The best colleges in Moreno Valley are a fantastic opportunity for students based in Riverside County. The colleges provide endless course options for prospective students with plenty of phenomenal opportunities.
Whether you’re interested in training to become a lawyer or an early childhood educator, the options are extensive. The best way to find the ideal program for your future career is to know the best schools to choose from.
If you live in Moreno Valley and the surrounding area, we’ve compiled a list of 10 top-rated programs to consider. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $20,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $25,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Colleges in Moreno Valley
1. Riverside City College
2 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $4,620
Riverside City College is a great campus for students to explore and enjoy. Its educational paths help attendees be prepared for an assortment of future careers. Currently, the school offers eight distinct learning pathways, each with unique specialties.
Students can enroll in the following areas:
- Advanced Technical Arts and Trades
- Business, Information Systems, and Technology
- Education and Teacher Preparation
- Health-Related Sciences
- Languages and Humanities
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Visual, Performing, and Creative Arts
The school is comprised of a diverse student body, featuring students looking to succeed and thrive. It also accepts learners at different stages of life, from first-time college students to international students. Plus, it has unique options for veterans interested in obtaining a post-secondary education.
With multiple on-campus events, students can feel like they are part of a growing community. The school hosts numerous art performances, lectures, and book and catalog signings. Undoubtedly, the campus calendar is always filled with unique opportunities for students to engage with their community.
2. Moreno Valley College
2-4 Year; Moreno Valley, CA
Average Annual Cost: $4,633
The closest option for Moreno Valley-based students is to attend Moreno Valley College. With over 30 years of teaching experience, this school has a diverse collection of programs. In fact, their in-depth fields of interest span a wide variety of industries, including:
- Health Sciences
- Education and Childhood Development
- Business
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Communications, English, and World Languages
- Public Safety
- Visual and Performing Arts
Like many other community-based colleges, Moreno Valley College has many unique campus events. Students can participate in online workshops, on-campus workshops, and other extracurriculars. The school also offers ample resources to help students begin their learning journey through the Learning Center and Student Services Center.
One of the more unique options for new students is to become a part of the First-Year Experience Program (FYE). With FYE, students can network with their peers and explore multiple opportunities to help them feel at home. These support services provide a more enriching experience for pre-college and college-level students.
3. Norco College
2 Year; Norco, CA
Average Annual Cost: $5,099
Among the largest advantages of attending Norco College are its flexibility and adaptability. Apart from offering standard on-campus courses, this school also specializes in online classes. Whether you’re a first-time college student or a working professional, you can create a schedule that works best for you.
There are many learning pathways for students to explore at Norco College. Also, the school offers fantastic support for first-time students, helping them feel more comfortable in a new environment. Some of the most common programs you’re likely to find at the school include:
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Management
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Another massive benefit of attending Norco College is that they offer many degree options. With over 15,000 enrolled students, you can obtain a professional certificate, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or an Associate Degree for Transfer. Depending on your area of study, an Associate Degree for Transfer can help you move onto a four-year specialty program.
4. Mt. San Jacinto College
2 Year; San Jacinto, CA
Average Annual Cost: $5,466
With years of experience, Mt. San Jacinto College is an excellent option for students searching for a local school. Since its initial opening in 1963, Mt. San Jacinto College has been one of the oldest campuses in the area.
When attending school, students have access to many phenomenal resources, including a:
- Bookstore
- Library
- Child Development and Education Center
- Counselors
- Cafeteria
- Veterans Resource Center
- Health Center
Currently, the school offers two types of Associate’s degrees: a standard option and an Associate’s Degree for Transfer. The latter is ideal for those moving onto a four-year university.
If you’re looking for a more adaptable learning pathway, you can consider certificates that help you become career-ready. As you would expect, Mt. San Jacinto College is home to various course options, helping diversify your career options. Students can enroll in five primary learning pathways, each with unique specialties to consider.
The learning pathways include:
- Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
- Arts, Communication, and Design
- People, Culture, and Public Service
- Health and Wellness
- Science, Math, and Engineering
5. Riverside County Office of Education – School of Career Education
2-4 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $7,782
The primary reason students seek post-secondary schooling is to unlock their dream careers. You can explore several fabulous learning opportunities at the School of Career Education to diversify your employable skills.
The central premise of this school is to offer occupational training to post-secondary students interested in unique careers and specialties. As a program accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, you can guarantee your schooling will be diverse.
Students will be able to explore many fundamental areas of study, including:
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Business Administration
- CPR Training
- Welding for Skills
When attending the School of Career Education, students will gain theoretical and hands-on knowledge in their specialties. The school has plenty of state-of-the-art technologies, aiding in the training of students across all topics. You’ll also gather real-world experience, helping you better prepare for your future career.
6. Platt College – Riverside
2-4 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $8,430
Excellence is something every student should strive for, and Platt College – Riverside offers plenty of support for you to achieve your dreams. The school’s fundamental principle is to help students prepare for professional growth to reach their fullest potential.
Whether you’re a first-time college student or a working professional, Platt College – Riverside is a great option. The majority of the programs offered at the school help provide specialized skills and knowledge.
With the help of the Career Center, you can get one-on-one help to find a career after graduation, working in your specific area of study. Students will also have access to a Student Center, helping them adapt to the changes between high school and college.
There are many programs you can enroll in, from Veterinary Technology to Respiratory Therapy. To make choosing the right program simpler, the school has six main learning pathways to consider. These include:
- School of Medical Science
- School of Graphic Design
- School of Business and Legal Studies
- School of Information Technology
- Non-Degree Programs
- Distance Education
With the addition of Distance Education, students can find an adaptable learning pathway that meets their needs. Currently, there are two programs offered completely online: Respiratory Therapy and Veterinary Technology. Also, with the non-degree programs, professionals can brush up on their skills to assist with current and future job efforts.
7. Crafton Hills College
2 Year; Yucaipa, CA
Average Annual Cost: $8,430
Crafton Hills College offers a diverse collection of programs, helping students find the perfect employment opportunities after graduation. You’ll be able to study topics within the following learning pathways:
- Society, Behavior, and Culture
- Business and Industry
- Creative and Fine Arts, Communication, and Design
- Public Safety and Health Services
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Exploratory (Undecided)
The Exploratory learning pathway is a fantastic option to help students decide on their dream major. Instead of signing up for a program only to switch your major later, you can take multiple classes to find your true passion. It’s a phenomenal way to ensure you’re investing in the correct type of education for your needs.
Another great concept of Crafton Hills College is its collection of online resources. Students can attend online courses and find tutoring and online advising without having to visit campus. With the help of online student resources, you can also unlock new learning tools to help you through your studies.
Campus life at Crafton Hills College is unique compared to other colleges. They have an assortment of extracurricular activities to help students network and find new friends. You will have access to plenty of athletics and individual clubs as well as an aquatics center.
8. University of California – Riverside
4 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $12,871
University of California – Riverside is an excellent option for students looking for four-year degree programs and unique specialties. Currently, the school is home to over 80 undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs. There’s also a collection of minors, making it easier to find unique specialties within your study area.
Students can choose from six individual learning pathways, each with its own focus. These pathways include:
- School of Education
- School of Public Policy
- College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Medicine
As you would expect, all of the undergraduate programs at the University of California – Riverside are designed for students first. You’ll unlock exponential learning opportunities paired with nationally acclaimed research to assist you professionally and personally.
Another major benefit is that many programs have smaller class sizes, especially if you enroll in the University Honors Program.
Campus life at the University of California – Riverside is one of the more unique options in the Moreno Valley area. Students can visit a 40-acre botanical garden and the California Museum of Photography. The campus also features a KUCR non-commercial radio station and the UCR Library, home to over two million books.
9. UEI College – Riverside
2-4 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $14,806
It’s time to start building a learning pathway to give you many professional opportunities. UEI College – Riverside is a great starting point, helping students acquire a diverse education before graduating. They have a considerable number of programs to consider, including:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Specialist
- Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
- Dental Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Welding Technician
- Criminal Justice
- Automotive Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Business Office Administration
Whether you want a fully on-campus program or hybrid learning options, many programs are adaptable. With the hybrid classes, you’ll be able to take some courses online, helping to fit your schooling into a busier schedule.
Another phenomenal feature of this school is that they have Student Career Services to help you find employment in your specialty area after graduation.
Currently, there are over 15 campuses for UEI College – Riverside. You’ll find relatively small class sizes at the Riverside campus, typically around 30 students per instructor. With access to more one-on-one education, students will have a personalized education to help with their future goals.
10. California Baptist University
4 Year; Riverside, CA
Average Annual Cost: $19,202
California Baptist University is a private institution, making it slightly costlier than the other programs on this list. However, their unique programs are multi-dimensional, helping students extend their learning beyond the classroom.
With a healthy on-campus environment, students can work towards bolstering their spirit and mind while focusing on their areas of study. Compared to other colleges and universities in the area, California Baptist University has a more diverse collection of options.
You’ll find the following broad topics, each with unique areas of focus:
- Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Leadership
- Music
- Education
- Christian Ministries
- Business
- Professional Studies
Regardless of where you are in your learning career, this school can help. They offer plenty of support for first-time students, returning students, and graduates. With a diverse collection of undergraduate and graduate programs, you can earn several remarkable degrees.
Students will also have a fantastic time on-campus, with access to multiple athletic and extracurricular opportunities. There’s also a spiritual center, housing services, food services, and a campus store to browse. All in all, it’s what you would expect from one of the best colleges in Moreno Valley.
