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Key facts
- TypePrivate
- International students900
- Nationalities72
- Total programs114
- University rankingNot ranked
Study abroad at Westcliff University
Westcliff University is a private university located in Irvine, in the US state of California. Westcliff has roughly 3,000 students who represent over 80 different nationalities. It offers bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and short certificates in business, education, engineering, law and science.
Westcliff is a California Benefit University committed to the public good, dedicated to serving the interests and welfare of its students, staff, faculty, and the greater community. All programs are offered in both on-campus and online formats. Westcliff's 100% online courses all have weekly virtual class sessions with live professors.
Westcliff University Student Services plans events for students to create a strong campus community; this helps students to get more involved at the University and celebrate the diversity of the student body.

Why study at Westcliff University
- Accreditation
Westcliff is regionally accredited by WSCUC - the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and globally accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Attractive Location
Irvine has been ranked the #1 safest city in America (FBI’s Crime Statistics) and the #1 Best place to live in California (Time.com)
- Practical learning
Emphasis on interaction and practical skills, not just lectures
- REAL Program
Westcliff offers Intensive English language classes 100% online so students can earn degree credits while gaining the skills to prepare them for their degree program.
Location
Westcliff University
17877 Von Karman, Suite 400 Irvine, CA, 92614
Westcliff University has two locations where classes are offered on site – Irvine, California and Cerritos, California.

Programs
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Fees and funding
Westcliff University understands that every student is unique, and as a result, every student’s financial aid package can be just as unique as the applicant.
Funding
Dr. David McKinney Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a select number of students who demonstrate an aptitude for excellence, a grand vision for the future, and a keen sense of social responsibility to leave the world a better place when they are gone. Additional Essay Prompt: Express a vision for using your degree for social betterment. **Scholarship Criteria:** - Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester) - Eligibility limited to new students to Westcliff University - Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed) - Award amount up to $10,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment - Multiple awards may be given - Maintaining eligibility requires an annual renewal application and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5Giving Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL)
Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a doctorate, master’s or bachelor’s degree at Westcliff.Founder's Scholarship for Business (Doctoral): Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed) and to mantain eligibility for the year, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 is required. Founder's Scholarship for Business/Computer Science/Information Technology/Engineering Management (Graduate): Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed) and to mantain eligibility for the year, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 is required. Founder's Scholarship for Business/Education/Information Technology (Undergraduate): Minimum 3.25 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed) and to mantain eligibility for the year, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
- Eligibility open to new and continuing students
- Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
- Multiple awards may be given
Fee information
- Bachelor tuition
US$23,620 per year
- Master Programs tuition
US$10,414 per year
- Doctorate Programs tuition
from US$10,510 per year

What is the cost of living near Westcliff University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $1,652 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $1,349 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $214 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $73 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $61 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $65 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $350 |
| Coffee shop drink | $5 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $15 |
| Gym membership | $45 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).
Visa requirements for Westcliff University
Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.
Life at Westcliff University
Westcliff's Student Services department ensures you're supported throughout your time at the University. They help you achieve personal and academic goals by acting as the point of contact for any issues related to registration, course scheduling, student events, online information, academic advising, and counseling.
Westcliff also has many initiatives for you to be part of, including peer mentors, students' association, and career advice. The University also works with the community to help you find suitable mentors and internships. The School’s Career Services department offers career advisory services to help you take the next steps after graduation.

Facilities
- 6 Sport facilities
- 1 Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
- Group Study Rooms
- Quiet Areas
- Computer labs
- Individual Study Rooms
- 1 Basketball Courts
- 1 Baseball Pitches
- 1 volleyball courts
- 1 Athletics Track
- Peer & Buddy Program
- Academic Tutoring & Support
- Campus Wireless Connectivity
Student reviews for Westcliff University
What Westcliff University says
Analy GarciaAnaly Garcia says:We are very proud of our diversity and inclusion efforts here at Westcliff University. Our diversity extends to not only students, but staff, faculty, and leadership. Our University attracts students from over 82 countries worldwide and that number only continues to grow every semester.
We offer a small student to faculty ratio and also deliver personalized services (admissions, student services, career services, billing, financial aid, and of course faculty). We get to know students individually and many continue professional relationships past graduation given the rapport built during their degree.
We are about to move to a new building given our growth and expansion. I would recommend checking the websites for updates. There are several career options for students all varying on their degree chosen. We have students in healthcare, marketing, accountancy, finance, business analytics, tech, software engineering, TESOL, entrepreneurs, and general management.
Annabelle DuneauAnnabelle Duneau says:Our student services advisors will make sure that you are on track academically and have access to every resource you need to succeed here in the US. Our student services team will offer consistent support to each student if any issues or questions arise.
Students have access to the Warrior Lounge, with TV's, free coffee, filtered water, basketball court, and more. They will be able to use the computer lab, quiet study areas, online writing workshops, the Writing Center and the online LIRN network for academic research and needs.
Throughout the school year, students show their team spirit by attending Warrior sporting events, pep rallies and taking part in community outreach. As a member of the NAIA and with a growing list of sports available, there’s always something to do on the weekend. Moreover, our student life committee is always finding ways to bring students together. We’ve had game nights, hiking days, sound and yoga meditation, and will be holding our inaugural esports tournament open to students that meet the minimum qualifications. They are multiple outcomes possible depending on the program the student chooses. The most common ones are things like entrepreneur, marketing research analyst, web developer, business analyst, software engineer, and director of operations.
John MahanJohn Mahan says:Westcliff is a perfect place for students to create new experiences and grow personally, academically and professionally. With our diverse student body representing over 85 countries and plenty of sporting events or campus activities, students will quickly feel like part of the #WestcliffFamily.
Westcliff offers flexibility to accommodate students' situations and goals. First, our classes are held in the evenings or weekends to accommodate work or internships. We have six intakes throughout the year and rolling admissions. All our courses can be taken online, but most degrees can be earned on-campus as well. Certificate programs can be completed in two, four, six, or eight months at a time and can be credited towards a full degree program later.
We have many shared amenities on campus including tennis and basketball courts, Warrior lounge for studying or relaxing between classes, computer lab, ARC center and more. The Academic Resources Center, or ARC, is a great support tool for students that need feedback on papers, one-on-one tutoring, or workshops to improve their skills. A Westcliff degree gives students the recognition of studying at an accredited US university, boosting their CV and giving them an edge back home. After graduation, students can do OPT internship for up to three years. Our career services team connects students professionally. They share job openings from local employers who know the unmatched quality of Westcliff students.
