University of the West: 78.3% Acceptance Rate

78.3%Acceptance

$14,718Tuition

41Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of the West

University of the West serves as a bridge between Eastern philosophy and Western higher education. This Buddhist-affiliated institution enrolls just 41 students in a suburban Los Angeles setting, creating an intimate learning environment rarely found elsewhere. The university focuses on business and liberal arts while maintaining strong connections to Buddhist teachings and practices.

Students pay an average of $11,137 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private options in California. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. However, graduates earn a median of $44,644 five years after graduation, which is modest compared to other private universities. The 6-year graduation rate of 31% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.

With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, every student receives personal attention from professors. The student body is 61% women and diverse, with significant Hispanic (22%), Asian (15%), and Black (10%) representation. The 40% retention rate indicates many students transfer or leave after their first year. For students seeking a unique educational experience that blends contemplative practices with traditional academics, this tiny university offers something truly different, though prospective students should carefully consider the completion rates.

Academics & Faculty

University of the West centers its academic mission around Buddhist philosophy and multicultural understanding, blending traditional liberal arts with business programs in a distinctly contemplative environment. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally in this intimate setting of just 41 enrolled students. However, only 31% of students graduate within six years, suggesting the academic rigor or life circumstances present significant challenges. The school's Buddhist foundation shapes coursework in philosophy, psychology, and business ethics, attracting students seeking alternatives to conventional higher education. With 61% of students being women and strong Asian representation at 15%, the campus reflects the diverse Buddhist community it serves.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.1%
Retention Rate: 40.0%
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

With just 41 students total, University of the West creates an intimate academic environment where everyone knows each other. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and track your progress closely. This small Buddhist-affiliated university sits in Rosemead, about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, where you'll need sunscreen year-round rather than heavy coats.

The campus can house 150 students, though with such tiny enrollment, there's plenty of space in the residence halls. Women make up 61% of students, and the community reflects significant diversity with strong Asian and Hispanic representation. Weekend activities often center around the university's Buddhist meditation practices and community service projects. Students frequently venture into LA for internships and entertainment, taking advantage of the proximity to major business centers. The semester system allows for deeper engagement in coursework, while the tight-knit community means campus traditions evolve organically around this small but dedicated group of learners.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 150 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1991

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–68°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 15.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

University of the West draws a remarkably diverse student body with no white students and strong representation from Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, reflecting the university's emphasis on liberal arts alongside business programs. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving lower-income families. The majority of students come from California, giving the university strong local roots in the San Gabriel Valley's multicultural communities. This demographic mix aligns perfectly with the school's Buddhist-influenced mission of inclusive education and social responsibility.

Men: 39.0%
Women: 61.0%
White: 0.0%
Black: 9.8%
Hispanic: 22.0%
Asian: 14.6%
In-State Students: 57.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.9%

Location

University of the West sits in Rosemead, California, about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies a quiet suburban setting in the San Gabriel Valley, surrounded by middle-class neighborhoods and strip malls typical of Southern California's Inland Empire region. With just 41 students enrolled, the university operates more like an intimate college within the sprawling LA metropolitan area. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the north, while students can reach LA's beaches in about an hour. The area lacks a traditional college town atmosphere but offers easy access to internships and cultural opportunities throughout Greater Los Angeles. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of the West with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rosemead, California 91770

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $44,644

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of the West?

University of the West accepts 78% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. With only 41 students enrolled, this small Buddhist-affiliated institution offers an intimate educational environment focused on business and liberal arts.

How much does University of the West cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $11,137 annually, lower than the $14,718 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,601 on average, while 42% of students receive Pell Grants.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the West?

The student-faculty ratio is 5:1, providing exceptional personal attention in classes. This tiny university operates more like a graduate seminar program, with strong emphasis on Buddhist philosophy and contemplative education.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of the West?

Only 31% of students graduate within six years, with a concerning 40% retention rate. Graduates earn a median of $44,644 five years after graduation, though the small size means individual outcomes vary widely.

Where do University of the West students live?

Campus housing accommodates up to 150 students, far exceeding current enrollment of 41. The Rosemead location in suburban Los Angeles provides a quiet setting for contemplative study and Buddhist practice.

Does University of the West serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 61% women and diverse, with 22% Hispanic, 15% Asian, and 10% Black students. Founded in 1991, this institution specifically serves students interested in integrating Eastern philosophy with Western academic traditions.