West Coast University-Orange County
Tuition per year
$22,506
$31,875 with room and board
Peer median $18,677
Undergraduates
3,192
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
60.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 73.3%
Peer median 47.8%
“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
West Coast University-Orange County (WCU) is a private institution that specializes in health sciences education. One of the university's key features is its commitment to providing hands-on, practical training to students, which is crucial in preparing them for careers in healthcare. With state-of-the-art facilities and modern classrooms, WCU ensures that students have access to the latest technology and resources. The university offers a variety of programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, and health administration, all designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
The campus culture at WCU is vibrant and supportive, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The university's mission emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to community service, which resonates throughout its programs. Students are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities, enhancing their leadership skills and building a sense of community. Furthermore, WCU's faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring students, ensuring they receive personalized attention and guidance throughout their education. The strong focus on student success is evident in the university's impressive graduation and employment rates, with many graduates finding rewarding positions in the healthcare sector shortly after completing their studies.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at West Coast University-Orange County
West Coast University-Orange County has experienced significant fluctuations in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. Notably, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students decreased from $33,600 in 2014 to $22,889 in 2023, reflecting a decline of approximately 32%. This trend could be attributed to various factors such as competitive pricing strategies aimed at attracting more students during challenging economic times.
Student enrollment figures have also shown a remarkable increase, rising from 1,528 undergraduate students in 2014 to 3,023 in 2023. This growth is indicative of the university's expanding reputation and its ability to attract a more diverse student body. Interestingly, the retention rate has improved drastically, reaching 100% in 2023 after fluctuating over the years. This remarkable retention rate suggests that the university has effectively enhanced student satisfaction and support services, leading to a more stable academic environment.
Graduation rates, however, present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at 66.67% in 2019 but dropped to 57.14% by 2023. This decline raises questions about the challenges students may face in completing their degrees in a timely manner, despite the university's efforts in retention.
Overall, while the decrease in tuition and the rise in enrollment and retention rates are positive indicators, the fluctuating graduation rates warrant further investigation to ensure that students are supported throughout their academic journeys. The university's ability to maintain academic standards while accommodating more students will be crucial in the coming years.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- Riverside, about 30 mi
- Nearest international airport
- John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA), about 10 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- John Smith-Coppes (Co-President, Academics)
- Phone
- 7147821700
- City
- Anaheim, California
- Address
- 1477 S Manchester Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802-2905
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's154 (0% international)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's147 (0% international)
- Nursing Education · Master's108 (0% international)
- Geriatric Nurse/Nursing · Master's76 (0% international)
- Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's68 (0% international)
- Nursing Administration · Master's41 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at West Coast University - Orange County
The graduation data from West Coast University - Orange County for 2023 reveals significant trends in health-related fields, particularly in nursing. The Registered Nursing program stands out prominently, with a remarkable 973 graduates at the bachelor's level and 4 international students. This reflects the growing demand for nursing professionals, which has been amplified by the ongoing healthcare challenges globally, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In contrast, the Nursing Administration program shows a substantial number of master's graduates, totaling 305, indicating a strong interest in leadership roles within healthcare. However, it is notable that there are no international students graduating from this program, which may suggest a need for targeted recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body.
Other health-related programs, such as Dental Hygiene and Public Health, show minimal graduation numbers, with only 70 and 44 graduates at the bachelor and master levels, respectively. This disparity may indicate either a lack of interest or insufficient program promotion.
Interestingly, the Doctorate program in Nursing Practice produced 13 graduates, although no international students participated, highlighting a potential gap in global interest for advanced practice nursing education.
Overall, the data underscores the predominance of nursing education at West Coast University, while also highlighting areas with room for growth, particularly in master’s and doctoral programs. As healthcare needs evolve, universities may need to adapt their offerings to better align with market demands and attract a more diverse student demographic.
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 | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | - | |||
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $83,943 | |||
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $40,834-$69,479 | |||
| Public Health, General. | $60,574 | |||
| Medical Informatics. | - | |||
| Nursing Education. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $100,459-$137,350 | |||
| Nursing Administration. | $100,459-$137,350 | |||
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $100,459-$137,350 | |||
| Nursing Practice. | $100,459-$137,350 | |||
| Geriatric Nurse/Nursing. | $100,459-$137,350 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $69,384 |
Students
4,586 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 23:77 · Freshman retention 100.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,920
- First-year undergraduates 14
- Graduate students 1,394
- Transfers and others 258
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,192)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Composition at West Coast University - Orange County in 2023
The student body at West Coast University - Orange County presents a diverse demographic landscape in 2023. Notably, the undergraduate freshmen category is composed of a small group of only seven students, with a striking gender imbalance; 85.7% are female. This trend reveals a significant underrepresentation of male students in this new cohort, which could be indicative of broader enrollment patterns in higher education, where female students increasingly outnumber their male counterparts.
In contrast, the undergraduate juniors represent a robust population of 2,720 students, maintaining a relatively balanced gender distribution, with 22.5% male and 77.5% female students. This suggests that while the junior class is diverse, there remains a notable gender disparity, particularly among male students. The transition to upperclassmen might reflect retention rates or the appeal of specific programs that attract more female students.
The undergraduate transfer students number 296, with a similar gender ratio as the juniors, highlighting a consistent trend across these categories. The graduate student population is significant as well, with 1,452 enrolled, where 18.5% are male and 81.5% are female. This pattern of female dominance persists across nearly all student classifications, raising questions about the factors influencing these enrollment trends, such as program offerings and societal factors that may affect male enrollment in higher education.
Overall, while diversity across ethnic backgrounds within these groups remains an area of interest, the pronounced gender disparities warrant further examination. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for institutions seeking to foster inclusive environments and address potential gender imbalances in their programs.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at West Coast University - Orange County
The age distribution of students at West Coast University - Orange County reveals significant trends that reflect broader societal patterns in higher education. The largest demographic group is composed of students aged 25-29, which includes 22.0% of all male students and 75.2% of all female students. This indicates a strong presence of adult learners, likely balancing academic pursuits with personal and professional responsibilities.
Interestingly, the 22-24 age group also plays a crucial role, comprising 16.3% of the total male students and a substantial 89.9% of the total female students. This is indicative of a robust pipeline of younger students transitioning from undergraduate to graduate programs. The concentration of students in these age brackets suggests an increasing trend of non-traditional students in the university setting, which aligns with national statistics showing a rise in adult education enrollments.
The underrepresentation of students aged 18-19 is noteworthy, with only 6 males and 33 females, reflecting a potential gap in attracting first-year college students. Meanwhile, the 30-34 age group shows a healthy participation rate, particularly among women, indicating that many individuals are seeking advanced degrees later in life.
Overall, this data underscores the diversity of age among the student body, highlighting the university’s role in accommodating various life stages and educational backgrounds. As institutions adapt to the needs of these diverse learners, continued focus on flexible learning options and support services will be essential to foster a thriving academic environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
15 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at West Coast University-Orange County
The data on international students at West Coast University-Orange County reveals significant trends over the years. In 2016, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,705, with only 1 international student, resulting in a mere 0.06% of the undergraduate population being international. This very low percentage highlights the institution's initial limited appeal to international students.
Fast forward to 2022, there was a marked increase in the total number of undergraduate students to 2,971. Although the data for international undergraduate students is missing, the graduate program saw a significant enrollment of 1,331 students, with 1 international student, which constituted 0.08% of the graduate population. This indicates a gradual but steady growth in the university's attractiveness to international students, particularly at the graduate level.
By 2023, the undergraduate enrollment rose slightly to 3,023, with 15 international students, which represents a notable increase to 0.50% of the undergraduate population. Although the graduate data remains incomplete for this year, the trend suggests that West Coast University is becoming increasingly internationalized, attracting a more diverse student body.
Overall, the increasing numbers of international students, especially in the undergraduate category, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of global perspectives in higher education. As institutions continue to adapt to the changing landscape of education, it will be crucial for West Coast University to continue developing strategies to attract and support international students, which can enhance the educational experience for all students.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$31,875
- Undergraduate tuition
- $22,506
- Room and board
- $9,369
- Graduate tuition
- $16,178
Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose -35% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -17%.
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 · 11.9 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 22.9 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 23.2 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 23.3 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 23.5 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 25.7 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 25.8 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 27.8 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 35.3 mi
U.S. News #20
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near West Coast University-Orange County:
-
Chapman University (Rank: 133) is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in film and performing arts, business, and law.
-
University of California-Irvine (Rank: 33) is a prestigious research university recognized for its contributions to science, engineering, and social sciences.
-
California State University-Fullerton (Rank: 133) is known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly in business and education.
-
Pomona College (Rank: 4) is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, offering a rigorous academic environment and a close-knit community.
-
Harvey Mudd College (Rank: 16) is renowned for its engineering, mathematics, and science programs, emphasizing a liberal arts education alongside technical training.
These institutions offer a range of programs and opportunities for students in the Orange County area, making the region a vibrant educational hub.
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 Rates at West Coast University - Orange County
The crime statistics for West Coast University in Orange County reveal a fluctuating trend in criminal activities over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the university experienced zero incidents in 2013, 2015, and 2016, suggesting a relatively safe environment during those years. However, 2014 marked a significant increase with a reported average of 4.58 incidents per 1,000 students, primarily driven by a rise in drug-related arrests.
The years following 2014 saw varying crime rates, with 2017 witnessing the highest recorded incidents at an average of 4.64 per 1,000 students. This spike can be attributed to a notable increase in gun-related arrests and domestic violence cases, which are concerning trends that universities across the nation have been grappling with.
Interestingly, the data shows a general decline in reported incidents from 2018 to 2021, with the lowest average of 0.23 per 1,000 students in 2021. This could indicate that safety measures and educational programs implemented by the university might be having a positive effect on crime prevention.
However, there was a resurgence in 2023, with an average of 3.13 incidents per 1,000 students. The increase in reported crimes, particularly in gun arrests, raises alarms about safety on campus. It is crucial for the university to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
Overall, while the university has seen periods of low crime rates, the fluctuations highlight the ongoing challenges that institutions of higher education face in maintaining a safe campus environment. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and student safety education are essential. For further details on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
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.