| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1932 (as Marymount Palos Verdes College)
Type: Private Catholic liberal arts university
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with additional locations in San Pedro
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (sponsored by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary)
MCU offered:
Bachelor’s degrees in areas like business, psychology, criminal justice, digital communication, and biology.
Master’s programs, including an MBA.
Focus on small class sizes, personalized education, and a liberal arts foundation.
The main campus was located on a scenic hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering a beautiful and serene environment.
It provided a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student support.
In 2022, Marymount California University officially closed due to declining enrollment, financial difficulties, and broader challenges facing small private colleges.
The campus property was purchased by UCLA in 2022 to expand educational access in the South Bay region.
The university was known for its commitment to values-based education, leadership, and community service.
It had a significant number of international students and student-athletes, especially in sports like soccer.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Business (with concentrations in:
Accounting
Management
Marketing)
Criminal Justice
Multidisciplinary Studies (customized for students with unique academic goals)
Psychology
Digital Communication
Media Studies
Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biological Science
Exercise Science
Computer Science
Management
Marketing
Associate degrees were designed for students planning to transfer to a 4-year university or those looking for a 2-year degree.
Liberal Arts
Business
Psychology
Biological Sciences
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A one-year, full-time program designed for working professionals and international students.
Focused on global business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
MCU also offered minors and certificate programs to supplement major degrees. Common minors included:
Entrepreneurship
Global Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Spanish Language & Culture
Honors Program
Internships and Career Development
Study Abroad Opportunities
Service Learning and Community Engagement
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
B.A. in Business |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Criminal Justice |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Psychology |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Digital Communication |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Liberal Arts |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Media Studies |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.S. in Biological Science |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.S. in Exercise Science |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.S. in Computer Science |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.S. in Management |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
|
B.S. in Marketing |
4 Years |
$36,908 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1 Year (Full-time) |
$26,134 |
Online Application
Students applied via the MCU website or through the Common Application.
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of around $50 was required.
Academic Transcripts
High school transcripts (official copies) were required.
International students had to submit translated and evaluated transcripts (via WES, ECE, or another approved service).
English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL: Minimum 61 (IBT)
IELTS: Minimum 5.5
Duolingo: Minimum 90
SAT/ACT scores were optional but recommended for scholarship consideration.
Personal Statement / Essay
A short essay about academic goals and reasons for choosing MCU.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
At least one letter from a teacher, counselor, or employer.
Passport & Financial Documents (For International Students)
A valid passport copy.
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters) to cover tuition and living expenses.
Interview (If Required)
Some students were invited for an online interview as part of the admission review.
Online Application Submission
Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts (Official, evaluated for international students)
GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 (some flexibility based on experience)
English Proficiency Test Scores (Similar to undergraduate requirements)
Resume & Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation (Typically 2–3 from academic or professional sources)
GMAT/GRE (If Required) – Some programs required test scores.
Financial Documents & Visa Process (For International Students)
Fall Semester: Applications due by May–June
Spring Semester: Applications due by October–November
MCU had two main intakes each year:
Fall Intake (August–September)
Application Deadline: May–June (for international students)
Most students applied for this intake.
Spring Intake (January)
Application Deadline: October–November
Limited courses were available.
Academic Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., A-levels, IB, or GED).
Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (some flexibility for exceptional cases).
English Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL: 61 (IBT) or higher
IELTS: 5.5 or higher
Duolingo: 90 or higher
SAT/ACT: Not required but could strengthen an application.
Other Requirements
Personal statement or essay.
At least one letter of recommendation.
Proof of financial ability (for international students).
Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (some flexibility for work experience).
English Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL: 79 (IBT) or higher
IELTS: 6.5 or higher
Duolingo: 100 or higher
Other Requirements
Resume/CV.
Statement of purpose.
2–3 letters of recommendation.
Some programs required work experience or a GMAT/GRE score.
Students needed to provide proof of financial support for at least one year of tuition and living expenses.
Upon acceptance, MCU provided an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Presidential Scholarship |
GPA 3.5+, strong academic record |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
GPA 3.0–3.49, good academic standing |
Up to $7,000 |
|
Athletic Scholarships |
For student-athletes (various sports) |
partial to full tuition |
|
International Student Scholarship |
Based on academic merit for non-U.S. students |
Up to $6,000 |
|
Need-Based Grants |
Based on financial need (FAFSA required for U.S. students) |
N/A |
Facility |
Details |
Cost (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Rancho Palos Verdes, California |
— |
|
On-Campus Housing |
Villas-style residence halls |
— |
|
Room Type - Shared Room |
Two students per room |
Approx. $12,000–$13,500 |
|
Room Type - Private Room |
Single occupancy room |
Approx. $14,500–$15,500 |
|
Meal Plan |
Included in accommodation cost |
Included |
|
Amenities |
Wi-Fi, laundry, study lounges, gym, shuttle |
— |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Available in nearby areas |
N/A |
MCU had a small, close-knit community, which allowed students to form strong connections with faculty and peers. With small class sizes, students received personalized attention and support in both academics and extracurricular activities.
The university encouraged student engagement through various clubs and organizations, including:
Student Government Association (SGA) – Represented student interests and organized events.
Cultural & International Clubs – Celebrated diversity and helped international students adjust.
Business & Leadership Clubs – Supported networking and career development.
Service & Volunteer Groups – Encouraged community service and outreach programs.
MCU had NAIA-level athletic teams, known as the Marymount Mariners. The university offered sports such as:
Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
Baseball
Golf
Cross Country
Student-athletes had access to training facilities and competed in intercollegiate sports leagues.
The university frequently organized campus events like:
Welcome Week – Activities for new students to get familiar with the campus.
Cultural Festivals & Celebrations – Highlighting global diversity.
Outdoor Activities – Hiking, beach outings, and sports competitions.
Movie Nights, Concerts, and Talent Shows – Social events to encourage student interaction.
The MCU campus had modern amenities, including:
Residence halls with ocean views.
Library & Study Lounges for academic support.
Fitness Center & Recreation Areas for student well-being.
Dining Hall & Cafeteria offering meal plans.
For international students, MCU provided:
Orientation programs to help with the transition.
Academic advising & career services to support professional growth.
Visa & immigration assistance for F-1 students.
MCU had a Career Services Center that helped students with:
Resume & Cover Letter Assistance – Helping students create professional job application materials.
Mock Interviews & Career Coaching – Training students for job interviews.
Internship & Job Search Support – Connecting students with employers.
Career Fairs & Networking Events – Providing job opportunities with industry partners.
Many students at MCU gained work experience through internships at companies in Los Angeles and Orange County. Common internship sectors included:
Business & Marketing – Internships at corporate firms and startups.
Psychology & Counseling – Internships in social work and mental health services.
Media & Communications – Opportunities at news agencies and digital media firms.
Biology & Environmental Science – Research projects and lab work.
MCU had connections with local businesses, non-profits, and government organizations to help students find jobs after graduation. Some companies where students found opportunities included:
Disney, Tesla, Wells Fargo, Google (internships & job placements)
Healthcare organizations & research labs
Law enforcement agencies for criminal justice majors
Many MCU graduates went on to pursue higher education (Master’s & PhDs) or secure jobs in business, education, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Employment Rate: Around 75–85% of MCU graduates found a job or pursued further studies within 6 months after graduation.
Average Starting Salary: Approximately $40,000–$60,000 per year, depending on the major and industry.
Before its closure in August 2022, Marymount California University (MCU) had an acceptance rate of approximately 94–100%.
MCU was considered a "less selective" university, meaning most applicants who met the basic eligibility criteria were accepted.
It had an open and inclusive admissions policy, making it accessible to a diverse group of students, including international applicants.
Since it was a small private university, it focused more on student potential rather than strict academic cutoffs.
High School GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) was typically required.
Test Scores (Optional): SAT/ACT scores were not required but could strengthen an application.
English Proficiency (For International Students): TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores were required.
Personal Statement & Recommendation Letter: Helped in evaluating student motivation and background.
Address: 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, 90275, USA
Setting: Coastal suburban area with ocean views and a peaceful environment.
Nearest City: Los Angeles, approximately 25 miles (40 km) away.
Nearby Attractions:
Pacific Ocean coastline
Los Angeles city life
Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Long Beach
