What Is It Known For?
Stanbridge University started its journey in 1996 under the name Executive 2000, focusing on Information Technology certificate programs. The school changed its name to Stanbridge College in 2004 and has grown quite a bit since then. What began as simple IT training has expanded into nursing, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant, and full degree programs.
Today, about 1,508 students study here, with 279 of them being new full-time students. You can learn on one of their four campuses in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego, or take classes online from home.
Degrees & Certifications
Stanbridge University focuses on getting you ready for specific careers through hands-on training. The school offers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees depending on what field you want to enter.
You can study in these programs:
- 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
Stanbridge University gives you different ways to fit school into your life. Some programs offer online classes, though you’ll usually need to come to campus for your first class session. The school runs evening classes and weekend clinical training to help working students manage their schedules.
Most healthcare programs include clinical experiences where you practice what you’ve learned in real medical settings. These hands-on opportunities let you work with actual patients under supervision, so you feel ready for your career when you graduate.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Stanbridge University maintains strong educational standards through multiple accreditations. All campus locations hold accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The school also has specialized program accreditations that show its quality in specific fields. These include recognition from:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
Acceptance Rate
Getting into Stanbridge University isn’t easy, with only 11% of applicants receiving acceptance letters. This puts the school in the top 3% of hardest universities to get into across the United States. You’ll want to have excellent grades and meet all requirements before applying, since most students who apply don’t get accepted.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s most recent student catalog, tuition at Stanbridge University varies a lot depending on which program you pick. The least expensive option is the Diploma in Hemodialysis Technician at $9,960. The most expensive course is the Associate of Occupational Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant, which costs $58,320. Most other programs fall somewhere between these two prices.
Since costs can add up quickly, the school offers a net price calculator to help you figure out what you’ll actually pay after financial aid.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- LVN
- Nursing (BSN)
- Nursing (MSN-Ed)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Campus Locations
Irvine 2041 Business Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92612
Alhambra 2215 West Mission Road Alhambra, CA 91803
Riverside 1325 Spruce Street Riverside, CA 92507
San Marcos 277 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Stanbridge University has a polarized reputation: it is strongly praised for its cutting-edge technology and supportive staff in the classroom, but heavily criticized for its very high cost and alleged aggressive or misleading enrollment practices.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Faculty and Staff Support: Reviewers consistently describe the faculty and staff as “very knowledgeable and supportive,” professional, and dedicated to student success. Specific praise is given for the way the staff “individually cater” to students and provide encouragement.
Advanced Technology and Facilities: The school is highly valued for having “all the technology you could ever want,” including state-of-the-art labs and equipment. This advanced learning environment is often cited as a “major selling point” and a reason to choose Stanbridge.
Positive Admissions Experience (Initially): Many positive reviews specifically highlight a fun, informative, and well-organized orientation and admissions process. Reviewers mentioned specific admissions staff for being helpful, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
Strong Program Success Metrics (External Data): Public data indicates very strong performance on professional licensing exams, with the institution reporting a 95% BSN NCLEX Licensure Pass Rate and a 96% Vocational Nursing NCLEX-PN Pass Rate (2019-2023 for OC campus). This high success rate is a major draw for prospective students.
High-Quality Culture: Reviewers mention a “best mindset” that focuses on student application of knowledge and a welcoming, friendly, and motivating atmosphere where they feel like part of the “Stanbridge family.”
Common Criticisms
Very High Cost and Debt Concerns: The “really high price” is the most frequent and severe criticism. External sources and students note the cost can be as high as $85,000 for the program, with a significant number of students graduating with debt. Reviewers often warn others to “think again” before enrolling due to the expense.
Misleading or Aggressive Admissions/Sales Tactics: Several negative reviews allege that the admissions staff “hype things up” and are “so quick to take my application money, the test fees,” only to become less responsive or make misleading promises later. Some feel the school is “predatory and only cares about money” due to the high costs and aggressive enrollment push.
Disorganization and Communication Issues: While some praise the staff, other long-form reviews point to “a lot of bumps,” “disorganization,” and a lack of support once the program starts, including issues with administration failing to address student conflicts (e.g., bullying) or providing inconsistent information.
Teacher/Curriculum Inconsistency: One older review mentioned that professors could be a “hit or miss,” with some classes having great instruction and others suffering from high faculty turnover.
Momentum
The momentum is currently mixed. While the positive reviews are largely from 5 to 7 years ago, highlighting a period of strong satisfaction with the academic experience, the most recent detailed review (3 months ago) is severely negative, alleging the program is the “worst ever.” This is coupled with a long-standing pattern of negative reviews (6 years ago) criticizing the high cost and administrative/admissions practices. Stanbridge University consistently responds to nearly all reviews, even the deeply negative ones, with a personalized contact offer, which suggests an active effort at student relations and problem resolution. However, the recurring and recent nature of high-cost and program quality complaints indicates these are ongoing issues for the university to manage.