Best
Colleges in Oakland in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Oakland combines business theory with practical preparation for Bay Area organizations. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates commonly pursue roles as management trainees, marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human-resources specialists, operations supervisors, or small-business owners. Oakland options include Lincoln University and Mills College at Northeastern University. Lincoln offers business administration degrees; Mills provides Oakland-based business-focused study pathways. Compare current programs, admissions requirements, and study formats.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Oakland, California, combines coursework on human development, research methods, statistics, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students learn to interpret behavior, conduct studies, and understand mental health. Popular local options include Mills College at Northeastern University and Laney College, where students can study psychology and complete transferable coursework. Graduates pursue jobs as case aides, behavioral health technicians, research assistants, or HR coordinators; psychologist licensure typically requires graduate education in most US states.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Oakland, CA, combines programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, and software engineering. Students build projects, learn to analyze complex problems, and may explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or web development. Northeastern University's Oakland campus is a local option for computer science study, while Laney College offers related computing pathways. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or database administrators, across technology companies, government, and startups.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Oakland, California, typically combines psychology coursework with supervised practice. Courses include counseling theories, human development, multicultural counseling, ethics, assessment, group counseling, and research methods. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, rehabilitation counselor, or case manager; licensure usually requires supervised hours. Oakland's local college option is Lincoln University, which offers counseling psychology. Since program availability can change, confirm admissions, degree tracks, and licensure eligibility directly with the institution.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Oakland, CA offers pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's and advanced preparation. Courses typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, community health, and supervised clinical practice. Popular local options include Samuel Merritt University and Merritt College. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health settings; associate and bachelor's programs prepare students for patient assessment, medication administration, care coordination, and collaboration with healthcare teams safely.

Best Colleges in Oakland, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 31,369.0, compared with 60,534.4 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure substantially higher.
• 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, compared with 16,246.9 at top 10% schools.
• 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; the average numbers of enrolled men and women are 113.5 and 173.0, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 100.0%, matching the 100.0% average for top 10% schools. The median graduation rate for men is 100.0%.
• No institutions offer associate's degrees; 4 offer bachelor's degrees, 6 offer master's degrees, and 2 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 3 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the cost with the availability of financial aid, and consider how admissions selectivity, test-score averages, degree offerings, enrollment, and graduation outcomes fit your priorities. The figures show that top 10% schools have higher median costs and applicant numbers, while the overall average financial-aid rate is higher than the rate at top 10% schools.

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

The average total cost of earning a degree in Oakland, CA, is about $35,025.50. The reported average for tuition and fees is $38,778.50, while average room and board is $15,682.67 and books and supplies add about $896. These are separate averages and may reflect different cost measures, so don't simply add them together; check each college's current cost-of-attendance estimate.

At Oakland-area institutions such as Mills College at Northeastern University and nearby California State University, East Bay, your actual bill depends on program, housing, and aid. Living at home, applying for grants, and comparing community-college transfer pathways can make a degree feel more attainable. Ask financial-aid offices for net-price estimates, since scholarships and grants may lower what you pay.

Build a personal budget around your commute, housing choice, and academic course load; Oakland's public transit may help some students avoid parking expenses, while part-time study can spread tuition across more terms.

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

In Oakland, CA, timing depends on the credential: an associate degree commonly takes about two years of full-time study, while a bachelor's degree usually takes four years. At Laney College, students can pursue associate-level programs and transfer pathways; Mills College at Northeastern University offers Oakland-based bachelor's study. A master's degree typically adds one or two years after a bachelor's, depending on field and pace.

Graduation outcomes can make the path feel encouraging: source figures report an average graduation rate of 100%, including 100% for men and 100% among the top 10% of schools. Rates reflect defined student cohorts, so compare each campus's program details and completion measures before enrolling.

Ways to accelerate include:

• Transferring completed credits to a four-year campus, after confirming they satisfy degree requirements.
• Taking summer or winter classes, where available, to complete degree requirements year-round.
• Using exam-based credit or prior-learning assessment if your college accepts it.

Salary

Graduates in Oakland, CA can expect a median alumni salary of about $109,542. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $132,816. These figures offer an encouraging benchmark, though your own earnings will depend on your degree, career, experience, and employer.

• Median alumni salary: $109,542
• Median at top 10% schools: $132,816

Oakland-area students can explore options such as Mills College at Northeastern University in Oakland, with UC Berkeley nearby and Cal State East Bay in Hayward. The region's range of employers and career paths can give you opportunities to connect your studies with work in fields such as healthcare, technology, education, and public service. Your program and career goals are key factors in turning a degree into a salary that works for you.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Oakland?

There isn't one official count, because the answer depends on whether you include community colleges, universities, and specialized institutions. A useful baseline is at least five colleges with Oakland campuses: Laney College, Merritt College, Mills College at Northeastern University, Lincoln University, and Samuel Merritt University. Each offers a different campus experience and range of programs.

What is the main college in Oakland?

Laney College is often considered Oakland's main public college: it is a prominent community college in the Peralta Community College District, right in downtown Oakland. It offers transfer pathways, career training, and student services. Its central location also makes it convenient to reach by public transit and to explore nearby neighborhoods between classes.

Where do college students go in Oakland?

Students often spend time around Lake Merritt, downtown and Uptown, Temescal, Rockridge, and Jack London Square. These areas offer places to eat, study, meet friends, or unwind, though favorite spots vary by campus and budget. Lake Merritt is a particularly welcoming option for a walk or a relaxed break outdoors.

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

Northeastern University Oakland offers students in Oakland access to a small campus connected with Northeastern's wider global university and experiential learning approach. Students may value its liberal arts setting and opportunities to connect coursework with practical experience. The campus enrolls 643 students; its acceptance rate is 17%. Annual total study cost is $64,990, while median alumni salary is $80,450. Graduation rate is unavailable. For Oakland residents, compare commuting, housing, and financial aid costs before deciding whether this smaller campus suits your goals.

Samuel Merritt University, based in Oakland, specializes in health professions education, making it a relevant option for students pursuing nursing, rehabilitation, and other healthcare careers. Its 1,926 enrolled students form a focused university community. The reported total cost of study is $50,138, and median alumni salary is $138,634; acceptance and graduation rates are not available in the supplied data. Oakland students can explore local clinical and community-health settings, while checking program-specific admissions, placement, and commuting details directly before applying there.

Lincoln University-California is a small private institution in Oakland with an emphasis on business education and a diverse, internationally oriented learning environment. Its reported enrollment is 347, and the supplied graduation rate is 100%. Total study cost is listed as $12,600; acceptance rate and median alumni salary are unavailable. For prospective Oakland-area students, the comparatively low stated cost may warrant research, but confirm what expenses it includes, and review program offerings, accreditation, class schedules, and career support before enrolling there.

Reach University offers work-based pathways designed to help adults combine employment with higher education, including educator-focused programs. Its approach may appeal to Oakland residents who need flexibility while working in schools or jobs. The supplied data lists 2,230 enrolled students, a 100% acceptance rate, and a total study cost of $12,374. Graduation rate and median alumni salary are unavailable. Before applying, ask how coursework is delivered, whether your employer can participate, and which fees or placement requirements affect your path.

Starr King School for the Ministry is a Berkeley theological school for future ministers, spiritual leaders, and community-based practitioners. Its location places Oakland residents within the East Bay, though commute and attendance format should be checked for each program. The supplied data provides no figures for enrollment, graduation or acceptance rates, total study cost, or median alumni salary. Prospective students should request tuition and aid details, confirm degree options, and consider how its faith-centered curriculum aligns with their goals.