What is West Coast University known for?
West Coast University is a renowned healthcare training university known for its working professional programs, simulation labs, and industry-relevant hands-on experience. The institution has been in operation for over 110 years, features 6 campuses, and boasts over 1,000 clinical partners in Texas, Florida, and California.
Each of West Coast University’s campuses offers high-tech facilities, with classrooms, computer labs, science labs, skills labs, and advanced Simulation Centers for Nursing. The institute also features a no-cost community Dental Hygiene Clinic in Orange County, enabling students to care for actual patients in disadvantaged populations.
Is it Legit?
West Coast University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools’ Senior College of University Division (WSCUC), an accreditation organization recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. The institution also has specific approvals from the California Board of Registered Nursing, the Florida Board of Nursing, and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Specific programs offered by West Coast University have also received programmatic accreditation. The school’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Nursing programs and its post-graduate APRN Certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Organization. Additionally, West Coast University’s Master’s and Doctoral programs in occupational therapy are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Even further, the Doctoral physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and the Doctoral pharmaceutical program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Is West Coast University worth it?
West Coast University is a highly accredited institution that offers students a unique experience to prepare for a career in the healthcare industry by offering them relevant, hands-on training and in-demand work experience required to acquire a job post-graduation. The institution features a host of staff published in their academic fields and encourages a student-centric approach, prioritizing the needs and success of its student body above all.
West Coast University vs. Community College
West Coast University offers its students a vocational training experience that enables them to start their careers even before graduation, seeking employment amongst the school’s over 1,000 clinical partners. West Coast University prides itself on offering hands-on learning opportunities in the form of labs in the school’s modern facilities and the opportunity for students to work with actual patients, making a difference in their local communities. Additionally, the school offers students grants and saving plans that cover up to 15% of tuition. In comparison, most community colleges lack the same depth and preparedness training regarding vocational pathways that West Coast University features. Though community colleges may offer students guidance when seeking internships or careers, the support West Coast University offers in career preparedness training and job searches is unrivaled, as is their commitment to student success.
West Coast University Acceptance Rate
West Coast University has an acceptance rate of 100%.
West Coast University Cost Per Year
West Coast University offers on-campus Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. On-campus Associate’s degrees’ tuition ranges between $600 and $800 per credit, with total program costs averaging to $49,000.
On-campus, full-time Bachelor’s degrees are charged by semester instead of by credit hour, with tuition ranging between $11,000 to $17,000 per semester and $122,000 to $139,000 for the complete program. Accelerated, evening, and weekend Bachelor’s programs’ tuition totals to $87,000 for the entire program, costing between $600 and $800 per credit.
On-campus Master’s degrees may range between $919 and $1,019 per credit, with total program tuition costing between $88,224 and $110,052.
West Coast University additionally offers online Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certificate programs. Online Bachelor’s programs cost $55,000 for the entire 4-year program. Online Master’s programs cost between $24,000 and $28,000 for the full program, and online certificate programs range between $7,000 and $22,000 for the complete program, depending on program length.
West Coast University offers military discounts, as well as academic grants and scholarships to students. The institution also accepts federal financial aid in the form of grants and loans.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
West Coast University’s online coursework is available to students 24/7. In addition, they offer online support, such as consultation with librarians, available 24/7.
Student facility hours, including library hours, depend on individual campus hours. Most of West Coast University’s campuses are open between 7 AM and 8 PM, 7 days a week.
Programs & Courses
LOS ANGELES
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
ORANGE COUNTY
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
ONTARIO
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – CA
- Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Master of Physician Assistant (MPA)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MIAMI
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
TEXAS
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Physician Assistant (MPA)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
ONLINE RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Health Administration and Leadership Track
ONLINE Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA)
- Finance Track
- Strategic Management Track
ONLINE Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Project Management Track
- Health Administration & Leadership Track
- Public Health Track
ONLINE Health Administration (MHA)
- Organizational Leadership Track
- Project Management Track
- Public Health Track
Master of Public Health
ONLINE Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Nurse Educator Track
- Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Generalist Track
- Informatics Track
- Nurse Leader Track
ONLINE RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track
- Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Nurse Educator Track
- Informatics Track
- Nurse Leader Track
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s
Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s
Nurse Educator – Post-Master’s
Nurse Informatics – Post-Master’s
Nurse Leader – Post-Master’s
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s
Campus Locations
Branch Campus - Center for Graduate Studies 590 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004
Branch Campus - Miami 9250 NW 36th St., Doral, FL 33178
Branch Campus - Los Angeles 12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606
Branch Campus - Ontario 2855 East Guasti Road Ontario, CA 91761
Main Campus - Texas 2323 North Central Expressway Richardson, TX 75080
Branch Campus - Orange County 1477 S. Manchester Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802
Orange County Learning Site 2411 West La Palma Avenue Anaheim, CA 92801
Financial Aid Services
To pay for tuition, West Coast University students can use most types of Title IV aid, including Pell Grants. The institution urges applicants to submit a FAFSA form for a list of choices. Attendees may also visit an advisor in the Financial Aid Office. To give an idea of the cost, WCU has a Net Price Calculator.
Student Services
Before starting courses, enrollees go to New Student Orientation. There, they learn the campus grounds and get acquainted with WCU resources. During schooling, attendees can get academic help through tutoring and the writing center. An online portal lets pupils access study materials, instructors, and assignments. On campus, Student Services holds fun and informative events.
Career Services
WCU hosts job fairs, where attendees can meet local medical employers. To talk about work opportunities, enrollees can see the Career Service Coordinators. Often, the school plans visits from recruiters. West Coast University also puts on resume and interview workshops for those nearing graduation
Veteran and Military Services
West Coast University takes Veteran’s Educational Benefits. Vets may qualify for savings through the GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon Program. In some cases, WCU can translate military experience into course credit. There are options for active duty service members as well.
Alumni Services
Upon finishing a degree, students become part of the WCU Alumni Network, which brings all kinds of discounts and perks. Graduates are encouraged to share their success stories online and forge relationships with other West Coast University grads. The school’s website features an Alumni Portal for people to reconnect with classmates and their alma mater.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, West Coast University – Miami has a mixed reputation, with strong praise for the quality of its core nursing instruction and facilities, but severe and consistent criticism regarding high costs, aggressive billing practices, and poor administrative support.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Core Nursing Faculty Quality: The professors who teach the core nursing curriculum are consistently praised as “phenomenal,” “great,” and willing to do “everything in their power to help you.” They are described as available, supportive, and dedicated to student success.
Positive BSN Experience: Many students who completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program felt it was a “great school” and a “challenging yet deeply rewarding” program.
Facilities and Organization: The campus itself is described as a “nice building,” “clean,” and “organized.” The school is recognized for providing “great resources” and a good learning environment.
Helpful Admissions Staff (Specific Individuals): While general admissions staff receive criticism, specific representatives, such as Rosee Rodríguez and Viviana Morrone, are highlighted for being “nice, caring, and quick” to respond during the initial application and touring process.
Common Criticisms
High Cost and Financial Practices: This is the most severe and consistent complaint. Multiple reviewers call the school a “scam” and a “trap,” warning others not to “waste your time… and especially your financial aid.” Students report the program is “excessively high cost,” that the school keeps charging more expensive credits toward the end of the program, and that the financial reality is “unsustainable” compared to what is initially discussed.
Aggressive Dismissal and Money Retention: Several students claim the school “looks for any reason to kick you out to keep your money” and that they are “dismissed and losing out of money” for reasons the students deem unjust.
Poor Administrative Support (Student Services): While faculty is good, the student services and committee are widely criticized as “NASTY, RUDE, INTIMIDATING,” and dismissive. Emails to “student advisors” allegedly go unanswered, and the only way to get support is by going in person.
Unstable Pediatrics/Core Classes: There are specific, repeated complaints about a lack of stability in the Pediatrics program’s teachers, noting they constantly change, which causes “serious difficulties for the students.” There are also claims that the school changes exams the day before the test “just to continue taking their money.”
Momentum
The momentum for West Coast University – Miami is characterized by high academic quality in tension with poor business practices. Recent reviews (within the last month) continue to praise the core nursing professors while simultaneously warning prospective students, with one stating, “Worse school, don’t ever study in this school, save your money.” The severity of the financial and administrative complaints, which outweigh the praise for the teachers, indicates a sustained and critical flaw in the school’s operational model.