Private Universities
An Alternative to Public Schooling
California's fully accredited independent colleges and universities provide a host of options at undergraduate, graduate and professional levels for students planning to continue their education beyond community colleges.
Why attend a private university?
Pros
- May have smaller class sizes
- More opportunities for one-on-one attention
- Tuition costs aren't based on your place of residence
- Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available
- May have unique networking opportunities
- Includes numerous faith-based institutions
Cons
- May have limited academic offerings/majors
- Tend to be more expensive than public universities
- Class schedules and work loads can be demanding
- May have a less diverse student body than larger public universities
- Transferring course credit may be more difficult
- Fewer extracurricular activities
Transfer Information
Some colleges and universities stipulate a certain number of completed units before considering student eligible for transfer. Others do not and will accept students at any time. The requirements are outlined in the respective college catalogs, available upon request from the college's or university's Office of Admissions.
As admission requirements vary campus to campus, it is necessary to meet with a counselor to implement your educational plan. Copies of breadth requirements and major requirements for some of the nearby independent colleges and universities can be found in the counseling departments throughout RCCD.
Map of California Independent Colleges and Universities
Meet Representatives
Universities have admissions and recruitment teams available to answer your questions. If you are seeking information about a particular school, make sure to talk to a representative. They can answer important questions like admissions requirements, what programs and services are available, costs, aid options, and so on.
View a list of private university representatives (pdf)
In-State Private Universities
- Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
- Azusa Pacific University
- Biola University
- California Baptist University
- La Sierra University
- Mount St. Mary's College
- National University
- University of La Verne
- University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global)
- University of Redlands
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of the Pacific
Out-of-State Private Universities
Articulation Agreements
- Azusa Pacific University
- Biola University
- Brigham Young University
- California Baptist University
- Claremont Lincoln University
- La Sierra University
- National University
- University of La Verne
- University of Redlands
- University of Southern California
- University of the Pacific
- Western Governors University