Independent University Information
In addition to the three public systems of higher education, California is also home to 119
independent colleges and universities that are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
(WASC).
The majority of the independent colleges and universities are non-profit educational institutions that receive no
direct public funding. They cover the full range of higher education offerings and serve about 260,000 California
students each year.
Independent institutions in the state include large campuses that are recognized worldwide for their traditional
undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs and other, smaller institutions that focus on a limited
course of study or profession.
Some offer associate (2-year) degrees in specialized majors for specific vocations. Some independent institutions
accept only women, while others have a religious affiliation. Some independent institutions are for commuters and
others are residential campuses.
Most WASC-accredited independent institutions are four-year colleges and universities accredited by the WASC
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
Twenty-one campuses are accredited by the WASC Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
A listing of WASC-Accredited, Non-Public universities is available in our
Guide.
Accreditation
Accreditation certifies that an institution meets or exceeds established standards and is achieving its own stated
objectives. WASC and the other five regional associations in the United States grant "institutional accreditation"
after a comprehensive self-study followed by an on-site evaluation of the programs and services of the total
institution.
This means that all diploma or degree programs and educational activities offered by the institution are covered
by the institution's accreditation. The evaluation determines whether or not the institution qualifies for regional
recognition, but more important, periodic self-study and review promote improvement in educational quality.
(California's publicly funded colleges and universities are also accredited by WASC.)
If you have questions about the status of any WASC accredited college, contact either:
The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001
Fax: (510) 748-9797
http://www.wascweb.org/senior
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
3402 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 569-9177
Fax: (707) 569-9179
http://www.accjc.org
Note: The source of the information on accreditation was the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Admission Requirements, Deadlines
Many of the independent institutions have admission requirements that are similar to the California
State University or University of California systems. Students can enter directly from high school
and can often transfer from a community college.
Some independent institutions have requirements related to a specialty area of study such as music,
art or technology. However, requirements and deadlines for admission vary and you should contact
each campus.
Fees and Tuition, Costs of Living, and Housing
Fees and tuition at independent institutions is generally
higher than public universities, but vary depending on the course of study and other factors. Living costs are also influenced by many variables.
Many independent colleges and universities offer housing for students.
Check with each institution about the specific details of fees, living costs, housing,
and financial aid at that campus.
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
75 non-profit, degree granting colleges and universities accredited by WASC have
joined together to form the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU).
Among many other activities, AICCU publishes a
Guide for Students, Parents, and Counselors about its member institutions,
and distributes a brochure -
A Closer Look - that briefly describes them.
These and other materials are available from:
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
1100 Eleventh Street, Suite10
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 446-7626
Fax: (916) 446-7948
http://www.aiccu.edu
A listing of AICCU member universities is available in our
Guide.
