hands-on research experience under esteemed mentors during summer internships.

So while you may come to Ventura for the beaches, stay for the world-class colleges, universities and research! This guide provides merely a taste of Ventura’s exceptional higher education opportunities—contact individual institutions to learn more about how our local academic community can facilitate your goals.