Westcliff University is a private, WSCUC-accredited institution founded in 1993 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional teaching sites in Miami and Los Angeles. As per Times Higher Education, the university sits in the #401-600 band of the World University Rankings 2026.
Westcliff runs its College of Business, College of Education and College of Technology and Engineering across on-campus, hybrid and online formats, all in English. The university operates six sessions across three intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer) each academic year, giving Indian applicants entry points every eight weeks rather than a single September window. Curriculum-Practical Training (CPT) is available from Day 1 for eligible F-1 graduate students, a route that draws Indian STEM and business candidates. You can compare it against other MS universities in USA before choosing.
- THE World Rank 2026: #401-600 band
- Acceptance rate: 72% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall, Spring, Summer (six sessions)
- PG tuition (2026-2027): USD 30,060 to USD 31,500 total (INR 28.8 to 30.2 lakh)
- Total enrollment (2024): 7,190 students
- Merit scholarship ceiling: USD 10,000 (INR 9.6 lakh)
Also Check: MBA universities in USA
Westcliff bills tuition on a per-credit basis, so applicants pay only for enrolled coursework rather than a flat annual fee. Merit awards up to USD 10,000 stack with the President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion, an India-facing award. F-1 graduates qualify for a 36-month STEM OPT extension for eligible degrees.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.9 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Applications for Session 3 (January 2027 start) close on 14 October 2026, and Session 4 (March 2027 start) closes on 9 December 2026. The next Fall 2027 cycle opens for Session 1 with a 10 June 2027 deadline. Indian applicants should target Spring 2027 to allow F-1 visa processing time.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Westcliff University 2027
- Westcliff University Admission 2027
- Westcliff University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Westcliff University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Westcliff Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Westcliff University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Westcliff University Scholarships 2027
- Westcliff University Rankings 2027
- Westcliff University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Westcliff University vs Peer Universities
- Westcliff University FAQs
Popular Westcliff Courses and Fees at Westcliff University 2027
Westcliff University charges tuition on a per-credit basis for international students. Standard master’s programs are billed at USD 835 per credit and professional master’s programs at USD 875 per credit, with most PG degrees running to 36 credits. Bachelor’s programs bill at USD 511 per credit over 120 credits.
Top PG Programs at Westcliff University
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 31,500 | 30.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | 30,060 | 28.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Information Technology | 30,060 | 28.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Engineering Management | 30,060 | 28.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended) |
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | 48,978 | 46.9 lakh | Master’s degree with CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
Top UG Programs at Westcliff University
Bachelor’s programs run 120 credits at USD 511 per credit for international students, giving a full-programme fee of USD 61,320 (INR 58.8 lakh).
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration | 61,320 | 58.8 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or higher (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 61,320 | 58.8 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or higher (recommended) |
| BS Information Technology | 61,320 | 58.8 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or higher (recommended) |
Insider note: Most Indian applicants choose the MBA, MS Computer Science or MS Information Technology tracks. All three carry Day 1 CPT eligibility, letting F-1 students work off-campus in their field once academic requirements are met.
Read More: Westcliff University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Westcliff University Admission 2027
Westcliff runs three intakes each year (Fall, Spring, Summer), each split into two eight-week sessions. Indian applicants typically target the Spring January start for a full academic-year runway.
Westcliff University Admission Dates 2027
The table below lists the confirmed session deadlines Indian applicants should plan against for 2026-2027 entry.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Session 3 application deadline | 14 October 2026 | January 2027 start |
| Spring Session 4 application deadline | 9 December 2026 | March 2027 start |
| Summer Session 5 application deadline | 10 February 2027 | May 2027 start |
| Fall Session 1 application deadline | 10 June 2027 | September 2027 start |
| Credential verification (NACES) | Start 6 weeks before deadline | WES or evaluator on the NACES member list |
Planning note: Book the F-1 visa slot within 30 days of receiving the I-20. Chennai and Mumbai consulates typically clear Westcliff F-1 files inside four weeks, but Spring 2027 slot pressure begins in early November 2026.
Read More: Westcliff University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Westcliff University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The Westcliff University admission requirements for Indian students centre on a verified transcript, English proficiency and financial proof.
Postgraduate applicants must submit:
- Bachelor’s degree with CGPA 5.0/10 minimum (2.5/4.0 GPA equivalent as officially published)
- English test: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale), Duolingo 105, or PTE Academic 58
- Transcript evaluation by the internal Westcliff Transcript Department or a NACES member (WES accepted)
- Financial documents covering one year of tuition and living costs for I-20 issuance
Undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Class 12 completion with 2.0 GPA equivalent or CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended)
- English test: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 60, Duolingo 95, or PTE Academic 50
Key insight: Applicants from English-medium institutions can substitute a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter for the English test. Most Indian CBSE, ICSE and English-medium state-board graduates qualify, which sidesteps the IELTS booking backlog.
Westcliff University Acceptance Rate 2027
The Westcliff University acceptance rate sits at 72% (estimated), placing it in the moderately competitive band for US private universities. The figure is not officially disclosed by Westcliff, and third-party trackers cluster within a narrow 72-73% range.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 72% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 73% (estimated) | Stable |
Applicants meeting the CGPA and English thresholds face few competitive filters. Rolling review across six sessions further softens the effective admit bar for well-prepared files.
Reality check: A 72% rate does not mean automatic admission. Files rejected here usually miss the financial-proof threshold or fail transcript evaluation, not academic minimums.
Read More: Westcliff University Acceptance Rate
Westcliff Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at Westcliff sits between USD 45,000 and USD 55,000 (INR 43.2 to 52.7 lakh), combining tuition and Irvine living costs.
Westcliff Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is priced per credit. The table below covers the standard 2026-2027 international rates.
| Program Level | Per-credit fee (USD) | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (120 credits) | 511 | 61,320 | 58.8 lakh |
| Master’s Standard (36 credits) | 835 | 30,060 | 28.8 lakh |
| Master’s Professional (36 credits) | 875 | 31,500 | 30.2 lakh |
| DBA (60 credits) | 816 | 48,978 | 46.9 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Irvine for Indian Students
Irvine is one of Southern California’s higher-cost cities, and Westcliff does not offer on-campus housing.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment) | 900 to 1,200 | INR 86,000 to 1,15,000 |
| Food and groceries | 350 to 500 | INR 33,600 to 47,900 |
| Transportation | 120 to 180 | INR 11,500 to 17,200 |
| Books and supplies | 80 to 120 | INR 7,700 to 11,500 |
| Personal expenses | 200 to 300 | INR 19,200 to 28,700 |
| Total monthly | 1,650 to 2,300 | INR 1.58 to 2.20 lakh |
[Source: Westcliff University Student Services housing guidance and Irvine market rentals]
Insider note: Indian students who share a 2BHK apartment in Tustin or Santa Ana cut monthly rent to USD 700 per head. The 71 bus and Metrolink to Irvine Station cover the commute in under 35 minutes.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Westcliff University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main Westcliff campus sits at 17877 Von Karman Avenue in Irvine, California, inside the Airport Business Area near John Wayne Airport.
- Location: Irvine (Orange County), with satellite sites in Miami and downtown Los Angeles; served by OC Bus Route 76 and Irvine Metrolink
- Housing: No on-campus dorms; homestay USD 900 to 1,200 and shared apartments USD 750 to 1,000 per month, arranged via Student Services
- Facilities: Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform, on-campus computer labs and a 24/7 online library
- Indian community: Active South Asian Student Association hosts Diwali and Holi events; Indian nationals form the largest international cohort
What Indian students say: Class sizes stay small enough for one-on-one professor contact. The hybrid format allows part-time on-campus work while completing coursework online, which reduces monthly rent pressure.
Westcliff University Scholarships 2027
Westcliff University scholarships for Indian students include three merit awards administered directly by the university, one of which is India-specific.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Scholarship | Merit | Up to USD 10,000 (INR 9.6 lakh) | New students with CGPA 3.5/4.0 minimum | Per session deadline |
| President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (India) | Country-specific | Verify at official page | Indian nationals; UG CGPA 3.0, PG CGPA 3.25 | Per session deadline |
| Foundation’s Scholarship for Education | Merit (UG) | Verify at official page | Bachelor’s applicants with CGPA 3.25/4.0 | Per session deadline |
[Source: Westcliff University Financial Aid Office]
Planning note: Apply for scholarships in the same submission as the admission application. Late scholarship files are held for the next session and cannot reduce the current session’s I-20 financial-proof requirement.
Read More: Westcliff University Scholarships Guide
Westcliff University Rankings 2027
Westcliff University’s strongest published position is in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, where it holds the #401-600 band for 2026.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2026: #401-600 | 2025: #401-600 | 2024: Not ranked in this band |
| US News Global | 2026-2027: Not ranked | 2025-2026: Not ranked | 2024-2025: Not ranked |
[Source: THE, QS, US News]
The MBA program was ranked #2 among Top 25 MBA Programs in Southern California by Los Angeles Times Studios, and the university was named to Money magazine’s Best Colleges list for 2025-26.
Key insight: The THE listing is what most Indian PSU banks and NBFCs check for education-loan eligibility. Westcliff clears the loan-eligible list at HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo based on the THE rank band.
Read More: Westcliff University Rankings Analysis
Westcliff University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Westcliff does not publish a single placement rate; outcomes are reported by school and programme.
- Career Services: One-to-one CPT and OPT advising, resume clinics and employer networking events
- Median MBA starting salary: USD 65,000 to 85,000 (INR 62.3 to 81.5 lakh) as US market median for Westcliff MBA cohorts (estimated)
- Median MS Tech starting salary: USD 70,000 to 90,000 (INR 67.1 to 86.3 lakh) as US market median (estimated)
- Day 1 CPT: Eligible F-1 graduate students may begin off-campus work in their field from session start
- Post-study work visa: 12-month OPT plus 24-month STEM extension for MS Computer Science, MS IT and MS Engineering Management graduates
Insider note: Indian graduates cluster in Southern California IT-services roles and finance-analyst positions. Recruiters accessing Westcliff talent include mid-market tech and consulting employers rather than Fortune 100 campus recruiters.
Westcliff University vs Peer Universities
Peers below are US private universities that Indian students typically shortlist alongside Westcliff on the affordability plus Day 1 CPT axis.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westcliff University | Not ranked | USD 30,060 (INR 28.8 lakh) | Six intakes plus Day 1 CPT |
| Sofia University | Not ranked | USD 24,500 (INR 23.5 lakh) (estimated) | Silicon Valley location |
| Campbellsville University | Not ranked | USD 22,000 (INR 21.1 lakh) (estimated) | Lower Kentucky cost base |
| Trine University | Not ranked | USD 20,500 (INR 19.7 lakh) (estimated) | Indiana STEM focus |
Westcliff wins on intake flexibility and Irvine location. Its per-credit billing lets students pause between sessions without a semester penalty, which peer universities on annual-fee models cannot match.
Westcliff University fits the Indian graduate applicant who values six annual entry points, Day 1 CPT eligibility, and a total programme investment near INR 30 lakh for a US STEM master’s. Against a US MS market median of USD 78,000 (INR 74.8 lakh), the ROI window closes inside three years of OPT employment, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension extends the payback runway.
It is not the right fit for applicants targeting Fortune 100 campus recruiting or a QS Top 200 credential for return-to-India MNC roles. Those profiles should look at Northeastern University or Arizona State University, which offer stronger brand recall on Indian recruiter shortlists.
Westcliff University FAQs
Ques. Does Westcliff University offer Day 1 CPT for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, Westcliff University offers Day 1 CPT for eligible F-1 graduate students in specific hybrid master’s and doctoral programmes. Once academic requirements and CPT authorisation are complete, students can begin off-campus work in their field of study from the first session. The programme lists include MBA, MS Computer Science, MS Information Technology and Doctor of Business Administration. Students must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress to keep CPT active.
Ques. What is the application fee at Westcliff University for Indian students?
Ans. The Westcliff application fee for international students is USD 75 (INR 7,190), payable at the time of online application submission. Some partner-institution routes and select intake promotions waive the fee, so applicants should check with their Westcliff admissions counsellor before paying. The fee is non-refundable regardless of admission outcome. Merit and diversity scholarship applications carry no separate application charge and can be submitted with the main file.
Ques. Can Indian students waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirement at Westcliff?
Ans. Yes, Westcliff University allows an English test waiver for applicants from English-medium institutions. Indian graduates from CBSE, ICSE and English-medium state-board schools can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate issued by their previous institution instead of an IELTS or TOEFL score. The MOI letter must confirm English as the language of instruction across the degree. Applicants from regional-language undergraduate programmes still need to submit an IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE score at the published minimum.
Ques. Which Indian banks approve education loans for Westcliff University?
Ans. HDFC Credila, Avanse Financial Services, Auxilo and InCred process education loans for Westcliff University based on the I-20 and admission letter. Public-sector banks like SBI approve select cases on a collateral-backed basis, since Westcliff is not on every PSU pre-approved list. Loan amounts up to INR 60 lakh are typical for master’s applicants with a co-signer meeting income criteria. Sanction letters usually arrive within four weeks of I-20 submission.
Ques. Are GRE and GMAT scores required for Westcliff MS and MBA programs?
Ans. No, Westcliff University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission to its MBA, MS Computer Science, MS Information Technology or MS Engineering Management programmes. Applicants are evaluated on undergraduate CGPA, English proficiency, a statement of purpose and supporting documents. Strong GRE or GMAT scores may still support scholarship candidacy for the Distinguished Scholarship. This waiver policy is one reason Indian applicants often shortlist Westcliff alongside other Day 1 CPT universities.
Ques. How long is the OPT and STEM extension for Westcliff graduates?
Ans. Westcliff graduates on an F-1 visa receive 12 months of OPT at the end of their degree. Graduates of STEM-designated programmes, including MS Computer Science, MS Information Technology and MS Engineering Management, qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension. Total US work authorisation post-graduation is 36 months for STEM master’s holders. Non-STEM programmes such as the standard MBA receive the 12-month OPT only.
Ques. What is the refund policy if an Indian student withdraws mid-session?
Ans. Westcliff University follows a graduated tuition-refund schedule based on the withdrawal date within a session. Students withdrawing before the first week of an eight-week session receive a full tuition refund, dropping to a partial refund through the third week and zero after that. The application fee and any confirmed enrollment deposit are non-refundable. Indian students who cannot travel because of a visa denial should submit the refusal letter within seven days to trigger the visa-denial refund clause.
Ques. Can dependents accompany Indian students on the Westcliff F-1 visa?
Ans. Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany an Indian F-1 student to Westcliff University on the F-2 dependent visa. The primary applicant must show additional financial proof of roughly USD 6,000 per dependent per year for I-20 issuance. F-2 dependents cannot work in the United States but may study part-time and enrol children in K-12 schooling. Dependents apply for the F-2 visa at the same consulate slot as the F-1 applicant.
Westcliff University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D.B.A 3 years | USD 16,326 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 79, Duolingo-105 | ||
M.B.A 2 years | USD 14,742 /Yr | 50 | IELTS: 6.0, PTE: 58, DET: 105, Duolingo-105, TOEFL iBT: 79 | ||
M.S Engineering Management 2 years | USD 14,742 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL IBT: 79, Duolingo-105 | ||
M.S Computer Science 2 years | USD 14,742 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.7, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 79, Duolingo-105 | ||
M.S Information Technology 2 years | USD 14,742 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL IBT: 79, Duolingo-105 | ||
B.B.A 3 years | USD 18,408 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.0, IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL iBT: 60, Duolingo-95 | ||
| USD 13,806 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.0, IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL iBT: 60, Duolingo-95 | |||
Certificate Marketing 1 year | USD 9,828 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 79, Duolingo-105 |
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Westcliff University Reviews
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Likes
- The course structure is good and academic professor and student advisors all are very helpful.
Campus Life
- Many events are organized, like in the month may be around 2-3 events. Some events some time webinar, which help to solve all problems and improve skills, and some events are for fun, like we go somewhere and chill on weekends.
Fees
- Around $ 30,000 for 2 years.
- Parking is free for students, library access, and the lab.
Westcliff University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Westcliff University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.westcliff.edu/admissions/apply/
Fall Semester Session 2 Deadlines
Important Date: August1 (Application deadline)Spring Semester Session 4 Deadlines
Important Date: December5 (Application deadline)Summer Semester Session 5 Deadlines
Important Date: February6 (Application deadline)Summer Semester Session 6 Deadlines
Important Date: April3 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 | 48 | 192 | - |
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