Local Ventura Universities and Colleges

Ventura County in California is more than just a surfer’s paradise. As well as a thriving arts district and natural beauty that is as vast as it is wild, Ventura is home to solid and successful schooling. While COVID-19 put a hold on many lessons and lectures, it didn’t stop students from learning. The naturally-adaptive nature of these Ventura universities has meant that they transferred to virtual learning without skipping a beat. Churning out successful candidates and budding entrepreneurs, these colleges are local to Ventura.

Universities in Ventura

California Lutheran University (CLU)

Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University is home to more than 3,000 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students who come from nearly 50 countries and represent a wide variety of faiths. Their dedicated, accomplished faculty work with small classes of students who are open-minded—about ideas, about people, and about faith—and are seeking to grow as individuals. Both in the classroom and outside of it, everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose, and follow that purpose to transform their community and the world.

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a four year public university established in 2002. Placing students at the center of their educational experience, the university mission rests on an internationalized, interdisciplinary, and multicultural curriculum based on community engagement, study abroad opportunities, and a diverse campus community.

Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics

The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands offers Graduate-level programs in Business and Biotech. It also presents a series of inspiring talks throughout the school year. Its Entrepreneur and Small Business Institute (ESBI) has courses in consulting, which offer student advisers to help local businesses.

Thomas Aquinas College

Thomas Aquinas College offers a classical Catholic liberal education. The College’s program consists of an integrated and orderly study of the liberal arts and sciences, beginning with the fundamental arts of the trivium and quadrivium, proceeding through the natural and political sciences, and culminating in theology.

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD)

Ventura County Community College District provides students in its diverse community with access to comprehensive quality educational opportunities that support student learning and student success.

Ventura Adult Continuing Education (VACE)

VACE offers skill development in accounting, video production, graphic design, and more. Their free workforce development program provides classes for Microsoft Office and other computer competencies.

Those that have graduated from local universities may be inspired to start a business in the area. Looking for assistance in setting up your business in Ventura County? Don’t hesitate to get started! Business Forward Ventura County is a countrywide initiative and business resource hub committed to delivering economic development support for businesses. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.