Independent / Private Universities

Ready to transfer? Take the next step to complete your education at a private or independent university that fits your goals.

• Private University Advantage

  Why Transfer to a Private or Independent University?

  Discover the unique advantages of continuing your education at a private or independent university-where flexibility, personalized learning, and strong academic support meet opportunity.

  More Choices:

  • California is home to 86 private/independent universities, compared to just 9 UCs and 23 CSUs.
  • Nationally, there are over 1,600 to choose from!

  Academic Variety and Flexibility:

  • Private universities are not state-funded, allowing for greater flexibility in academic programs, admission policies, and campus experiences.
  • Many offer more online bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of majors than public universities.
  • Rolling and flexible admissions-no need to wait for fall or spring only.

  Affordability and Access:

  • Competitive financial aid packages-often comparable to or better than those at public universities.
  • Most waive application fees, reducing the cost to apply.
  • Many accept transfer students with fewer than 60 units-check with each institution for specific requirements.
  • Employer tuition assistance and scholarships may be applied toward private universities.

  Student-Centered Experience:

  • Smaller class sizes and individualized support, just like at Coastline!
  • Strong emphasis on student achievement and learning outcomes.

  Explore your options and find the private or independent university that fits your goals, lifestyle, and learning style.

• CA Private/Out-of-State

  Below is a partial list of California private universities and out-of-state institutions that Coastline students have transferred to, as well as schools with which we have established articulation agreements:

  • Academy of Art University
  • Arizona State University
  • Azusa Pacific University
  • Biola University
  • Chapman University
  • Concordia University
  • Embry Riddle University
  • Hope International University
  • National University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Strayer University
  • Thomas Edison State University
  • University of La Verne
  • University of Maryland Global Campus (formerly University of Maryland Univ. College)
  • University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University)
  • University of the Pacific
  • University of Redlands
  • USC
  • Western Governors University (WGU)

  AICCU: Your One-Stop Resource for California’s Private Universities
  The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) represents 86 private, nonprofit, regionally accredited institutions across the state—including well-known names like USC, Stanford, Pepperdine, Chapman, Biola, and Loma Linda.

  AICCU offers transfer pathways such as articulation agreements and the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).

  Visit AICCU to explore and prepare for transfer to a California private university.

  • Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
  • CollegeData.com 

• The Common Application

  The Common Application is a comprehensive, year-round platform that allows prospective transfer students to start an account, explore colleges, and begin the application process. Most California private and out-of-state universities use the Common Application for admission.

  Explore and Stay on Track

  Once you create an account in the Common Application, you'll have access to a grid of private and independent colleges showing:

  • Required documents (essays, recommendations).
  • Application fees (waived or required).
  • Deadlines, including early decision options.

  Use this tool to stay organized—especially if applying to multiple schools.

  Application Support

  Coastline's Transfer Services offers guidance on completing the Common Application. Our workshops review the application step-by-step and answer student questions.

  Helpful videos:

  • Starting and Completing the Common Application (Tutorial)
  • Overview of the Common Application for Transfer Students

  For technical issues or additional help, visit: commonapp.org/help

  Next Steps After Submitting Your Common Application

  • Check your email regularly for messages from universities.
  • Follow instructions to create your student portal.
  • Be ready to submit transcripts if requested.
  • Apply for Financial Aid by submitting the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Petition to Graduate

Petition to Graduate

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

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.