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62.6%Acceptance
$44,886Tuition
825Students
55%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$65,668Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Woodbury University

Woodbury University carves out its niche in the creative and business world through specialized programs in architecture, business, and design. This focused approach serves just 825 students in Burbank, placing it in the heart of Southern California's entertainment industry. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. Nearly three-quarters of students come from California, drawn to programs that blend creative disciplines with practical business skills.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students typically pay around $28,248 after aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $60,000. Graduates earn a median of $65,668 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,960. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.

The 54.8% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face in completing demanding creative programs. However, those who do graduate find strong employment prospects with a 93.3% employment rate. The small size means limited campus housing with just 223 beds available, pushing most students into the broader Burbank community.

Academics & Faculty

Woodbury University built its reputation around architecture, business, and design programs that prepare students for creative industries. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in studio-based courses and project work. Students work closely with professors who often maintain active practices in their fields. The 54.8% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of design and architecture programs, which require intensive portfolio development and internship requirements. Woodbury's location in Burbank puts students near entertainment and media companies, creating strong industry connections. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through real client projects and collaborative work that mirrors professional practice in creative fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
54.8%
Retention Rate
79.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,668
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $63,997
Architecture. Master $53,358
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $52,107
Architecture. Bachelor $49,064
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $47,260
Marketing. Bachelor $42,682
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. Bachelor $37,208
Design and Applied Arts. Bachelor $33,993
Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Bachelor $25,774

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Woodbury sits in the heart of Burbank, just 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles. With only 825 students total, you'll recognize faces walking between the modern buildings designed to showcase the university's architecture and design focus. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals personally.

Housing capacity serves just 223 students, so most live off-campus in nearby apartments or commute from home. About 74% of students are California residents who often head home on weekends or explore LA's entertainment industry connections. The year-round sunshine means shorts and t-shirts dominate campus fashion, though you'll want a light jacket for December mornings.

The small size creates an intimate environment where business majors collaborate with architecture students on real projects. Students spend considerable time in design studios that stay open late, fostering a tight-knit creative community. Weekend activities often involve industry networking events or exploring nearby Universal Studios and Hollywood. With 93% of graduates finding employment, career preparation drives much of campus conversation.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
223 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1884

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
45°–67°F
July Avg
64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
13.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Woodbury draws students who want hands-on training in creative and business fields without leaving Southern California. Nearly three-quarters of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong ties to LA's entertainment and design industries. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic and Asian students making up over 40% of enrollment. About half receive Pell Grants, showing Woodbury serves middle-class families seeking practical degrees in architecture, business, and media arts. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for schools emphasizing design and business over engineering.
Men
45.2%
Women
54.8%
White
40.7%
Black
4.9%
Hispanic
29.3%
Asian
12.6%
In-State Students
73.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
49.0%

Location

Woodbury University sits in Burbank, California, just 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies 22 acres in this entertainment industry center, home to major studios like Disney and Warner Bros. Burbank offers a unique blend of suburban feel with urban accessibility. Students can reach Hollywood in 20 minutes or Beverly Hills in 30. The San Fernando Valley location provides year-round sunshine and mountain views. About 74% of students come from within California, drawn to the proximity to LA's design and business opportunities. The city's population of 107,000 creates a manageable environment while maintaining big-city resources. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Woodbury University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Burbank, California 91504-1052
Francis Woodbury
Francis Woodbury
Woodbury Business College, ca.1905-1907
Woodbury Business College, ca.1905-1907

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,668
Median Earnings (5 years)
$66,933
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,300
Loan Repayment Rate
57.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,960

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Woodbury University?

Woodbury University accepts 62.60% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The small enrollment of 825 students means the admissions office can take a more personal approach to evaluating candidates for their specialized architecture, business, and design programs.

How much does Woodbury University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $28,248, lower than the full tuition of $44,886. Nearly half of students (48.96%) receive Pell Grants, and the school provides institutional grants averaging $23,816 to help make their career-focused programs more accessible.

What are class sizes like at Woodbury University?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring small classes and personalized attention. This intimate learning environment is particularly valuable for hands-on programs in architecture and design where students need close mentorship and studio-based instruction.

What do Woodbury University graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $65,668 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical focus of their specialized programs. The 93.3% employment rate shows strong job market demand for graduates in architecture, business, and design fields.

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

The university sits in Burbank, California, putting students in the heart of the entertainment industry. With housing capacity for only 223 students out of 825 total enrollment, most students live off-campus and commute to this urban setting.

Does Woodbury University have strong graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate is 54.80%, which reflects the demanding nature of professional programs like architecture. The 79.65% retention rate shows that students who start here generally stay, even though the rigorous coursework in specialized fields can extend time to degree.