In short
The University of La Verne is a private non-profit university in California, founded in 1891, offering personalized education across five colleges with flexible study options for diverse students.
Key facts
- Type
- Non-profit
- Founded
- 1891
- Students
- 6,983
- International students
- 300
- Acceptance rate
- 66%
- Tuition (intl)
- €35–42k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- United States
The University of La Verne is a private non-profit university in La Verne, California, founded in 1891. With approximately 7,000 students across five colleges — Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Management, Law and Public Service, Health and Community Well-Being, and Education — it combines personalised, values-driven education with the opportunities of a Southern California location. La Verne is particularly recognised for its law school, adult learner programmes, and flexible study options that serve traditional, working adult, and online students.
Why study here
- Personalised education with small class sizes and accessible faculty who prioritise advising and student success.
- Five distinct colleges covering law, business, health, education, and arts provide broad academic range under one institution.
- Flexible programmes — including online and hybrid options — designed to serve traditional students, adult learners, and working professionals.
- Strong Southern California location gives students access to Los Angeles' professional networks, internships, and cultural opportunities.
- Graduates work in over 66 countries, supported by a committed alumni network and strong career services.
Student life
The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is dedicated to enhancing the La Verne experience through a variety of extracurriculars and support programmes. Students can get involved with ASULV (Traditional Undergraduate Student Government), GASG (Graduate and Adult Student Government), Campus Activities Board (CAB), and Greek Life. The university also offers New Student Orientation and connects students with peers through the Leos Unite programme for study or gym partners.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay the same tuition rates as domestic students at La Verne. Annual undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 38,000–42,000 (around EUR 35,000–39,000).
HomeAnnual undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 38,000–42,000. Graduate and law programme fees vary by programme.
LivingLiving costs in La Verne / San Gabriel Valley area are approximately USD 15,000–18,000 per year (housing, food, transport).
Financial arrangements are typically due one week prior to the start of each semester. Late fees of up to USD 300 may apply. Institutional scholarships and federal financial aid are available for eligible students.
Admissions
Undergraduate EntryHigh school diploma or equivalent; GPA of 2.5+ recommended; SAT/ACT optional for many programmes.
Graduate EntryBachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0; programme-specific requirements apply.
Law School EntryBachelor's degree plus LSAT score; priority deadline July 31 (fall) and December 1 (spring).
TOEFL iBT79+ (undergraduate); 83+ (graduate)
IELTS6.0+ (undergraduate); 6.5+ (graduate)
Duolingo English Test100+
Rankings
US News & World Report — Regional Universities WestTop 50
Washington Monthly National UniversitiesListed
University scholarships
Performance Scholarships (Undergraduate)USD 31,000 — 12 awards annually across 8 performance categories
Community Engagement GrantUSD 2,000–4,000 for on-campus residents with demonstrated financial need
Dean's Scholarship (Law)Varies — merit-based, awarded by the Dean
Merit-Based Institutional AidVaries — available at undergraduate and graduate levels
Accreditation
The University of La Verne is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The College of Law and Public Service makes annual disclosures in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionUniversity of La Verne · United States
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
The University of La Verne offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in public sector management. The curriculum focuses on the theory, application, and practical aspects of managing public organizations. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through class participation, special projects, and research reports. For maximum convenience and flexibility, this program is available online and at various locations across California, including Irvine, Ontario, and Rio Hondo Community College. The program also offers an accelerated option for qualifying undergraduate students to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) after completing 90 semester units. Additionally, the Campus Accelerated Program for Adults (CAPA) provides full-time and part-time options with online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, as well as evening and weekend classes, making it ideal for working adults.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of La Verne · United States
Doctor of Public Administration
The University of La Verne's Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to become leaders in public service. It equips graduates to contribute thoughtfully to public sector organizations, nonprofits, municipal governments, and quasi-governmental agencies. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, policy assessment, research, program evaluation, and ethical decision-making skills, enabling students to tackle complex organizational and business challenges with a global perspective.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
96 mo
Duration
University of La Verne · United States
Graduate Programs
The University of La Verne's College of Law and Public Service offers several graduate programs designed to advance your career. These include a professional doctorate in public administration, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). The MPA program is available both on-campus at the Ontario campus and fully online, providing flexibility for students.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of La Verne · United States
Juris Doctor (JD)
The University of La Verne's Juris Doctor (JD) program prepares students to become attorneys who make a difference in their communities. With over 50 years of experience, the program offers a practice-driven curriculum, integrated bar preparation, and a commitment to promoting access to legal services and justice. The school is approved and accredited by the State Bar of California and is known for its affordability and high bar pass rates, ranking first among California Accredited Law Schools for first-time exam takers in July 2023. The program emphasizes crucial lawyering skills like critical reading, analysis, and case presentation within an interactive and supportive learning environment.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of La Verne · United States
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of La Verne is designed to equip professionals for service in public and nonprofit organizations at local, state, and national levels. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving with public service leaders and alumni to address contemporary challenges. Students benefit from career mentoring, professional networking, and opportunities to advance their careers in public service. The MPA is offered online and in a hybrid format at the Ontario campus, providing flexibility for working professionals. Courses are structured in 8-week terms, incorporating both in-person and online instruction.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual tuition for international students at the University of La Verne?
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International students pay the same tuition rates as domestic students. Annual undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 38,000–42,000.
What are the estimated living costs for students at the University of La Verne?
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Living costs, including housing, food, and transport, in the La Verne/San Gabriel Valley area are approximately USD 15,000–18,000 per year.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For undergraduate programs, a TOEFL iBT score of 79+ or IELTS 6.0+ is required. Graduate programs typically require a TOEFL iBT of 83+ or IELTS 6.5+.
Does the University of La Verne offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, the university offers various scholarships, including Performance Scholarships, a Community Engagement Grant for residents, and merit-based institutional aid at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
What academic programs is the University of La Verne known for?
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The university is recognized for its law school, adult learner programs, and flexible study options. It comprises five distinct colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Management, Law and Public Service, Health and Community Well-Being, and Education.
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