Design Your Future with Woodbury University!
Woodbury University (WU) is a career-focused, private university in Burbank, California, where students gain real-world skills, industry connections, and personal guidance every step of the way. Known for its creative programs and close-knit campus, WU helps students grow in fields such as design, architecture, business, and media.
It’s ranked #47 in Regional Universities West and #36 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report. WU also stands out for helping students succeed beyond college, landing at #19 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. According to QS U.S. University Rankings, it’s placed in the #251–300 bracket nationally.
If you're looking for a place that values creativity, supports your goals, and helps you build your future from day one, WU could be the right fit. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it unique.
Woodbury University is a private school in Burbank, California, just north of Los Angeles. It was founded in 1884 and has a 22-acre campus.
The university keeps classes small, about 10 students per class, so professors can give more personal attention. There are over 30 student communities and organizations on campus.
According to the latest Woodbury University ranking, it is listed among the top 10 “must-watch” universities in the U.S. Its School of Business is in the top 5% worldwide. It also ranks in the top 4% of U.S. colleges for economic value after graduation.
The campus has been used as a filming location for movies and shows like The Brothers Sun and The Politician.
Woodbury Burbank offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate programs across four major schools. Each school focuses on industry-relevant, skill-based education with small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities.
The School of Architecture offers STEM-designated degrees that explore the built environment through design, technology, and sustainability.
Program | Degree Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Applied CS – Media Arts | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Architecture | Undergraduate | 5 years |
Construction Management | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Design Computation | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Interior Design | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Sustainable Practices | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Master of Architecture | Graduate | 2–3 years |
Master of Interior Design | Graduate | 2 years |
Master of Science in Architecture | Graduate | 1 year |
This school focuses on creative programs that prepare students for careers in animation, filmmaking, fashion, game design, and psychology.
Program | Degree Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Animation + VFX | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Fashion Design | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Filmmaking (BFA) | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Filmmaking (BA) | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Game Art & Design | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Experience Design | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Psychology | Undergraduate | 4 years |
The School of Business prepares students for leadership in business, marketing, IT, and entrepreneurship, offering one of the oldest accounting programs in Southern California.
Program | Degree Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Accounting | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Computer Information Systems | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Fashion Marketing | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Marketing | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Management | Undergraduate | 4 years |
BBA-MBA Accelerated Program | UG + Graduate | 4 years |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Graduate | 1–2 years |
This school offers flexible programs focused on public service, politics, data analytics, and interdisciplinary study.
Program | Degree Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Computer Science in Data Analytics | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Interdisciplinary Studies | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Political Science | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Public Safety Administration | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Woodbury University is an industry-focused private university in Burbank, California. WU is known for its career-oriented programs. Here's what it takes to apply:
International freshmen are high school seniors or graduates who have not yet enrolled in college-level coursework. The following are the admission requirements for freshmen:
Application: Submit the Common Application or Woodbury University Application. No need to send both.
Fee: No application fee required.
Academic Records: Official high school transcripts or GED equivalent
English Proficiency (any one): You can submit scores from any one of the following approved tests:
Portfolio (required for specific majors):
Architecture, Interior Design, Animation + VFX, Filmmaking (BFA), Game Art + Design, Experience Design, Fashion Design
Optional Documents:
SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement (up to 500 words)
Woodbury Burbank accepts applications on a rolling basis. However, meeting the priority deadlines improves your chances for admission, scholarships, and timely I-20 processing if you're an international applicant.
Term | Priority Deadline | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2025 | Passed (November 1, 2024) | (Applications no longer accepted) |
Fall 2025 | March 1, 2025 | Undergraduate & Graduate |
Woodbury University admissions applications submitted after March 1 may still be considered, but space and scholarship availability are limited.
International students must apply before the March 1 deadline to allow enough time for I-20 processing.
While there are no strict final deadlines, applying after the priority date reduces access to financial aid and housing.
Graduate program deadlines generally follow the same schedule but may differ slightly by program. It's best to confirm with your department.
Take the next step toward your future at Woodbury University Burbank. Follow these quick steps to stay on track:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore undergraduate or graduate programs and pick the one that fits your goals.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Apply through the Woodbury Application (Freshman/Transfer) or the Common Application (Freshman only).
Step 3: Upload Academic Records
Submit high school and/or academic transcripts. Final official transcripts are needed before enrollment.
Step 4: Submit Test Scores (Optional)
SAT/ACT scores are not required, but may be submitted to strengthen your application.
Step 5: Add Supporting Documents (Optional)
You may include letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and a personal essay to support your application.
Step 6: Submit Portfolio (If Required)
Some majors require a portfolio via SlideRoom; check your program's requirements.
Step 7: Request Academic Fresh Start (If Eligible)
You can apply for a clean academic record if past college credits are over 10 years old.
Step 8: Apply by Priority Deadlines
Submit by March 1 for Fall or November 1 for Spring for the best scholarship and I-20 consideration.
WU is a private university with flat-rate and per-unit tuition options. Costs vary by course load and program type.
Undergraduate students pay a flat rate for full-time study (12–18 units). Additional units or part-time enrollment are charged per unit.
Enrollment Type | Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|
Full-time (12–18 units) | $23,464 per semester ($46,929/year) |
Part-time (≤11 units) | $1,528 per unit |
Overload (≥19 units) | $1,528 per unit |
Graduate programs are charged per credit unit. All major programs have the same per-unit cost.
Program | Tuition per Unit |
|---|---|
Master of Architecture (MArch) | $1,528 |
MS in Architecture | $1,528 |
Master of Interior Design (MID) | $1,528 |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $1,528 |
Over 96% of undergraduates at Woodbury University California receive financial aid. In 2024–25, the average award was more than $25,238.
Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
10% Federal and State Grant Match | 10% match to Pell or Cal Grants | GPA of 2.5–3.39; low-income and underrepresented students |
Woodbury Merit Scholarships | $8,000–$24,000/year | Automatic based on GPA; freshmen and transfer students; renewable (4–5 years) |
School of Architecture Scholarships | $8,000–$20,000 | Graduate Architecture students; based on academics and portfolio |
Assistantships (Architecture) | $3,000–$6,000 | Graduate Architecture students |
MBA Student Innovative Award | $22,000 | All incoming MBA students |
Cal Grant A and B | Varies | California residents, based on financial need and GPA, apply by March 2 |
College Board Scholarships | $5 million+ in total | Open to all; external scholarship |
Ebell of Los Angeles | Varies | L.A. students; no separate Woodbury application required |
| AmberScholar Scholarship | $33,000+ | Students from 220+ countries; creative SOP; judged on originality and clarity |
Woodbury University offers on-campus housing options like North Hall and South Hall, with semester rates ranging from $4,483 to $6,693. But if you’re looking for more flexibility, student housing near Woodbury University is also available through Amberprovides secure, affordable off-campus housing near campus.
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Yes, it’s a well-regarded private university. It offers strong programs in creative and professional fields.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4 is required for all undergraduate programs. If your GPA is higher, you may get more scholarship options.
Yes, most students receive some form of financial aid. Merit-based awards can be as high as $25,238 a year.
Woodbury University is known for architecture, animation, fashion, and business. Its programs are hands-on and designed for real-world jobs.
About 13% of WU students are Asian. The campus is diverse and welcomes students from many backgrounds.
WU's architecture program emphasizes hands-on learning, sustainability, and socially responsible design. It blends theory with real-world projects.