Marshall B Ketchum University
About
Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is a private university located in Fullerton, California, renowned for its commitment to health sciences education. Established in 1904, the university has a rich history and has evolved to offer a range of professional programs, primarily focusing on optometry, pharmacy, and other health-related fields. One of the university's standout features is its dedication to interprofessional education, which promotes collaboration among different health disciplines. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares students for real-world healthcare environments where teamwork is essential.
The campus environment at MBKU is vibrant and supportive, fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The university emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and clinical practice settings that facilitate practical training. Additionally, MBKU is known for its active student life, with various organizations and events that encourage engagement and networking opportunities. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its high graduation and employment rates, with many graduates successfully entering the workforce in reputable positions within the healthcare sector. Overall, Marshall B. Ketchum University stands out as a leader in health sciences education, combining rigorous academics with a nurturing environment that prepares students for successful careers.
Analysis of Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Gender Ratios at Marshall B Ketchum University
Marshall B Ketchum University has shown notable trends in tuition costs and student enrollment over the years. The graduate tuition has seen a significant increase from $34,185 in 2014 to an estimated $43,270 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 26.5% over this decade. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding the rising costs of higher education, which can have implications for student debt and accessibility.
Additionally, the graduate student population has exhibited a steady increase, growing from 399 students in 2013 to 685 students in 2023. This growth in enrollment suggests that the university is becoming an increasingly popular choice for graduate education, potentially driven by the demand for advanced healthcare professionals in the current job market.
Examining the gender ratios within the graduate student body reveals an interesting dynamic. The proportion of male graduate students has fluctuated over the years, with females consistently representing a higher percentage. As of 2023, approximately 71.2% of graduate students are women, compared to 28.8% who are men. This disparity highlights an important trend in the field of healthcare education, where female enrollment has been on the rise, reflecting a shift towards a more diverse workforce.
Overall, these data points indicate that Marshall B Ketchum University is experiencing growth in both tuition costs and student enrollment, alongside evolving gender demographics. These factors are crucial for understanding the institution's position within the higher education landscape and the healthcare profession.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Riverside, about 30 mi
- Nearest international airport
- John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- formerly Southern California College of Optometry
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Julie Schornack (President)
- Phone
- 7144497451
- City
- Fullerton, California
- Address
- 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831-1699
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
Popular graduate programs
- Optometry · Doctoral90 (4% international)
- Physician Assistant · Master's38 (0% international)
- Pharmacy · Doctoral26 (0% international)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other · Master's7 (100% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data from Marshall B Ketchum University
The graduate data from Marshall B Ketchum University reveals notable insights into the distribution of degrees across various health and biological programs. A significant observation is the absence of graduates at the bachelor level in all listed programs, indicating a focused academic pathway that emphasizes advanced degrees. This trend may reflect an increasing demand for highly specialized professionals in the health sector, which aligns with the broader shift in healthcare education towards graduate-level training.
Particularly striking is the number of doctorate graduates in Optometry and Pharmacy, with 89 and 48 graduates respectively, alongside a handful of master’s degree holders in Physician Assistant and other health-related programs. This suggests that the university is committed to producing a workforce equipped for leadership and advanced practice roles within healthcare. Furthermore, the presence of international students, albeit limited, highlights the university's appeal to a global audience, especially in optometry, where two international doctorate students are noted.
The absence of bachelor graduates may also suggest that students are entering these programs with prior undergraduate credentials or that there are no undergraduate offerings in these fields at Marshall B Ketchum University. This specialization could potentially enhance the institution's reputation as a leader in advanced healthcare education. As healthcare continues to evolve, such educational strategies may better prepare graduates to meet the complexities of modern healthcare demands, especially in areas requiring high levels of expertise.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant. | $128,625 | ||
| Optometry. | $97,456 | ||
| Pharmacy. | $94,050 | ||
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | - |
Students
653 students in 2025
- Graduate students 653
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Marshall B Ketchum University in 2023
In 2023, Marshall B Ketchum University reported a total of 685 graduate students, with a notable gender distribution where 28.8% are male and 71.2% are female. This significant female majority reflects a broader trend observed in higher education, particularly in fields such as health sciences and education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.
Examining the racial and ethnic composition of the graduate student body, it is essential to highlight the importance of diversity in academic settings. The data indicates that there are 158 White students among the graduate population. While the specific breakdown for other racial groups is not provided, it is vital for institutions to foster an inclusive environment that encourages students from various backgrounds to thrive.
The gender imbalance in graduate studies might also prompt universities to explore initiatives aimed at attracting more male students into traditionally female-dominated programs. As society evolves, addressing such disparities becomes crucial for fostering a balanced educational atmosphere.
Moreover, the representation of international students within the graduate program remains an important aspect. With globalization shaping the educational landscape, universities like Marshall B Ketchum are likely to benefit from a diverse student population that brings varied perspectives and experiences.
Overall, the demographic data from Marshall B Ketchum University presents a snapshot of the current educational environment and underscores the ongoing conversation about gender and racial diversity in graduate education. As we look ahead, it will be essential for the university and similar institutions to continue emphasizing inclusivity and equitable representation within their academic programs.
Age Demographics at Marshall B Ketchum University
The age demographics of students at Marshall B Ketchum University reveal a predominance of graduate students, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets. The data shows that there are no undergraduate males enrolled in these age categories, highlighting a potential trend where younger students are more likely to pursue graduate studies directly after their undergraduate education.
In the 22-24 age group, there are 45 male graduate students compared to a significant 158 female graduate students, indicating a strong female representation within this demographic. This trend continues into the 25-29 age category, where the number of graduate females (257) substantially exceeds that of graduate males (111).
Interestingly, as we progress to older age groups, the number of enrolled students diminishes. For instance, in the 30-34 age group, there are only 43 male graduate students and 46 female graduate students. This decline continues further with only a few students in the 50-64 age bracket, suggesting that the university primarily attracts younger students.
Such demographic trends may reflect broader societal shifts in education, where more individuals are choosing to pursue advanced degrees later in life. This aligns with recent reports indicating a growing emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development in an increasingly competitive job market. Overall, the data suggests that Marshall B Ketchum University serves a diverse student body, with a notable emphasis on female enrollment in graduate studies.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
17 in 2025 · 2.6% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Marshall B Ketchum University
The data from Marshall B Ketchum University reveals significant trends in international student enrollment over the years. Notably, the percentage of international students in graduate programs has experienced fluctuations, showcasing a peak in 2022, with 4.39% of the total graduate students being international. This indicates a growing appeal of the university to international applicants, potentially influenced by its academic reputation and the increasing globalization of education.
In contrast, the numbers for undergraduate international students are absent, suggesting a lack of focus or data collection in that area. This raises questions about the university's outreach and recruitment strategies for undergraduate programs, which may benefit from increased visibility in international markets.
The increase in international graduate students, particularly between 2020 and 2022, may correlate with broader trends in higher education, where institutions are competing to attract diverse student bodies to enrich the academic experience. However, the subsequent decline in 2021 and slight recovery in 2023 indicates possible challenges the university faces, such as visa restrictions, pandemic impacts, or changing perceptions of international study.
Overall, the international student enrollment figures provide a glimpse into the university's strategic positioning within a competitive educational landscape. As global mobility resumes post-pandemic, Marshall B Ketchum University may need to reassess and enhance its strategies to attract and retain international students across all levels of study.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$43.8M
Expenses$39.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 16.8 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 17.5 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 17.8 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 17.9 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 18.1 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 22.0 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 24.6 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 24.8 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 34.3 mi
U.S. News #20
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near Marshall B Ketchum University:
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University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33rd in the 2024 US News rankings, UCI is a prestigious public research university known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
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California State University-Long Beach - With a rank of 105, this university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its diverse student body and vibrant campus life.
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California State University-Fullerton - Ranked 133rd, CSUF is known for its commitment to academic excellence and serves a diverse student population in Orange County.
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Chapman University - Also ranked 133rd, Chapman is a private university noted for its strong programs in film, business, and law and offers a close-knit community atmosphere.
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Pomona College - One of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, Pomona is ranked 4th and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, providing a unique blend of academic rigor and collaboration.
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Harvey Mudd College - Ranked 16th, this college specializes in engineering, science, and mathematics and is known for its challenging curriculum and emphasis on undergraduate research.
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University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is a leading private research university recognized for its programs in business, cinema, and the arts.
These institutions provide a range of academic options and opportunities for collaboration, making the area around Marshall B Ketchum University rich in educational resources.
Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Marshall B Ketchum University
The crime data from Marshall B Ketchum University reveals a generally low incidence of criminal activity over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students has experienced fluctuations, with the peak occurring in 2014, where the rate reached 7.56 incidents. This figure is particularly alarming when viewed in context, as it suggests a significant spike in criminal activity for that year.
Subsequent years exhibited a notable decline in crime rates, with many years recording zero incidents. For instance, from 2016 to 2019, the university reported no criminal activity. However, in 2020 and 2023, there were slight increases, with rates of 1.35 and 2.92 respectively. This indicates a resurgence of minor criminal incidents, although they remain significantly below the levels recorded in 2014.
The types of offenses recorded primarily include gun-related arrests and drug arrests, which are critical issues affecting many campuses across the country. The low overall crime rate at Marshall B Ketchum University is encouraging, especially when compared to national trends that frequently show universities struggling with higher crime rates, particularly related to drug and alcohol offenses.
While the university's data suggests a safe environment, it is crucial for institutions to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential issues related to violence and substance abuse to ensure the ongoing safety of their students. For further insights into calculating these rates, you can refer to this link.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.