Private and Out of State Universities

 

Each year, San Diego City College students transfer to a variety of colleges and universities, including private, independent and out-of-state colleges. Find out more about these transfer options below.

Private Colleges and Universities

Private and independent colleges and universities are not funded by public taxes. Some offer unique programs, majors, and degrees. Schools may be rooted in specific religious traditions or philosophies, or focus on specialized areas such as the arts or technical fields. Many are smaller than public universities and may offer more personalized learning environments or concentrated areas of study.

Each institution sets its own admission requirements. Counselors can help you explore and understand the pathways to these colleges, including those located out of state.

San Diego is home to several private, non-profit universities, including Point Loma Nazarene University, University of San Diego, and National University. 

Some out-of-state colleges offer affordable degree completion programs that are designed for working adults, making a four-year degree more accessible for students with diverse needs and responsibilities. Check out our online program resources.

Resources

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is comprised of over 85 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities in California and is a great resource for students seeking a private education in California.

Visit California Private College is Possible to connect to various private college profiles.

 

Some private colleges accept the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and offer a guarantee for students meeting admission requirements. 

 

Out-of-State Colleges and Universities

Transfer requirements for out-of-state universities vary by institution, and each college determines how coursework and credits are evaluated. Some universities may accept the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), but policies differ and students should confirm requirements with the college they plan to attend. Counselors may support students in connecting to schools.

Completing an associate degree may also be beneficial, as some institutions consider it when evaluating general education coursework for transfer. Transfer credit decisions are made individually by each college.

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Out of state tuition can be expensive. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) expands students’ options by making out-of-state colleges in the western United States more affordable. Through WUE, eligible students can receive a significant tuition discount to attend a participating university, including schools in Hawaii!

If you're interested in the WUE, you can search for programs and universities online, and view the WUE tuition rate for that campus. You may also find a list of WUE schools.. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Transfer Center.

WUE States and Territories

• Alaska 
• Arizona 
• California 
• Colorado 
• The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam 
• Hawaii 
• Idaho 
• Montana 
• Nevada 
• New Mexico
• North Dakota 
• Oregon
• South Dakota 
• Utah
• Washington 
• Wyoming

Expand the menus below to explore colleges and universities