What is Summit College Known For?
Summit College, founded in 1991, is known for its reputation of offering affordable, quality education to students seeking new career paths.
The institution earned national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) in 1994. With El Cajon, Santa Ana, and San Bernardino campuses, Summit College is dedicated to helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
The college specializes in allied health, skilled trades, and business programs, providing both short- and long-term options, including accelerated programs with fast-track diplomas attainable in as little as two months.
With a hands-on training approach, Summit College prepares students for both personal and professional success through the guidance and support they offer their students.
Is it Legit?
Summit College boasts a robust set of accreditations and approvals. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and approved by the US Department of Education (USDOE). Further, Summit College is a proud Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) member. Additionally, the college is licensed to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Summit College also features a range of programmatic accreditations; for instance, the welding program is a member of the American Welding Society (AWS) and approved by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) as a testing agent. The Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program holds accreditation from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Similarly, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is approved by the California Department of Health Licensing and Certification Board.
Is Summit College Worth It?
Attending Summit College is a worthwhile investment for students seeking a fast and efficient pathway to jumpstart careers, offering accelerated programs that swiftly prepare students for the workforce. With a commitment to accessibility, Summit College supports students through various financial aid options, including student loans, grants, and scholarships.
Focusing on in-demand career paths ensures graduates have the knowledge and tools needed for long-term success in fields with high earning potential and job stability. Furthermore, the college’s solid relationships with local businesses, facilitated by dedicated career services staff, result in valuable externship opportunities for students and seamless job placements for graduates, further enhancing the overall value of a Summit College education.
Summit College vs. Community College
Choosing Summit College over a community college offers students some key advantages. Summit College provides flexibility with day and evening classes, ensuring accessibility for diverse schedules. The emphasis on hands-on training and real-world experience, facilitated by experienced and supportive instructors, sets Summit College apart. Graduating in as little as 9 months accelerates the journey to a successful career, and the institution’s robust career placement opportunities and services, coupled with modern facilities, enhance the overall educational experience.
Acceptance Rate
Summit College has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Tuition for certificate programs at Summit College costs around $1,650 per program. Licensing programs, such as programs for the skilled trades and in allied healthcare, cost between $13,665 and $19,251 per period of attendance.
Summit College prides itself on being an accessible option for students. It thus boasts a range of financial aid opportunities, ranging from student loans to grants and scholarships, accessible to students through the support of the institution’s financial aid services and staff.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Summit College’s campuses are open from 8 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
Construction and Architecture
- Welding
Healthcare and Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Phlebotomy
HVAC and Building Services
- Electrical
- HVAC
Campus Locations
Colton Campus 851 East Cooley Drive, Colton, CA 92324
El Cajon Campus 411 North Marshall Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
Santa Ana Campus 1639 East Edinger Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Financial Aid Services
The college offers several different financial aid packages for eligible attendees. Those interested in applying for FAFSA, scholarships, or other grants can work with an advisor. Also, anyone looking to earn money while completing their certificate can apply for work study programs.
Student Services
Learners at Summit College have access to up-to-date facilities to help them succeed. Faculty members also provide hands-on training for nursing students. Those in Trade and Technical programs can visit the school’s quality classrooms to practice their skills.
Career Services
Additionally, students can take advantage of the school’s career services. Summit College offers courses on resume preparation and interview preparation. Local externships are also available to help those interested gain experience in their field.
Veteran and Military Services
Summit College offers benefits for active-duty members, veterans, their spouses and dependents. Those interested in financial aid can apply through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Likewise, the school can certify students under the chapters such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance, and Selected Reserve.
Alumni Services
Through the Hire a Graduate program, alumni can browse open positions posted by local companies. Interested employers can reach out to the school to find recent graduates to fill open positions in their chosen fields.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Summit College – El Cajon Campus receives strong praise for its hands-on training and dedicated trade instructors, but the positive sentiment is frequently interrupted by serious, recurring complaints regarding administrative support, communication, and logistical issues like material shortages.
Overall Score: 3.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Trade Instructors: The most consistent and enthusiastic praise is directed at the trade instructors, particularly in the Welding and Plumbing programs. Instructors are described as highly knowledgeable, experienced, and willing to provide one-on-one teaching and “real life scenarios,” actively working in the lab/booth with students.
Hands-On Training and Supportive Environment: Students appreciate the practical focus, stating they feel like they are truly becoming “a part of the plumbing world.” Admissions and front office staff are frequently mentioned as being “fast, courteous and respectful,” making the enrollment process simple and friendly.
Accreditation: Summit College holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and programs like Welding and Vocational Nursing hold specific industry approvals.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Failures: This is the most serious and recurring criticism. Students report unresponsive communication (phone numbers leading to voicemail), organizational issues (the program is called “very unorganized”), and major difficulties, including not receiving diplomas months after graduation. A veteran utilizing the GI Bill also posted an emotionally charged warning to others to “Stay FAR FAR AWAY,” suggesting significant unresolved financial or administrative problems.
Program Quality and Logistics Issues: Students in the Welding program complained the school is “always short on material and or supplies,” and classes were sometimes cut short. Reviews for the Electrician program specifically state that instructors sometimes “barely have any field experience,” leading to a poor quality of education in that program.
Momentum
The very recent reviews (within the last 3 months) are highly polarized. There is a visible, strong burst of highly positive feedback specifically for the Welding and Plumbing instructors and the hands-on training they provide. However, these positive reviews are immediately followed and countered by current or very recent complaints of “Worst communication skills ever” and diploma/administrative issues. The college actively replies to every negative review and provides the Campus Director’s direct email, which shows an effort to address administrative failures, but the recurrence of these core organizational issues remains a significant trend.