University of the West

University of the West (UWest) is a small, private nonprofit university in Rosemead, in Los Angeles County. Its identity is unusually clear: the curriculum and campus life draw on Humanistic Buddhist values, and the university offers graduate study in Buddhist chaplaincy and spiritual care. Students do not have to be Buddhist; UWest says it welcomes people of any faith or none. It is also a broad academic institution, with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, psychology and business, plus graduate programs in counseling, management, religious studies and health data analytics. WSCUC lists UWest as an accredited nonprofit institution, with its main campus at the Rosemead address below.

Programs and the Buddhist focus

Undergraduates can choose a BA in Liberal Arts, Psychology or Business Administration. Graduate options include psychology tracks in Marriage and Family Therapy and Multicultural Counseling, an MBA, an MA in Religious Studies, and an MS in Health Data Analytics. The university’s more distinctive pathway is at the intersection of religion and service: the MA in Buddhist Spiritual Care and the Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy prepare students for spiritual care and chaplaincy work, while doctoral study includes Religious Studies and Buddhist Ministry. The Doctor of Eastern Philosophy and Management combines Asian philosophical traditions with business and management. Compare degree requirements and delivery formats before applying, since some programs have specialized tracks or online options.

Main campus: 1409 Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770; (626) 571-8811. Google Maps lists the campus office hours as Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday. UWest also offers campus visits and tours; contact admissions before traveling to confirm availability. The university’s current academic calendar lists fall and spring terms, so applicants should check the calendar for the next start date and application deadline.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

For 2026–27, undergraduate tuition is listed at $623 per unit. The university’s estimated annual cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate ranges from $36,304 for students living with parents or relatives to $49,920 for those living off campus; those totals include estimated living and indirect expenses, not just the bill paid to UWest. Graduate tuition varies by program: the published rate is $788 per unit for business and psychology and $759 per unit for Buddhist chaplaincy and religious studies. Housing, fees and other costs change the total, and the Doctor of Eastern Philosophy and Management has a much higher per-unit rate. Use the university’s current cost page and net price calculator for a personal estimate.

Several named scholarships may substantially reduce costs for eligible students. The renewable Lotus award is listed at $6,000 per year for selected undergraduates and $7,000 for selected graduate students. The Metta award provides $6,000 per year to selected new domestic undergraduates with at least a 3.0 GPA, with priority consideration for qualified transfers. The need-based Dream Scholarship is listed at $10,000 per year for selected first-time undocumented students who meet its academic and financial-need requirements. Continuing students may qualify for the President’s Scholarship, which can waive tuition for a limited course load, or the Dean’s award, which covers tuition for up to 7.5 undergraduate or 6 graduate units per semester. UWest also lists specialized International Buddhist Education Foundation awards for eligible Religious Studies and Buddhist Chaplaincy students. Deadlines and eligibility differ, so review the current scholarship details and ask the financial aid office which awards apply to your program.

Applying and planning a visit

UWest’s application process is handled through its online admissions portal. Transfer students should ask how previous coursework will apply to a degree plan, while international applicants should check visa and English-proficiency requirements early. The university’s program directory, financial aid pages and campus-tour information can help narrow questions before contacting admissions. Use the UWest application portal to begin an application, and review the university’s current program list for the full catalogue.

What student comments describe

Public student comments give a mixed, and in places dated, picture. Some describe small classes, a peaceful campus and close contact with instructors; others criticize slow administrative responses, facilities or the value they felt they received for the cost. Because some widely visible comments are several years old and individual experiences vary, treat them as prompts for questions rather than a verdict. Ask about current class availability, support response times, housing and transfer-credit evaluation, and speak with the department offering your degree. A campus visit can help you judge whether UWest’s small scale and Buddhist-informed environment suit the way you want to study.