17 Best Colleges in Sacramento
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Sacramento, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Sacramento.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Sacramento graduates reach $43,217 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $1,288 to $15,072.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionAmerican River College
Annual Tuition
$1,288
Early Salary
$40,162
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
California State University-Sacramento
Annual Tuition
$7,602
Early Salary
$64,876
Acceptance Matrix
93.6%
Cosumnes River College
Annual Tuition
$1,288
Early Salary
$42,446
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Federico Beauty Institute
Annual Tuition
$25,736
Early Salary
$29,856
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
MTI College
Annual Tuition
$20,336
Early Salary
$45,328
Acceptance Matrix
81.9%
Sacramento City College
Annual Tuition
$1,288
Early Salary
$42,214
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center
Annual Tuition
$15,980
Early Salary
$41,047
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Epic Bible College & Graduate School
Annual Tuition
$15,072
Early Salary
$37,822
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Carrington College-Sacramento
Annual Tuition
$37,143
Early Salary
$39,633
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Asher College
Annual Tuition
$16,924
Early Salary
$45,468
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc
Annual Tuition
$26,671
Early Salary
$48,341
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Paul Mitchell the School-Sacramento
Annual Tuition
$19,748
Early Salary
$30,336
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute
Annual Tuition
$34,414
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
77.1%
Independent Training & Apprenticeship Program
Annual Tuition
$22,276
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
MIXED Institute of Cosmetology & Barber
Annual Tuition
$21,829
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
UEI College-Sacramento
Annual Tuition
$26,924
Early Salary
$30,848
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Alliant International University-Sacramento
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$66,666
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Sacramento
01
Academic Diversity
Sacramento offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to American River College, California State University-Sacramento, Cosumnes River College and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Sacramento can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Sacramento graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Alliant International University-Sacramento lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $66,666. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Sacramento has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Moreno Valley, Hemet, Coachella to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the California landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Sacramento
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Sacramento, CA
Selecting a college in Sacramento provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 17 institutions within or near the city limits of Sacramento, California. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Sacramento cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Sacramento area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of California.
Our data for Sacramento, CA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of California.