California Coast University Reviews

"I was working on my Doctorate by distance learning, on paper, not online. I finished all my course work on paper and I was living in another country. I was sending my proposal for my thesis and each time, I was turned down. They requested that I get with a professor. The professor wrote what I needed to do, but I had been doing that. And then nothing. No more response. So, when I returned to the US, I tried calling, and left messages, but no reply. In 2012, I got my 2nd Masters in School Counseling from Lamar University.Read Less"

"CCU is by far the best education I acquired. They are also military friendly which is a huge plus if you are Active Duty or work as a Federal Gov't employees trying to pursue higher education degrees while working full time and have families, as well as other obligations in our busy schedules. As many other reviews already provided some overview the CCU courses are self-paced and corresponded with sufficient support with curriculums. CCU libraries are also helpful for a great rent a book program with minimal cost as Amazon and other online stores any brand new College level textbook are very expensive unless you plan to keep them for a long term. You have to be very disciplined and study in order to pass exams after you submit your APA format essays. Professors provided feedback and additional resources which I definitely benefited. This is not an easy online school and requires efforts and determination to pass each courses to earn your credits. Exams are also proctored and well organized by CCU to maintain integrity and quality of the education. Overall, I am extremely grateful and appreciative of this school because it helped me personally and professionaly grow in my careers in Gov't jobs. Degrees also helped me get promoted to a higher leadership positions over the past years. While I fully finished my entire degrees through a job tuition-assistance programs, I am very confident to say that CCU is much more affordable compared to other Brick and Mortar institutions. Good luck with your endeavor in pursuing your educational goals!Read Less"

"Cheap, self-paced, quality curriculum, interest free financial aid in the full amount. I’m going to pursue my Masters and potentially beyond with CCU. I am incredibly pleased with them. I recommend CCU to all my friends and family when college is mentioned."

"The only review you need - June 2023 After reading the reviews (most of the bad ones are really old) I felt compelled to offer my review having just completed my Bachelor's degree this week. Though CCU is not your traditional college, it definitely has its place in further education. It is super convenient for someone like me who works full-time+, on top of having a two kid family. I was referred to CCU by a former student because I had limited time to complete my degree for an upcoming LT promotional opportunity and their self-paced program was perfect for me. The price was very reasonable too. If you're like me, 25 years into your career and just need that BA/BS degree to promote, this is your best choice. Education Like I said, the timing and class structure are convenient, but it is by no means easy. You still have to read, pay attention, write a lot, and pass the exams. I'm a good writer for the most part, but I did have a couple of papers failed/kicked back because I rushed through them (the feedback from the professor was spot on). So, no you can't just submit anything and pass. It's open book, but still challenging. I actually learned quite a bit at my old age! Staff 5 star staff, you won't convince me otherwise. Debbie during the admissions process, and Taylor my student advisor during my coursework, were outstanding. Communicated often, answered promptly, and were just nice helpful people all around. They didn't just be nice to get me to sign for the money part then leave me out to dry. In fact, the promotional opportunity I talked about came unexpected early, and I needed an unlikely miracle favor. Taylor and each one of my professors were EXTREMELY quick and helpful, and made sure my miracle came true. I have nothing but outstanding things to say about CCU. It opened up a life-changing door for me. I Just bought me a couple T-shirts and a sweatshirt from prep sportswear, that's how proud I am of them!Read Less"

"I just graduated from CCU in June with a BS in Business Administration. It took me 2 years to complete the degree. Since graduating and posting on Linked In, I've been consistently contacted by recruiters. Last week, I accepted a position at a consulting firm for a junior analyst position with a salary in the mid 80s. I'm 25 years old and feel earning this degree was one of the smartest investments I will ever make in myself. Because the degree is accredited, I encountered zero problems. My new employer verified my degree by requesting the transcripts (they were sent electronically after I authorized). Most all schools offer online programs now. You can't beat the value, given the low tuition. The rigor of work is about the same as I encountered at the brick and mortar community college I attended (I transferred in 30 credits to CCU). I have only positive things to say about this university. I would never have gotten the job I did without this credential.Read Less"

"TLDR; *Seems* shady, but actually accepted by other schools and state/federal entities. I have mixed feelings. The school *does* seem shady from the web site design and marketing. However, they are accredited. I can tell you that multiple states do accept these credits towards psych licensure. Yes, you do have to pay to retake classes/exams if you fail. That is every school, including brick/mortar. So study. I never failed a test there though. When I attended in 2007, you had to have finals proctored by someone local (employer, religious official, local teacher, etc) and have this person sign off that they had done so. It is not the most rigorous curriculum, but it does satisfy requirements for transferring credits to other schools and state / federal acceptance of degree.Read Less"

"I attended Christopher Newport University (BA), Old Dominion University (MS), and Virginia Commonwealth University (post-graduate Counseling Certificate). California Coast University is where I earned my Ph.D. in Psychology. I found the degree to be challenging and rewarding. It also opened many employment opportunities and gave me a solid education at the graduate level. CCU is accredited and a great deal for someone who is trying to finish graduate work while being employed full-time."

"This school help me achieve my goal of graduation with a 4 year degree. I had previously attended another school for my associates degree and all my credits transfered. The education was challenging and rewarding and I am proud to have graduated Magna Cum Laude. The staff, from enrollment to graduation are helpful and the feedback I received invaluable. Thank you for making my experience with California Coast University one I will remember and be proud of."

"I am very satisfied with my experience with CCU. I used my GI Bill to complete my bachelor's degree with no issues. The staff and veterans assistance staff were amazing. They handled all of my concerns in a timely manner. My degree earned my a raise at my current job and I can't thank CCU enough. I am currently enrolled in their masters program for criminal justice and am having a similar experience. Thank you, if you choose CCU you will not be disappointed."

"Overall great school, staff and faculty always available to help out. Very understanding programs for those who work full time and are looking to get more schooling under their belt. They understand that when you work 40+ hours a week and are a parent the flexibility that they offer is so important."

"Faculty and Advisors support from first course to graduation was excellent. Someone always answered my phone calls. Books were available at the University. I studied hard and was evaluated sincerely, honestly, and fairly. My field research was well worth it and my work was published in the Journal of Business Ethics - USA. My degree made a huge difference in my life, especially when I decided to teach after retiring as an engineer. My company also covered the cost, fees, books, and travel to present my work to a Panel of Professionals at the University.Read Less"

"I am currently enrolled in the Ed.D program and can highly recommend it. Communication, infrastructure and administration are efficient and the staff are approachable. I usually get email responses immediately. Essay feedback has so far been quite thorough. If you're looking for a program that is business-like and straightforward, this has to be the most affordable, accessible, accredited professional doctorate out there. No mind-games or jargon. A particularly good choice for mature, returning or international students, as well as anyone seeking professional or personal development through education. California Coast University is a good school.Read Less"

"I had an overall great experience at California Coast. I get that there are places that might not readily accept CCU credits while there are many more that will.The whole national versus regional accreditation seems to depend on where you live. My state licensing board had no problem with my credits from CCU. The acceptance for DEAC seems to be growing as online education becomes more commonplace. My education at CCU overall was excellent. The choice of texts were top notch.. My other graduate degree is from Johns Hopkins and I worked equally hard for both degrees. I liked the consistent course format of four unit exams with essays and one final for each course. It worked well for me. I loved the self paced format. I despise the weekly online post requirements of schools like APUS (where I took some courses for a state license requirement), that seem to serve no useful purpose other than to check a meaningless box and suck up a lot of time. I write so much for my job that I would rather take have taken exams that have had to write novels for school. My only real complaint about the coursework at CCU is that there was no personal feedback on the unit essays. The essays were graded according to a rubric, but there never were any comments that might have helped me do a better job. At some point I decided to put more effort into exam prep and minimal effort into the essays which worked out fine. My MS in Psychology from CCU allowed me to make a later in life career change without taking a big hit in pay. It paid for itself almost immediately. Isn't that what it is all about? The staff is friendly and helpful. For someone like me who has blocks of time available at some times during the year and then not at other times the self paced format is ideal. I wasn't offered any kind of financial aid help or scholarship information. As far as I can ascertain there isn't any kind of financial help. While the payments are low and interest free, it is a bit of a lost leader. You cannot pay $125. or $150. a month (the typical payment plans offered) and pay off your program obligation by the time you finish your degree. At some point you have to come up with a chunk of cash. It is very nice that you can keep taking classes without having to come up with the money to pay for each class as you are ready to take them.Read Less"

"This is not a traditional university and may not be suited for everyone. For a senior professional like myself, I found this an extremely useful option to gain knowledge and upgrade my qualification at a schedule suited for me. It does take longer than what they generally recommend. If you are self-starter and would like to get some value for your money, then I would not hesitate to recommend this option."

"First: Administration responded to all my queries within twenty-four business hours. Second: School staff and administration enthusiastically supported my program progress. Lastly, and though nationally accredited, the course work is exceptional. My undergrad and masters were at regionally, brick-and-mortar institutions. Structured learning at CCU was on par with my experience at those institutions. Six years of continuous classwork and a dissertation (defense before a board required) have ended, but what I learned at CCU will stay with me. If you are disciplined and desire a real degree, take a look at CCU. My government employer recognized CCU. I am confident that once you begin your higher learning at CCU you will understand why this institution of learning has such great reviews and successful graduates.Read Less"

"I am very pleased, though it took me a long time to finish it, the degree is worth it. It has enhanced my professional standing as a therapist, college instructor, nurse and priest. This is an affordable and accessible program. This program took my work experience into account"

"CCU offers a great bargain in a high quality distance learning system. If you're looking for "life experience credits" it will not be at CCU. You earn your degree. However, some military schooling will provide some credits. I found the schools system of payments, electronic testing, library rental and student portal to be near flawless. The student success advisor I dealt with was phenomenal! (Ms B.). All the encouragement and advise anyone could ask for. I found it he course requirements very similar to regionally accredited schools in my area. But this school has set up their program for maximum flexibility for the student. The textbooks are all top tier publications from Prentice, McGraw, etc. I compared the degree program requirements to courses in the local public university in my area and found the most required courses were mirrored in CCU program. The difference is that I could take the ones I wanted in the order I wanted. However, one must use some common sense here. That is another place the student services can guide you. I would definitely recommend this school for a distance learning education! If you must seek regional accredited schools to transfer all credits elsewhere, that is understandable. But for self improvement, job advancement, finishing an old degree you started, CCU is A-1!Read Less"

"Let's face it, in this day in age you need a degree to help get you by. What is a degree? It's an award granted to you once you complete a series of requirements ( classes ). What is the result? A piece of paper with your name on it; thats it. I work in a profession where having a degree is respected, especially when promoting. I completed the Bachelor of Science program in Criminal Justice at CCU and I can tell you firsthand this was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Between having a 60-hour work week, priorities with family at home, in a relationship and balancing a fitness life, CCU made it possible for me to obtain a degree I thought was not in reach. The books are awesome, the flexibility to start your studies or pause for a break; work as fast or slow as you want-theres no other school like it. I have gone to traditional college courses where they're offered two times a week at Santa Ana College, just for showing up you get points towards your grade. At CCU you really need to make the time and put in the effort to get it done; it's challenging because you set the tone. The staff members are amazing, any questions you have they'll answer and best of all it's affordable. To anyone thinking about going back to school but don't have the time, go to CCU you'll be glad you made a life changing decision.Read Less"

"California Coast University is an excellent educational choice for mature, disciplined, responsible adults who bring years of life experiences to their quest for academic attainment. Like any online school whether it is nationally or regionally accredited the student who will benefit most from the online delivery system and independent teaching method is the established adult learner. I know firsthand; I have completed many different business courses and certificate programs over the last 20 years from three highly recognized and specialized regionally accredited universities (on campus and online). Each was far more expensive in comparison to CCU and yet the learning experience was nearly identical. As an adult learner who, with each passing day, is moving closer to her 60th birthday, I realized that in order for me to achieve my lifelong dream of earning a college degree I needed to select an affordable program with a flexible academic timetable (being self-employed and caring for an elderly parent does not accommodate an expensive tuition or a rigid class schedule). My personal experience with California Coast has been extremely positive. They treat me like the adult that I am. Through their streamlined and efficient student web portal, multiple choice exams are submitted and graded nearly immediately and written essays submitted, reviewed and graded within 24-48 hours. California Coast provides 3 very simple and reasonable tuition payment plans. I selected the payment plan that included an initial $500 deposit and monthly installments of $100 (final balance payable prior to graduation): simple, affordable, manageable higher educational costs. As a current student of CCU, I highly recommend California Coast University to the adult learner, the business professional, the mature and responsible adult learner who is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree for personal or professional motives. Best wishes.Read Less"

"If I hadn't found CCU, I don't know how long it would have taken me to finish even my Associates... Classes are hard to come by at Brick and Mortar schools (fill up quickly) especially when you work full time. The self-paced program was perfect for how I like to learn and gave me the time to absorb the material. The payment options being interest free was huge. Achieving my Associates allowed me to qualify (in addition to job experience) to sit for a professional certification I have been wanting to complete. After this is done, I plan to return to CCU to finish my BS. I can't say enough positive things about this university. It's met all my needs and exceeded my expectations. Staff is quick to reply to inquiries and papers are graded (for most classes) in a timely manner. It feels even better knowing I will be graduating debt free and have increased my earning potential in my current field exponentially. Highly recommended.Read Less"