Irvine Colleges, Universities, Trade and Vocational Schools

Irvine Colleges and Schools

With a population of 250,384 in 2014, Irvine California has become a premier destination for young and old alike. As a center for outdoor recreation, Irvine boasts 19 community parks, 39 neighborhood parks, 155 acres of sports fields, and 5,600 acres of open space preservation areas. An amazing 64.9 percent of Irvine's adult residents ages 25-64 held a Bachelor's degree or higher through 2013, and more than 96 percent held a high school diploma. Further, the median household income in the area was $90,585 through 2013, which is much higher than the national average.

With such high levels of degree attainment, it's no wonder that Irvine offers so many colleges, trade schools, and community colleges. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, seven institutions of higher education call the area home, and they boast a combined enrollment of more than 55,000 students.

Colleges in Irvine, California

Brandman University

• Tuition for 2014-15: $12,200
• Books and Supplies: $1,752
• Overall Graduation Rate: nearly 70%

With a total enrollment of 7,795 students in 2014, Brandman University aims to prepare as many Irvine residents for the workforce as possible. Current programs on their roster include online and traditional degrees in fields such as criminal justice, legal studies, information systems management and business administration. Many programs can be completed in a fully online format.

Concordia University - Irvine

• Tuition for 2014-15: $30,640
• Books and Supplies: $1,700
• Overall Graduation Rate (Fall 2008): 56%

As a midsize school, Concordia University in Irvine has a lot to offer students seeking educational attainment. With an enrollment of 4,311 students, they offer Associate, Bachelor's, and graduate degrees in academic disciplines such as graphic design, international studies, economics, English and musical theater. In total, the school offers 20 undergraduate programs, nine graduate degrees, three adult bachelor's degree completion programs, and four nursing programs.

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

• Tuition for 2014-15: $29,930
• Books and Supplies: $2,640
• Overall Graduation Rate (Fall 2014): 81%

Located in Irvine, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising features a wide range of degree programs in subjects such as jewelry design, menswear, digital media, graphic design, and social media. Enrollment for 2014-15 included 156 students and the school boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.

Irvine Valley College

• Tuition for 2014-15: $1,326
• Books and Supplies: $1,746
• Overall Graduation Rate (Fall 2014): 79% for full-time students, 54% for part-time students

With 13,157 students in 2014, Irvine Valley was the area's largest among Irvine colleges. As a two-year career development institution, they offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificates in disciplines such as business, computer science, health care and technology.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine

• Tuition for 2014-15: $22,680
• Fees:$1,635
• Overall Graduation Rate: not reported

As a graduate school aimed at preparing psychologists for the real world, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers graduate and doctoral degrees to students seeking careers in a dynamic number of psychology professions. Enrollment figures included 267 students as of 2014.

University of California - Irvine

• Tuition for 2014-15: $13,179
• Books and Supplies: $1,732
• Overall Graduation Rate (Fall 2008): 86%

As one of the state's premier schools and part of the University of California system, the University of California - Irvine educates more than 30,000 students each year. Current degree programs include options in a wide range of career fields and disciplines including nursing, law, public health, humanities, engineering and education.

Facts for Irvine College Students

Economics

As part of Orange County, California, Irvine is a popular place to live for anyone seeking the Southern California lifestyle. Major industries in the area include higher education, health care, temporary help services, and tourism. Median household income in Irvine came out to $90,585 in 2013, the same year the median housing value averaged out to $643,200.

Demographics

With 250,284 residents in 2014, Irvine is sometimes considered a suburb of greater Los Angeles and San Diego. More than 36 percent of Irvine's population was foreign born in 2013, and 44.8 percent of households spoke languages other than English at home. Nearly 50 percent of Irvine residents owned their own homes in 2013.

Fun Facts for Online Learners

With a location so close to Hollywood and all it has to offer, Irvine hosts its share of fun and exciting events including festivals like the Irvine Global Village Festival. Dozens of movies have also been filmed in Irvine, including Iron Man, You, Me and Dupree and The Hangover Part III.

Sources:

1. City of Irvine, California, http://www.cityofirvine.org/
2. College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=CA&of=1&od=0&pg=11
3. Irvine Chamber of Commerce, http://www.irvinechamber.com/
4. Join Our Long History of Distinctive Graduates, Brandman University, https://www.brandman.edu/about/history
5. State & County QuickFacts, U.S. Census Bureau, Irvine, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0636770.html