California Intercontinental University: $9,054 Tuition

$9,054Tuition

141Students

10%Grad Rate (6-yr)

#18 in South DakotaPrivate forprofit4-yearResearch UniversityData: 2023-24

About California Intercontinental University

California Intercontinental University operates as a small professional-focused institution with just 141 students enrolled. The school targets working adults and career changers seeking practical credentials. Despite its name suggesting California roots, the university sits in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The intimate campus maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention.

Students pay $9,054 annually regardless of residency status. Nearly 78% receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The financial picture becomes compelling when considering graduate outcomes: median earnings reach $108,695 within five years of graduation. Federal loan usage affects 63% of students, but the strong earning potential suggests debt remains manageable. The employment rate of 89.7% indicates graduates find work relatively quickly.

The graduation numbers tell a concerning story that prospective students must consider carefully. Only 10.2% of students complete their programs within six years. The student body reflects significant diversity, with 39% Black students and 30% White students comprising the largest demographic groups. Women make up 54.6% of enrollment. Two-thirds of students come from South Dakota, suggesting strong regional appeal despite the low completion rates.

Academics & Faculty

California Intercontinental University operates as a small private institution with just 141 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The intimate class sizes should theoretically provide personalized attention, but the school's 10.2% six-year graduation rate suggests significant academic challenges. This for-profit institution focuses primarily on business and technology programs, typical of career-oriented schools targeting working adults. The low completion rates indicate that many students struggle to finish their degrees despite the small learning environment. With 78% of students receiving financial aid and the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, the school serves a predominantly low-income population seeking practical skills training rather than traditional liberal arts education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 10.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 10.2%
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Doctoral	$101,964

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

California Intercontinental University operates primarily as an online institution, despite its name suggesting a California location. The school serves just 141 students from a headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Students interact through digital platforms rather than walking across a traditional campus.

The online format means your "campus" is wherever you have internet access. With 78% of students receiving financial aid, most juggle coursework around work schedules. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio translates to smaller virtual classrooms and more individualized attention during online sessions. Students connect through discussion boards, video conferences, and digital group projects rather than dormitory life or campus activities.

Weekend social life happens in your own community since there's no physical campus gathering space. The diverse student body includes 39% Black students and 30% White students, creating varied perspectives in online discussions. With 65% of students coming from South Dakota, many maintain local jobs while pursuing their degrees. The high employment rate of 89.7% suggests students often continue working full-time while enrolled.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Other
Founded: 1996

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–27°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 27.9"
Annual Snowfall: 45.3"

Student Demographics

California Intercontinental University draws primarily working adults from South Dakota and surrounding states who need flexible degree options. The student body is diverse, with Black and Hispanic students making up over half the enrollment. Most students come from lower-income backgrounds and rely heavily on federal financial aid to afford the $9,054 annual tuition. The slight female majority reflects the school's focus on business and healthcare programs that traditionally attract more women. Small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio allow for personalized attention in this intimate learning environment.

Men: 45.4%
Women: 54.6%
White: 29.8%
Black: 39.0%
Hispanic: 15.6%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 65.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 78.0%

Location

California Intercontinental University sits in Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city with around 195,000 residents. The campus operates about 240 miles northwest of Omaha and 350 miles west of Minneapolis. Sioux Falls anchors eastern South Dakota as a regional business center, built around the Big Sioux River falls that give the city its name. The area features rolling prairie landscape typical of the northern Great Plains. Despite its California name, this small private institution serves primarily regional students, with 65% coming from within South Dakota. The city offers more urban amenities than most South Dakota locations while maintaining Midwestern affordability. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare California Intercontinental University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $108,695

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at California Intercontinental University?

California Intercontinental University serves just 141 students in Sioux Falls with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The small size creates an intimate learning environment, though the school operates on a non-traditional calendar system that differs from typical semester schedules.

How much does California Intercontinental University cost for tuition?

Tuition costs $9,054 annually for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 78% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, indicating many students come from lower-income backgrounds.

What are the graduation rates at California Intercontinental University?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 10.24%, with the six-year rate reaching only 10.20%. These low completion rates are concerning for a private institution and suggest students may face significant academic or financial challenges.

What kind of employment outcomes do California Intercontinental University graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $108,695 five years after graduation and $109,699 after one year. The employment rate reaches 89.7%, suggesting those who complete their programs find work relatively easily despite the low graduation rates.

Where do California Intercontinental University students come from?

About 65% of the 141 enrolled students come from South Dakota, while 35% travel from other states. The student body is racially diverse, with 39% Black students, 30% White students, and 16% Hispanic students.

Is California Intercontinental University a traditional college experience?

This private for-profit institution founded in 1996 offers a non-traditional approach to higher education. With 63% of students taking federal loans and the unique calendar system, it caters to students seeking flexible degree options rather than a conventional college atmosphere.