Best
Value Colleges in Oakland in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Oakland, California can prepare you to manage organizations, launch ventures or advance in corporate roles. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law and data analysis. Oakland-based options include Laney College, which offers business administration study, and Lincoln University, offering business degrees including an MBA. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, operations coordinator, marketing specialist or entrepreneur. Programs build communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills through projects and internships.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Oakland, California, offers coursework in developmental, cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and behavioral neuroscience. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis through classes and research. Oakland options include Mills College at Northeastern University and Laney College, where students can pursue psychology study and transfer preparation. Graduates work as case managers, health technicians, research assistants, or human services specialists; advanced clinical and counseling roles generally require graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Oakland, California, combines programming fundamentals with opportunities in the Bay Area technology sector. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects and practice problem-solving. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, web developer, data analyst, or cybersecurity specialist. Oakland study options include Northeastern University's Oakland campus and Laney College, where students can pursue computing and computer science coursework.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Oakland, CA, can lead to bachelor's or master's degree focused on human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, group work, and multicultural practice. Students complete supervised fieldwork. Courses include abnormal psychology, family counseling, addiction studies, and crisis intervention. Oakland options include Lincoln University for counseling psychology and Merritt College for addiction studies. Graduates pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, case managers, or substance-use counselors after obtaining required licensure and credentials.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Oakland, CA can prepare students for patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health, and clinical practice. Oakland options include Samuel Merritt University, known for nursing degrees, and Laney College, which offers an associate degree in nursing. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles, while additional education may lead to nurse educator, manager, or advanced practice positions.

Best Colleges in Oakland, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 31,369.0, compared with 60,534.4 for schools in the top 10%.
• An average of 95.2% of students receive financial aid, compared with 58.5% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 58.5%. Schools receive an average of 9,114.5 applicants, while top 10% schools average 16,246.9 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 4,094.5 men and 5,016.5 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,396.0, and the average ACT score is 31.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 1,286.5, including averages of 113.5 men and 173.0 women.
• The average graduation rate is 100.0%, matching the 100.0% average for top 10% schools. The median graduation rate for men is also 100.0%.
• No institutions offer associate's degrees; 4 offer bachelor's degrees, 6 offer master's degrees, and 2 offer doctoral degrees.
• There are 3 coeducational schools, with 0 schools for men and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare costs and financial aid alongside admissions measures, test scores, enrollment, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type. The figures show that top 10% schools have higher median costs and applicant averages, but a lower average share of students receiving aid, so consider how these factors align with your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Oakland, CA cost?

The average total cost of getting a degree in Oakland, California, is about $35,026, using the supplied average total-cost figure. Treat this as a broad estimate rather than a guaranteed full-program price: expenses vary by college, degree length, residency, and living arrangements. At Oakland institutions such as Laney College, Merritt College, and Mills College at Northeastern University, compare each program's published cost before enrolling.

The other reported averages offer a useful budget checklist, but they do not reconcile with the total-cost estimate, so avoid adding them together as if they describe one student's bill. The averages are:

• Tuition and fees: $38,778.50
• Room and board: $15,682.67
• Books and supplies: $896

Your cost may be lower through aid, grants, or starting at community college and transferring later. Ask schools for a net-price estimate; comparing options can make planning feel manageable and help you choose confidently.

How long does it take to finish college in Oakland, CA?

Most bachelor's degrees in Oakland take about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at a community college such as Laney College typically takes two. A master's degree generally requires one or two additional years. At California State University, East Bay, just beyond Oakland, or Oakland's Mills College at Northeastern University, your timeline depends on program requirements, transfer credits, and whether you attend full time. Part-time study can extend completion considerably.

Oakland-area schools in the data report an average graduation rate of 100%, including 100% for top-performing schools and men. These figures are encouraging, but school averages do not guarantee an individual outcome. To finish sooner, bring AP or IB credits, transfer eligible coursework, take summer classes, or choose an accelerated schedule. Ask Laney or your target university how credits apply to your major; a clear transfer plan can prevent repeated classes and make graduation feel closer.

Salary

Graduates in the Oakland, CA area can use a median alumni salary of about $109,542 as a useful benchmark after college. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to about $132,816 - an encouraging sign for students planning their next step in the Bay Area.

Oakland offers several routes to a degree, including Mills College at Northeastern University and Lincoln University, with nearby options such as UC Berkeley and California State University, East Bay. Your actual earnings will depend on factors such as your field, degree level, experience, and employer, but these figures can help you picture the possibilities as you compare programs and career paths.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Oakland?

Oakland has three operating universities if you count institutions based in the city: Lincoln University, Samuel Merritt University, and Mills College at Northeastern University. The total depends on what you include; nearby UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, not Oakland, and colleges such as Laney College are not universities. That gives local students several distinct options to explore.

What is the largest university in Oakland?

By student enrollment, Samuel Merritt University appears to be Oakland's largest university. It specializes in health sciences, including nursing and other health-profession programs, so it may be especially appealing if you're aiming for a healthcare career. Enrollment figures can change from year to year, but its focused, professional learning environment is a notable part of Oakland's higher-education scene.

How many universities are there in Oakland?

The answer is three under the same city-based definition: Lincoln University, Samuel Merritt University, and Mills College at Northeastern University. For a prospective student, it's worth checking each school's current programs and admissions details, since their areas of study differ considerably. Including nearby campuses or colleges would change the count, so location and institution type matter.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Oakland, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

Northeastern University Oakland gives Oakland-area students access to a university campus within the city, making local study and commuting options worth exploring. The school enrolls 643 students, reports a 17% acceptance rate, and lists total study costs of $64,990. Its median alumni salary is $80,450; graduation-rate data is unavailable. As a campus of Northeastern, it may appeal to students seeking a broad university setting. Compare program availability, financial aid, housing, and transportation before deciding whether its cost fits your plans.

Samuel Merritt University is an Oakland-based institution with health-professions education, making it an option for students considering healthcare careers. It enrolls 1,926 students and reports a total study cost of $50,138. Its median alumni salary is $138,634, while acceptance-rate and graduation-rate figures are unavailable. For an Oakland resident, studying close to home may simplify maintaining local ties, but investigate program requirements, clinical placements, aid, and commuting needs. The salary figure is a median, not a guarantee of earnings after graduation.

Lincoln University-California is a small Oakland institution, with 347 enrolled students, which may appeal to learners seeking a compact campus community. The listed total cost of studying is $12,600, and the graduation rate is 100%. Acceptance-rate and median-alumni-salary information are unavailable, so those figures cannot support comparisons. For students in Oakland, explore available degree programs, class formats, accreditation, and financial aid. A graduation rate does not predict an individual outcome; review how the statistic is defined and which students it covers.

Reach University is an Oakland-area option for students comparing routes to a degree, with 2,230 enrolled students and a 100% acceptance rate reported in the data. Its total study cost is $12,374. Graduation-rate and median-alumni-salary figures are unavailable, so weigh those unknowns when researching outcomes. Oakland residents should confirm whether programs are offered in a suitable format and ask about aid, transfer credits, academic support, and in-person requirements. The acceptance rate describes access, not a guarantee of completion or results.

Starr King School for the Ministry is a theological school in Berkeley, making it an option for Oakland residents interested in ministry or religious leadership. The data provides no figures for enrollment, graduation rate, acceptance rate, total study cost, or median alumni salary. Because affordability and outcomes cannot be compared from these numbers, contact the school for program details, tuition, aid, and admissions requirements. Oakland students should consider travel to Berkeley, learning format, and how the curriculum aligns with goals.