Westcliff University: 67.4% Acceptance Rate

67.4%Acceptance

$21,000Tuition

2,037Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAData: 2023-24

About Westcliff University

Westcliff University serves a diverse international community of 2,037 students in Irvine's tech corridor. The private university attracts students from around the world seeking business and professional programs. Nearly two-thirds of students are men, reflecting the school's focus on business and technology fields. About half the student body comes from California, while the rest brings global perspectives to this urban campus.

The financial picture reveals some complexities. Students pay an average net price of $26,455 annually, though only 2% receive federal financial aid. Most students appear to be self-funded or supported by family resources. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,750, translating to monthly payments around $252. The university's for-profit model means students should carefully weigh career outcomes against costs.

Campus life centers around the Warriors athletics program, which fields 16 NAIA sports teams with 223 total athletes. The athletic department awards over $1.1 million in scholarships annually. Students benefit from small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. However, retention tells a mixed story, with 73% of students returning for sophomore year and about half graduating within four years. The graduation rate of 60% within six years suggests some students need extra time to complete their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Westcliff University operates as a private institution focused on career-oriented programs, particularly business and technology fields. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many larger universities cannot match. However, the 50% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete degrees. Only 2% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the student body comes primarily from middle and upper-income families. The university emphasizes practical skills training over traditional liberal arts education. With 63% male enrollment, the school attracts students seeking professional programs in fields like business administration and information technology. The 59% six-year graduation rate shows eventual degree completion improves with additional time.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 8.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 50.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 59.8%
Retention Rate: 73.3%

Campus Life

Westcliff's small campus in Irvine puts you minutes from the Pacific Ocean and an hour from Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Southern California climate, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. The student body of 2,037 creates an intimate environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.

The gender split leans heavily male at 63.87%, reflecting the university's focus on business and technology programs. International students make up a significant portion of the campus, creating a globally diverse atmosphere despite the small size. With 16 varsity sports and 223 total athletes competing at the NAIA level, the Warriors maintain an active athletic presence. The $1.1 million in athletic scholarships shows the university's commitment to sports programs.

Most students commute from Orange County apartments rather than living on campus. Weekends often mean trips to nearby beaches, exploring Irvine's shopping centers, or heading to LA for entertainment. The university's career-focused approach means many students balance internships with coursework, taking advantage of Orange County's thriving business corridor.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Other

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	3
Burglary	1	1
Domestic Violence	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–67°F
July Avg: 66°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Westcliff draws a predominantly male student body that reflects its focus on business and technology programs. The campus attracts roughly equal numbers of California residents and out-of-state students, suggesting both local appeal and national recognition. International students make up a significant portion of enrollment, aligning with the university's emphasis on global business education. Very few students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families. The diverse geographic mix creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere that supports the university's international business mission.

Men: 63.9%
Women: 36.1%
White: 6.3%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 2.7%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 48.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 2.1%

Location

Westcliff University sits in Irvine, California, about 40 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus operates in one of Orange County's most planned and affluent communities. Irvine offers a master-planned suburban environment with extensive parks, shopping centers, and business districts. The city sits roughly 10 miles inland from popular Southern California beaches like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Orange County's tech corridor and aerospace industry provide internship opportunities for students. The Mediterranean climate features year-round mild temperatures. Irvine's safe, family-oriented atmosphere contrasts with the party school reputation of many college towns. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Westcliff University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Irvine, California 92614

After College

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

Monthly Loan Payment: $252/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Westcliff University?

Westcliff University accepts 67% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private institution. The school draws a diverse international student body to its Irvine campus, with nearly half of students coming from out of state.

How much does Westcliff University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Westcliff University is $26,455, with tuition set at $21,000 for all students regardless of residency. However, only 2% of students receive financial aid, indicating most families pay close to the full sticker price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Westcliff University?

Westcliff University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 2,037 students. The university focuses on business and technology programs, offering small class sizes that allow for personalized attention in professional degree programs.

What is the graduation rate at Westcliff University?

About 50% of students graduate within four years, while 60% complete their degrees within six years. The retention rate of 73% suggests some students struggle with the academic demands or financial obligations of this private institution.

Where is Westcliff University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Irvine, California, a major city known for its tech industry and business opportunities. With 223 student-athletes competing in 16 NAIA sports as the Warriors, the school offers athletic programs despite its relatively small size.

What makes the student body at Westcliff University unique?

Men comprise 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's focus on business and technology fields. The racial demographics show only 6% White students and very low percentages of other groups, suggesting a predominantly international student population not captured in traditional U.S. census categories.