Westcliff University
Westcliff University has an acceptance rate of 73.2%, annual tuition of $17,670, average net price of $35,426, and a national rank of #1814 (Grade D+), with a 67.1% graduation rate, and about 2,363 undergraduates. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Westcliff University is a private for-profit institution in Irvine, CA. Students most often pursue Law.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 71.6% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Westcliff University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Westcliff University graduates 67.1% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 71.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Westcliff University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,670 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,210 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 6.0% of Westcliff University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $36,031/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $40,799/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) Not reported
- 10-Year Median Earnings Not reported
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $23,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Westcliff University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Westcliff University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Westcliff University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Westcliff University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,363
- Full-Time Students 67.8%
- Part-Time Students 32.2%
- Retention Rate 71.6%
- Graduation Rate 67.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Westcliff University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Westcliff University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 73.2%, Westcliff University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 73.2% acceptance rate, Westcliff University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Westcliff University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Education, General, and Computer and Information Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 98.6%
- Education, General 1.4%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 0.0%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (First Professional Degree) $58,618
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Law programs lead with $58,618 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Westcliff University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,363
- Full-Time Students 67.8%
- Part-Time Students 32.2%
- Male Students 63.3%
- Female Students 36.7%
- Caucasian 5.4%
- Asian 1.4%
- Hispanic 2.3%
- Black 3.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 6.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Westcliff University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Westcliff University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westcliff University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Westcliff University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Westcliff University has a diverse student body, with 5.4% identifying as White. Men make up 63.3% of undergraduates. About 6.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westcliff University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Westcliff University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Westcliff University ranks #1814 of 1962 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a D+ overall grade with 0.0% ROI.
At $35,426 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: Westcliff University
D+ grade | #1814 of 1962 | 54.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: Westcliff University's 0.0% return on investment and #1814 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $35,426 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare Westcliff University's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use Westcliff University's D+ grade and #1814 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 67.1% graduation rate sits 4.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.6% first-year retention is 5.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Average net price of $35,426 is roughly $15,347 higher than the national median of $20,079.
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 73.2% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $35,426 is about $15,347 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 6.0% trails the national share by 28.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Westcliff University—a private for-profit institution in Irvine, CA—at D+ overall. It stands at #1814 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B+, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability F.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 71.6% retention and 67.1% six-year graduation. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $35,426 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,210.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,784 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 6.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six-year earnings data is not available for this institution.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
73.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Westcliff University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westcliff University's acceptance rate?
Westcliff University's acceptance rate is 73.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Westcliff University cost?
At Westcliff University, listed tuition and fees are $17,670 per year, and the average net price after aid is $35,426. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Westcliff University's ranking?
Westcliff University ranks #1814 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of D+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Westcliff University's graduation rate?
At Westcliff University, the graduation rate is 67.1%, and first-year retention is 71.6%.
What is Westcliff University's student population?
Westcliff University enrolls about 2,363 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Irvine, CA 92614
- Website www.westcliff.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate2.9%