What Is It Known For?
Stanbridge University began in 1996 as Executive 2000 and has grown significantly since then. The school became Stanbridge College in 2004 and changed to its current name in 2017. It has operated from its main location in Irvine since 1997 and now serves students at multiple campuses in California. You can find Stanbridge locations in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos, plus online programs for students who need flexibility.
The university enrolled 2,642 students in 2023, and these numbers stay fairly consistent each year. Currently, Stanbridge operates as a private for-profit institution that focuses on healthcare education. The school offers accredited programs in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapist Assistant fields.
Degrees & Certifications
Stanbridge University provides programs at several degree levels:
- Associate of Occupational Science – LVN
- Associate of Occupational Science – OTA
- Associate of Science – PTA
- Bachelor of Science – Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science – Nursing (MSN-Ed)
- Master of Science – Occupational Therapy
Class Schedules
The MSN-Ed program runs completely online if you need to study from home. Other programs mix on-ground classes with online courses for more flexibility. Labs happen on campus, where you practice with equipment, and then clinical rotations place you in partner healthcare facilities working with real patients.
If you work during the day, the part-time Licensed Vocational Nursing program offers evening classes. However, not every program has this option, so check with the school about your specific program. It’s also important to note that your nursing clinical rotations might fall during evening or night shifts based on your assigned facility.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Stanbridge University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). There are also other programmatic accreditations.
Acceptance Rate
Stanbridge University is selective, accepting only 11% of applicants, placing it among the top 3% most difficult schools to enter in the U.S.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s Tuition Summary Charts, program costs range from $19,495.00 for the Master of Science in Nursing online program to $146,280.00 for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Other programs fall between these amounts. These prices cover tuition only, so you’ll need to budget extra for fees, books, and supplies.
You should try using the school’s net price calculator to help you estimate your total costs based on your chosen program.
Programs & Courses
Business
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Criminal Justice & Law
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Healthcare
- Nursing
- BSN
- MSN
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Professional Services
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Skilled Trades
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Technology
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Campus Locations
Irvine 2041 Business Center Drive Irvine, CA 92612
Alhambra 2215 West Mission Road Alhambra, CA 91803
Riverside 1325 Spruce Street Riverside, CA 92507
San Marcos 277 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, CA 92069
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Stanbridge University provides a high-tech, specialized, and supportive education in healthcare fields, with many students praising the knowledgeable instructors and the sense of community. However, the institution is plagued by extremely high tuition costs, accusations of being a “money grab,” and systemic problems with disorganized curriculum, high faculty turnover, and punitive academic policies that lead to very high student attrition rates.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Advanced Technology and Facilities: The university is consistently praised for being “very high in technology,” offering access to advanced resources like a cadaver lab and simulation labs, which are a major selling point.
Knowledgeable and Supportive Staff: Many students describe the staff and professors, especially in programs like Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), as “knowledgeable,” “dedicated,” and personally “welcoming” and caring about student success.
Strong Career Outcomes: Alumni credit Stanbridge with providing a “great education to land my dream career” and giving them the “necessary tools” to be successful in the nursing world.
Effective Admissions Process: The enrollment process is frequently noted as being “well organized” and handled by responsive and encouraging representatives.
Common Criticisms
Extremely High Cost and Value Perception: This is the most significant criticism. The school is described as a “money grab” with a “really high price.” Reviewers often warn prospective students that they are only interested in getting their money.
Unstable and Rushed Curriculum: Students in the nursing and veterinary tech programs complain of “disorganization,” “rushed curriculum,” and frequent last-minute changes to clinical sites and schedules.
Punitive Academic Policies and High Attrition: The university is accused of having an extremely high student drop-out rate. One nursing student noted that out of 45 students, “less than 9 remains.” Students also report strict attendance policies that punish sickness with lengthy writing assignments and note that the NCLEX review session is poorly timed.
Inconsistent Faculty Quality: The quality of teaching is described as “a hit or miss.” While some instructors are great, others are labeled as “incompetent” or “mediocre,” alongside a complaint of huge staff turnover.
Momentum
Stanbridge University has strong positive momentum in its investment in high-tech healthcare education and maintaining specialized programs (Nursing, OTA, Vet Tech). However, this is undermined by severely negative momentum in student retention and cost management. The recurring, high-profile complaints regarding the combination of high price and punitive academic conditions suggest an institutional model designed for high profit at the expense of student well-being. To sustain its reputation, Stanbridge must urgently address its curriculum stability, reduce student attrition, and justify its high cost with a more consistently supportive academic environment.