West Coast University: A Comprehensive Overview

West Coast University (WCU) is a private, for-profit institution focused on providing healthcare-related degree programs. With multiple campus locations across California, Texas, and Florida, WCU is dedicated to offering market-responsive programs that prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

Historical Perspective

West Coast University has a rich history, evolving from its origins as a small ophthalmology school in Los Angeles. Chartered by the State of California in 1909, the institution initially emerged from faculty leaving Occidental College seeking a more secular curriculum. Over the years, WCU's program offerings expanded to include various fields, such as aeronautical engineering, applied sciences, and locomotive diesel engine repairs.

In the 1950s, WCU became a pioneer in offering bachelor's degree programs tailored to the needs of working adults, with evening-only programs designed for service members utilizing the GI Bill. This innovative approach led to further diversification, incorporating programs in business and management, computer science, industrial technology, and pre-health science. Associate and master's degree programs were introduced in the subsequent decades.

However, financial mismanagement in the 1990s led to a loss of accreditation and a decline in enrollment. In 1997, American Career College acquired the WCU name and the responsibility of providing transcripts. Under new leadership, the university refocused its mission on educating healthcare professionals, a commitment solidified in 2004.

A Focus on Healthcare Education

Since refocusing on healthcare education, West Coast University has achieved several milestones. In 2008, it became the first privately held proprietary university in California to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The university's nursing programs have also received programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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WCU's commitment to healthcare education extends to dental hygiene. Its Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene program in Orange County received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is one of only four CODA-accredited bachelor's degree programs in Dental Hygiene offered in California.

In 2010, the Los Angeles campus gained approval to award Master of Science degrees in Nursing and Health Care Management. That same year, an advanced Simulation Center for Nursing opened at the Orange County campus, integrating high-fidelity mannequins and current healthcare technology into the nursing curriculum.

Campus Locations and Facilities

West Coast University has five campus locations:

Los Angeles (North Hollywood, CA): Located at the Victory Blvd. Exit of Highway 170 (Hollywood Freeway), the campus has a total of 65,333 sq. ft.
Orange County (Anaheim, CA): Located off Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) at the Brookhurst/La Palma exit, this facility has a total of 91,090 sq. ft. The Manchester Building includes a Dental Hygiene simulation laboratory and a Dental Hygiene Patient Clinic.
Ontario (Ontario, CA): This facility has a total of 37,912 sq. ft. that consists of 6 Classrooms, 2 Lab Rooms, 1 Dental Hygiene Simulation Lab, 2 Dental Hygiene Clinics, 2 Study Rooms with 10 computer stations, a Student Lounge, and a library with 10 computer stations.
Texas (Richardson, TX): The campus has a total of 62,596 sq. ft. that consists of 14 Classrooms, 4 Lab Rooms, 7 High-fidelity Simulation Labs, 4 Study Rooms and 3 Student Lounges.
Miami, Florida: The campus has a total of 100,216 sq. ft. The campus is located in a 5-story glass building that features a unique, three-pod design with expansive views in all directions and easy access to and from local highways.

Each campus includes classrooms, computer labs, science labs, skills labs, and advanced Simulation Centers.

Academics and Programs

West Coast University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on healthcare. In 2023, the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentration at West Coast University-Los Angeles was Registered Nursing, with 981 degrees awarded.

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Majors Awarded

In 2023, 981 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at West Coast University-Los Angeles. The most specialized majors at West Coast University-Los Angeles in 2023 are Health (981 degrees awarded).

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

In 2023, 193 degrees were awarded to men at West Coast University-Los Angeles, which is 0.245 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (788).

Most Common Race & Ethnicity

The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (345 degrees), 1.17 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (295 degrees).

Graduation Rate

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at West Coast University-Los Angeles is Female and Asian (100% graduation rate).

Time to Complete

In 2023, 83% of students graduating from West Coast University-Los Angeles completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Commitment to Student Success

WCU emphasizes a student-centric learning partnership, delivering transformational education within a culture of integrity and personal accountability. The university designs market-responsive programs through collaboration between faculty and industry professionals. Graduates are expected to uphold ethical standards, maintain professionalism, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and cultural sensitivity. WCU aims to equip students with the tools and resources necessary to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Admissions and Enrollment

West Coast University-Los Angeles received 39 undergraduate applications in 2018, with an acceptance rate of 92.3%. The university has an overall enrollment yield of 50%.

In 2023, West Coast University-Los Angeles had a total enrollment of 2,687 students, with 81.5% enrolled full-time. The enrolled student population is diverse, with a significant representation of Hispanic or Latino (34.9%), White (34.2%), and Asian (20.5%) students.

Acceptance Rate (2018): 92.3%
Enrolled Students (2023): 2,687
Full-Time Enrollment (2023): 81.5%

Costs and Financial Aid

The cost of attending West Coast University includes tuition, fees, and other expenses. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at West Coast University-Los Angeles was $35,784, which is $20,620 more than the national average for Special Focus Institutions ($15,164). After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $51,992.

2023 Undergraduate Tuition: $35,784
2023 Average Net Price: $51,992

Financial aid is available to eligible students through grants and loans. In 2023, 49% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 88% received financial aid through loans. The default rate for borrower's at West Coast University-Los Angeles was 0% in 2022, representing 0 out of the 5,088 total borrowers.

Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants (2023): 49%
Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans (2023): 88%
2022 Default Rate: 0%

Notable Alumni

West Coast University has produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such alumnus is Greg Jarvis, an astronaut on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Jarvis was scheduled to receive his diploma for a management science degree on the shuttle, but tragically, the Challenger mission ended in disaster. West Coast University posthumously awarded Jarvis with a distinguished alumnus award in 2011.

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