Independent / Private Universities
Complete your education at an Independent or Private University.
The Transfer Process
Graduate from Coastline College. Transfer to a 4-year.
Start here:
- 86 private and independent universities in California compared to 9 UCs, and 23 CSUs.
- 1,600+ private and independent universities in U.S.
- Why are these universities private/independent? These schools are not supported by state funding. Instead, private universities can provide much more variety in terms of academic offerings, admission policies, and campus life.
- Financial aid packages available that compare favorably with those from public universities.
- Most private universities have waived application fees.
- Several private universities have flexible or rolling admission dates; not just admission in fall/spring.
- Online BA and BS degrees in more majors.
- More individualized learning and student support; smaller class sizes – like Coastline!
- Track record on learning focus and student achievements.
- Ability to transfer with less than 60 units (check with each university on minimum transfer units).
- Access to employer education benefits/scholarships toward a private education.
AICCU - Your 1-Stop to Research Private California Schools
The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is comprised of 86 private nonprofit colleges and universities located throughout California. Most of these private universities are well-known (Biola, Chapman, Loma Linda, Pepperdine, Stanford, USC) and are all regionally accredited. AICCU has transfer pathways that include articulation agreements and the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). Go to AICCU to prepare for transfer to a private university!
The Common Application (Common App)
The Common Application is an online application that makes applying to 600+ private/independent and out-of-state universities faster and easier: apply to multiple schools by completing one application. The Common Application website also provides transfer students with information to:
- Research 600+ private universities that accept transfers.
- Determine the right-fit school.
- Know specific admissions and documents per private university.
- Best plan and pay for college.
Ready to get started? Create your transfer account here.
Note: If the private university is not listed on the Common Application, check the school's website to access their application. A few private universities have their own application and processes.
CA Private and Out-of-State University Agreements
The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) established a transfer agreement with California's Private Universities that accept Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT). Read the agreement and list of private schools here.
Coastline College has agreements with private and out-of-schools that our students have transferred.
See which private and out-of-state schools Coastline students have transferred.
The Common Application is comprehensive and open year-around to enable prospective transfer students to start an account and begin exploring. View the application and find useful information on private schools' application deadlines, documentation needed, and fee waivers.
Check Deadlines
Once you create an account you will have access to a grid of private/independent schools that contains documents needed (essays, recommendations), application fees (if waived or required), and application deadlines. Check the grid for early admission decisions and to keep organized if applying to multiple schools.
Common Application Assistance
Transfer Services will explain how to complete the Common Application. During application workshops, the entire application is reviewed line-by-line per section and questions answered. You can also watch these YouTube videos:
- Starting and Completing the Common Application (Tutorial)
- Overview of the Common Application for Transfer Students
For Common Application assistance and to report computer glitches, go to https://www.commonapp.org/help
Next Steps
After submitting the Common Application check your email often for university messages and instructions. The university campus(es) you applied will keep you updated on the status of your application, may request additional information or documents, and when they request an official or unofficial transcript to verify what you self-reported on the application.
The university campus (or campuses) you applied will give instructions on how to create a student portal.
And remember to apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)!
CA Independent/Private Workshops & Events
Coastline co-hosts and promotes private/independent transfer workshops, and events. Coastline is a member of the South Coast Higher Education Council (SCHEC), an organization of regional private universities. SCHEC and Coastline co-host "Transfer Fairs with Private Schools," scholarships, and events.
Check back here for event updates!
Petition to Graduate
Have you racked up enough units during your semesters at Coastline to graduate with a degree or certificate? Congratulations! This is a major milestone. Do not forget: you must petition to graduate. Once you've arranged for the paperwork to be completed, you can focus on celebrating and taking part in Coastline's Commencement Ceremony (held in spring).
All the details you need can be found on the Graduation page.
Related Pages
Transfer Services
Explore the transfer options and opportunities available to Coastline students to attend four-year universities.
Career Services
Coastline's Career Center provides career services to guide, provide, and empower you to figure out your path and achieve your goals.
Student Calendar
Check out a variety of event offerings this semester. These are great opportunities to stay connected, build your college network, and learn ways to improve your day-to-day.