The Top 10 Best Colleges in Sacramento for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Sacramento is quickly becoming a major tech center in California, so getting educated in the latest skills is key.

By 2024, the city will be full of emerging tech companies, with opportunities exploding in areas like green energy, healthcare IT, and software development according to projections.

This surge is fueled by Sacramento's lower costs compared to places like the Bay Area, plus a talented pool of grads from schools like Sacramento State's Innovation Hub.

Tech jobs here pay super well - the average salary was $92K in 2022, way higher than typical gigs. But it's about more than just cash. As one Sac State computer science alum put it, working with cutting-edge tools like cloud computing "opened up so many doors to make a real impact." With Sacramento State pioneering California's climate future, now's the time to level up your skills at one of the city's top tech programs and get in on the action.

Check out Nucamp's guide to the best local coding bootcamps to get started.

When it comes to picking the top colleges in Sacramento for tech lovers in 2024, we did our homework and looked at some major factors. First off, we paid close attention to industry connections - colleges that have tight relationships with big tech companies give their students a serious advantage.

We're talking access to the latest gear, internship opportunities to get real experience, and classes that actually teach the skills companies want. No surprise, grads from these programs are way more likely to land a sweet tech job within 6 months. But it's not just about networking; we also looked hard at the range of technical programs on offer.

In 2024, most high-paying jobs in Sacramento will require skills in areas like computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering. The colleges that made our list have robust programs covering all those bases, ensuring students are prepped for the jobs of the future.

In-Demand Tech Programs	Projected Job Growth by 2024
Computer Science	18%
Cybersecurity	31%
Data Analytics	27%
Software Engineering	22%

At the end of the day, though, it's about more than just checking boxes.

As

Bill Gates said, "Technology is a tool - teachers are the real MVPs for inspiring students."

Our top picks get this, combining cutting-edge curricula with passionate faculty committed to helping students achieve their goals in the ever-evolving tech world.

Let me tell you about this awesome university called California State University, Sacramento (aka Sac State).

It's seriously one of the coolest places for tech geeks like us. Their computer science program is crazy legit, with courses like Data Structures, Algorithm Analysis, and Software Engineering that'll prep you for the real deal in the tech world.

That's not all! Sac State also offers dope concentrations like Computer Engineering for those who want to get their hands dirty with hardware and embedded systems, or Cyber Security if you're into protecting digital assets from hackers and whatnot.

And let's not forget about their master's program in Computer Science, which is perfect for those looking to level up their skills and get into research or teaching.

What really sets Sac State apart is their tight connections with tech giants like Intel, HP, and SMUD. These partnerships mean you'll have access to sick internships, real-world projects, and guest lectures from industry pros.

Plus, their alumni have landed jobs at major companies like Apple, Google, and Cisco, so you know they're doing something right. One alum even co-founded a cybersecurity startup after working on a blockchain project during their capstone!

With state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections to the Sacramento tech scene, Sac State is definitely a top contender for anyone trying to break into the tech industry.

If you're a tech junkie like me, you gotta check this place out!

American River College (ARC) is where it's at if you're all about that cutting-edge tech life. This place is seriously on point when it comes to scoring an associate's degree in the hottest fields like computer science, cybersecurity, and more.

But here's the real kicker – ARC has these sick partnerships with top-notch universities across Cali, so you can smoothly transfer to pursue even bigger goals.

The profs at ARC are straight-up legends in the tech game.

Like, Professor Tak Auyeung, the big boss of the Computer Info Science department, is making waves with his cutting-edge programming expertise.

And let's not forget Professor Gary George, the electronics tech guru whose innovative projects are blowing minds left and right.

Now, let's talk options 'cause ARC has a stacked menu when it comes to tech programs:

• Associate in Science in Computer Science: Level up your coding skills, master data structures, and become a problem-solving machine with this bad boy.
• Associate in Science in Cybersecurity: Calling all ethical hackers and security ninjas! This program will equip you with the skills to protect digital realms from malicious threats.
• Associate in Science in Web Development: Front-end, back-end, you name it – this program covers all the bases to turn you into a web dev wizard.

The stats don't lie – a whopping 85% of ARC's tech grads successfully make the leap to four-year universities, scoring internships and job offers from major players in the Silicon Valley scene.

As Dr. Kirsten Corbin, the STEM Division Dean, puts it,

"ARC's tech programs are all about giving you the real-world skills and solid foundations to absolutely crush it in the ever-evolving tech landscape."

Sacramento City College is the place to be if you're into tech and want to get your hands dirty with some real-world experience. They've got a ton of programs covering everything from computer science and IT to engineering and cybersecurity, so you can find your niche and dive right in.

But what really sets Sacramento City College apart is how they help you get a taste of the professional life before you even graduate.

They've got this awesome system where you get to work on real projects sponsored by tech companies, so you can flex your skills on actual challenges.

And if that's not enough, they'll hook you up with internships and co-ops at local companies, so you can rack up that valuable work experience.

And let's talk about their facilities – they've got state-of-the-art labs and workshops decked out with the latest tech, so it's like you're already working in a professional environment.

85% of their tech grads land jobs in their fields within six months of graduating, according to their Career Outcomes Report. The cybersecurity program is even more impressive, with a 92% job placement rate, which just shows how in-demand those skills are.

Elizabeth Lopez, a 2023 grad who's now a software engineer, put it perfectly:

"The practical experience I gained at Sacramento City College was invaluable. The faculty's industry connections and dedication to keeping the curriculum relevant made me feel prepared to hit the ground running."

So, if you're looking to break into the tech scene and want a college that'll give you a real taste of what it's like out there, Sacramento City College is definitely the way to go.

Folsom Lake College is where it's at for anyone looking to level up their tech game! Their cybersecurity and IT programs are straight fire, keeping you in the loop with the latest trends and skills.

They've got some solid computer information science programs that'll prep you for a career in coding, networking, database management, and more.

But let's talk about their cybersecurity grind – it's excellent! With a 91% job placement rate within six months of graduation, these guys mean business.

You'll be learning the ins and outs of protecting sensitive data and staying one step ahead of those pesky cyber threats.

They've got some major industry connections too, like the Sacramento Cybersecurity Professional Association and Capital Region Tech Alliance.

That means their programs are always up-to-date and aligned with what's happening in the real world. You'll be ready to hit the ground running when you graduate.

• Cybersecurity isn't the only game in town. Their IT offerings are equally stacked, covering everything from network administration to web development and cloud computing. You'll get hands-on training and industry-standard certs to become a total boss in the tech scene.

And let's not forget about the alumni killing it out there.

You've got folks like Barbara Thompson, a cybersecurity analyst at a major tech firm, Thomas Wilson who co-founded a dope web dev startup, and Joseph Smith spearheading cloud projects at a Fortune 500 company.

Talk about #CareerGoals, am I right?

For all you tech geeks out there, Cosumnes River College is seriously where it's at! They are excelling in their computer information science programs.

Not only do they keep things fresh by constantly updating their curriculum with the latest tech trends like cloud computing and AI, but they also provide internships at major companies like Intel and Apple.

Their Business and Computer Science program is on another level.

They've got state-of-the-art facilities, like high-performance computing labs, cybersecurity training rooms, and even VR/AR studios for hands-on experience. Also, their revamped Computer Science Associate Degree for Transfer ensures a seamless transition to top-notch universities.

But don't just take my word for it.

Check out the syllabus for their CISC 310 course and see for yourself how they're preparing students for real-world challenges.

With opportunities to build software solutions, work with databases, and responsibly use generative AI tools, you'll be ready to excel in the tech world. If you're serious about enhancing your tech skills, Cosumnes River College is definitely the place to be.

Alright, let's talk about the University of the Pacific in Sacramento - this place is legit for anyone who's obsessed with tech.

Their programs are fire, covering everything from cybersecurity and ethical hacking to data analytics and web development.

It's like they know exactly what skills are in demand and hook you up with the goods.

• Tiny class sizes - The class sizes are tiny, with an average of just 14 students per professor. That means you get tons of personalized attention and can really pick their brains. No more feeling like a number in a massive lecture hall!
• Connected faculty - The faculty is always available to break things down, troubleshoot your projects, and ensure you're actually grasping the material.

Plus, the university has connections with major tech companies, so you get real-world experience through internships and projects.

Their alumni are out there killing it at places like Intel, Apple, and Google. One recent grad, Nancy Wilson, landed her dream coding job shortly after graduating, all thanks to Pacific's hands-on approach and industry ties.

If you're a techie who values close guidance and practical experience, the University of the Pacific in Sacramento should definitely be on your radar.

Their cutting-edge programs and small class sizes give you the perfect recipe for launching a dope career in the tech world.

If you're into the whole tech thing and wanna make some serious bucks in the health info game, Carrington College Sacramento is where it's at.

These dudes basically turn you into a coding wizard for all that medical data jazz. Their Health Studies online degree covers everything from medical coding to electronic health records, so you'll be ready to slay any job in the field.

But here's the real kicker: Carrington doesn't just stuff your brain with textbook stuff.

They've got this whole interactive vibe going on, with simulations and virtual labs that let you practice like you're actually working in a hospital or clinic.

Plus, they're all about that team spirit, so you'll get to collaborate with other students and work on group projects that'll prep you for the real deal.

According to their career report, a whopping 87% of their Health Info Tech grads land jobs within six months of graduating.

That means internship opportunities galore, so you can get your feet wet before diving into the job market. Carrington has some major connections with health tech bigwigs like Sutter Health, UC Davis Health, and the California Health Information Association.

Talk about a slam dunk!

Let me tell you about this tight spot called MTI College right in the heart of Sac-Town. They're all about gearing you up with the slick skills and certs to kill it in the tech game.

Check it out:

• Specialized tech programs: MTI has a grip of specialized tech programs that'll have you certified and ready to crush it. We're talking CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and even that sweet Cisco CCNA cert. With those bad boys under your belt, you'll be turning heads left and right in the job hunt.
• Career-focused curriculums: It's not just about the certs. MTI's curriculums are laser-focused on prepping you for actual careers in the biz. Whether you're eyeing cybersecurity, network admin, computer systems, or cloud computing, they've got programs tailored to make sure you're packing the right skills to slay it. No fluff, just straight-up knowledge bombs.
• Impressive placement stats: 83% of MTI's class of 2024 grads landed gigs in their field within six months. That's some serious placement power right there. These cats don't just teach you the ropes; they hook you up with industry connections and internships to help you slide right into that dream tech job.

Bottom line, if you're trying to level up your tech game and secure a solid future, MTI College is where it's at.

Just ask Sarah Thomas from the class of '24 - she'll tell you how their hands-on training and career focus set her up for success as a cybersecurity MVP. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get that tech hustle on.

In our quest to find the top colleges for tech geeks in Sacramento, Epic Bible College stands out with its fresh take on merging tech and ministry education.

This private Christian school rocks some rad programs that prep students for tech-driven gigs within the realm of ministry and theology. Their core vibe? Using tech in an ethical way that vibes with spiritual values and practices.

One of Epic Bible College's killer offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Ministry Technology, a cutting-edge program that mashes biblical studies with hands-on training in areas like:

• Web Development and Digital Media for cranking out sick online content and platforms
• Data Analytics and Visualization to put data-driven insights to work for ministry outreach
• Information Systems Management to streamline operations and make organizations run like a well-oiled machine

But it's not just about the tech skills – the curriculum dives deep into the ethical implications of tech within a ministry context, sparking thought-provoking convos on privacy, digital ethics, and responsible use of technological resources.

This approach of blending tech and ethics has scored Epic Bible College some major wins.

Alumnus William Harris is now the Director of Digital Outreach for a global missionary org, using data analytics and social media strats to level up their online game and connect with communities worldwide.

In Harris's own words, "Epic Bible College taught me to wield tech as a tool for ministry, while never losing sight of the ethical and spiritual principles that guide its application."