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Woodbury University

Burbank, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1884
Founded
Private university
Type
825
Total Students
$23M
Endowment
(2021)
$45K
Tuition (In-State)
$45K
Tuition (Out-State)
$28K
Avg Net Price
73%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Barry Ryan

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Woodbury University

Woodbury University: A Los Angeles legacy in business and design education since 1884.

Woodbury University stands as a vibrant private institution with a rich history rooted in the heart of Los Angeles. Since its inception, it has been a pioneer in providing practical, career-focused education, evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic professional landscape. Today, it is recognized for its strong programs that beautifully blend robust business acumen with innovative creative arts.

Founded on July 7, 1884, by Francis C. Woodbury, the institution began as Woodbury's Business College. It quickly established itself as a forward-thinking school, starting operations on July 19, 1884, and notably welcoming an inaugural class with equal numbers of male and female students. Initially, its curriculum was dedicated to essential business skills like bookkeeping, commercial law, and telegraphy, serving the growing needs of Los Angeles from its initial Downtown locations.

Over the decades, Woodbury University demonstrated remarkable adaptability and foresight. In 1924, it received charter status, allowing for a significant expansion of its business curriculum to include more comprehensive courses such as business administration, foreign trade, and marketing. A pivotal moment arrived in 1931 with the establishment of a division of professional arts, which introduced fields of design including commercial art, interior design, and fashion design. This strategic move solidified Woodbury's unique position at the intersection of commerce and creativity, shaping generations of professionals.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1884 by Francis C. Woodbury, establishing a long-standing educational legacy in Los Angeles.
  • Pioneering in practical business education, initially focusing on bookkeeping, commercial law, and telegraphy.
  • Inaugural class in 1884 featured an equal number of male and female students, showcasing early progressive values.
  • Expanded its curriculum significantly in 1924, adding advanced business administration and marketing courses.
  • Established a dedicated Division of Professional Arts in 1931, integrating design fields like commercial art, interior design, and fashion design.
  • Served Downtown and Central Los Angeles for its first 103 years.

Timeline

1884
Woodbury University (as Woodbury's Business College) founded by Francis C. Woodbury on July 7.
1884
School began operations on July 19, focusing on business education in Los Angeles.
1924
Received charter status, expanding curriculum to include advanced business administration and marketing.
1931
A division of professional arts was established, introducing fields of design.
🏛️
142 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Barry Ryan
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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