Thinking about going back to school? Maybe you’re helping a future scholar pick a college—or you’re just curious what all those local campuses are really teaching. Either way, we’ve got you covered with a supercharged list of nearby colleges, community colleges, and special education centers within just 20 miles of Westminster, CA.
From film school fame to nursing powerhouses and hands-on tech programs, here’s what’s available around you—and what each place does best.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES: Affordable, Flexible, and Powerful.
1. Coastline College.
Location: Westminster, CA
Website: www.coastline.edu
Best Known For:
Cybersecurity (designated a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA)
Paralegal Studies
Acquired Brain Injury Program
Other Highlights: Business, art, accounting, and one of the most flexible online programs in the state.
If you’re busy juggling work or family, Coastline’s online-heavy model is perfect for leveling up your career without leaving the couch.
2. Golden West College (GWC)
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: www.goldenwestcollege.edu
Best Known For:
Registered Nursing (RN) Program
Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
Design and Visual Arts
Other Highlights: Theater, welding, automotive tech, and liberal arts.
Bonus: It’s 10 minutes from the beach. Surf, then study.
3. Orange Coast College (OCC)
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Website: www.orangecoastcollege.edu
Best Known For:
Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Marine Science
Film and TV Production
Other Highlights: Business, photography, fashion, and over 130 total programs.
They also have on-campus housing—rare for community colleges!
4. Cypress College.
Location: Cypress, CA
Website: www.cypresscollege.edu
Best Known For:
Radiologic Technology & Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Aviation & Airline Training
Mortuary Science (Yes, it’s unique and highly rated)
Other Highlights: Nursing, dental hygiene, theater, and automotive tech.
They mix hands-on learning with career-focused training.
5. Fullerton College.
Location: Fullerton, CA
Website: www.fullcoll.edu
Best Known For:
Fine Arts & Music
Business Administration
Computer Science & Tech
Other Highlights: Ethnic studies, journalism, education, and great transfer success to CSU/UC schools.
Oldest community college in California—over 100 years strong!
6. Santa Ana College (SAC)
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Website: www.sac.edu
Best Known For:
Fire Technology & Criminal Justice
Nursing & Allied Health
TV/Video & Digital Media Production
Other Highlights: Paralegal studies, business, early childhood education.
Bonus: Strong bilingual support and programs designed for first-generation college students.
UNIVERSITIES: Big Campuses, Big Ambitions
7. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
Location: Fullerton, CA
Website: www.fullerton.edu
Best Known For:
Business & Accounting
Engineering
Education & Teaching Credential Programs
Other Highlights: Psychology, health science, communications, and environmental studies.
With over 40,000 students, it’s the largest CSU—and one of the most diverse in the nation.
8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Location: Long Beach, CA
Website: www.csulb.edu
Best Known For:
Design & Visual Arts
Engineering (especially Civil and Electrical)
Nursing & Health Sciences
Other Highlights: Psychology, liberal arts, international business, and one of the best art museums on campus (The UAM).
It’s practically a beach resort with degrees.
9. University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Location: Irvine, CA
Website: www.uci.edu
Best Known For:
Biological Sciences & Public Health
Computer Science & AI
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Other Highlights: Business, philosophy, drama, law, and environmental science.
Top-tier research university. If you want your degree to come with prestige and innovation—UCI is the move.
10. Chapman University.
Location: Orange, CA
Website: www.chapman.edu
Best Known For:
Film & Media Arts (Dodge College)
Law School
Business & Entrepreneurship
Other Highlights: Theater, psychology, health sciences, and public relations.
A beautiful, walkable campus that blends Old Town charm with serious academics.
CAREER & SPECIALIZED EDUCATION: Focused, Fast, and Often Hands-On.
WRAPPING IT UP: So Many Options, So Close to Home!
11. Concorde Career College – Garden Grove
Website: www.concorde.edu
Healthcare-focused. Popular programs: dental assisting, medical office admin, surgical tech. Short-term certifications that lead straight into high-demand jobs.
12. UEI College – Garden Grove
Website: www.uei.edu
Offers hands-on career training in HVAC, medical assisting, criminal justice, and dental assistance. Flexible schedules and fast programs.
13. West Coast University – Anaheim
Website: www.westcoastuniversity.edu
Best known for: Accelerated nursing programs and healthcare management degrees. Perfect for those diving headfirst into healthcare careers.
14. Spectrum Center (Special Education)
Location: Lakewood, CA
Website: www.spectrumcenter.com
A private provider of customized education for students with special needs, including autism and emotional challenges.
15. WOCCSE (West Orange County Consortium for Special Education)
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: https://woccse.hbuhsd.edu/
Offers collaborative services for K-12 students with special needs in local school districts.
Whether you’re after a 4-year degree, a trade certificate, career training, or specialized support—there’s a school just around the corner from Westminster waiting to help you grow.
Stay smart. Stay local. And stay curious.
And when in doubt? Grab a coffee, visit a campus, and see what feels right.
