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Private Independent & Out of State Colleges

 

Private Independent & Out of State Colleges

Private, independent and out-of-state colleges can be excellent, viable choices.  Though tuition is much more expensive than public colleges in California (CSU and UC), private and independent colleges usually offer large financial aid packages, often making these colleges as affordable as (and sometime more) public colleges.

Private colleges have simplified the application process by using the Common Application.  See the list of private schools (+ app deadlines and fees) that use the Common Application.

Don't forget that the www.californiacolleges.edu website also includes all private schools in California (in addition to CSUs, UCs and community colleges).

Testing

SAT & ACT:
Both are equally accepted at private and independent college admissions.  COVID Update: Most colleges have gone "test optional" and not requiring SAT or ACT scores.  Check this list and/or each college admission's webpage to be sure.

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Private & Independent Colleges Graphic

 

Who to Contact
 

College & Career Center

Counseling

Out of State Colleges

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Reduced Tuition Program

Students who are residents of WICHE states (California included) are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state.

  • WICHE members include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the US Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
  • The WUE reduced tuition rate is not automatically awarded to all eligible candidates. Many institutions limit the number of new WUE awards each academic year, so apply early!
  • See list of participating WUE schools (TIP: Use the "School Search" link below to search by major and state.)