I remember a few years ago when I thoroughly researched colleges in this area for my child's college admission.

The information I gathered, considering tuition, commuting distance, and major suitability, is intended to help those contemplating their child's education in the High Desert area.

Unfortunately, Victorville itself does not have a four-year comprehensive university. However, if you look a little further into the Inland Empire region, there are excellent colleges that can be great options tailored to your child's personality and goals.

Here are three key colleges that local students highly recommend and prefer.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

The first one to mention is California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). It is located about 30-40 minutes south of Victorville via the I-15 freeway, depending on traffic, making it the most practical and affordable commuting option.

School size and status: As a proud member of the California State University (CSU) system, it is a large comprehensive university with over 20,000 active students. It is also the first and most popular choice for students from the High Desert area considering a four-year college.

 Major strengths: The university offers a wide range of programs, including education, business, social sciences, and recently in-demand fields like computer science and cybersecurity. Additionally, it operates a branch in nearby Palm Desert, providing a solid educational infrastructure within the community.

Choosing a college is not just a vague aspiration but a matter of 'reality and principles.' You need to consider distance, cost, and your child's major together. In that regard, CSUSB is the most stable option, offering reasonable tuition, ease of commuting, and a strong employment network within California after graduation.

University of Redlands

The second option is the University of Redlands, located in the beautiful city of Redlands, about 45-55 minutes by car from Victorville. This is a 'private liberal arts college' that is quite different from the large state university mentioned above.

School characteristics: Unlike state universities with large lecture halls accommodating hundreds of students, this college aims for small class sizes. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows professors to know each student's name and provide personalized career counseling, which is its greatest strength. It is ideal for children who thrive with close attention and care.

Major strengths: The college is well-known for traditional business and social sciences, as well as its music program that nurtures artistic sensibilities. Particularly, the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which is gaining global attention, boasts a top reputation in the U.S.

As a private university, the visible tuition (Sticker Price) is relatively high compared to CSU. However, there is no need to be discouraged and give up. Under the belief that "everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and should have the opportunity for a good education regardless of financial circumstances," the school has a robust financial aid and merit scholarship system. By actively and thoroughly researching scholarship applications (like FAFSA) when applying, you can access private elite education at costs comparable to state universities.

Loma Linda University

The last option is Loma Linda University, located about 45-60 minutes south of Victorville in the city of Loma Linda. This is a private university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has a very different character from a typical comprehensive university.

School characteristics and strengths: This school can be described as a 'military academy for the healthcare field.' It boasts a nationally recognized large hospital, the Loma Linda University Medical Center, and is connected with schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health. It is known for its expertise in the healthcare field across the U.S.

Regarding its religious background: As a school based on a religious foundation, the academic atmosphere is somewhat conservative, and the rules are strict (such as a vegetarian diet on campus). However, despite its strong religious identity, students of different faiths, including non-Adventists, study here without discrimination, so there is no need to hesitate due to differing beliefs.

This school is a "definite prestigious university worth challenging if my child has a clear goal of pursuing a career in healthcare professions such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist." The internship and practical training environment is among the best in the U.S., making it very advantageous for entering the healthcare field after graduation.

College admission is not just a process of obtaining a degree; it is an important first step in preparing your child to enter society as an adult.

There are plenty of good opportunities around Victorville, so I sincerely encourage you to work together with your child to make the best choice!