Woodbury University: A Historic Force in Southern California’s Creative Landscape

Nestled in Burbank, California, Woodbury University stands as a distinctive private non‑profit institution that has woven itself into the fabric of Los Angeles’ creative economy for over 140 years. Its story—of founding principles, academic excellence, and recent transformation—reflects the dynamic spirit of the region it serves.

A Progressive Foundation

Woodbury University traces its origins to 1884, when educator and entrepreneur F.C. Woodbury established Woodbury’s Business College in Los Angeles. This was a time when the city was still a modest frontier town, and the school was created in direct response to the needs of a booming local business sector. Remarkably, Woodbury’s very first class was composed almost equally of men and women—a commitment to gender equity that was deeply unusual in the late 19th century and has remained a core principle of the institution throughout its history. This progressive vision would become a defining hallmark of the university’s identity.  Buy fake USA diploma online.

Location and Academic Identity

At the heart of Woodbury’s appeal is its setting. The main campus, a scenic 22‑acre property, straddles the border between Los Angeles and Burbank in the San Fernando Valley, tucked against the Verdugo foothills near the Angeles National Forest. Its address, 7500 North Glenoaks Boulevard, places students within easy reach of Hollywood, the LA Fashion District, and a thriving startup ecosystem, offering unparalleled access to real‑world professional environments. A satellite campus in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood provides additional specialized offerings in architecture.

Woodbury’s academic identity is rooted in design, business, and media. The university is organized into four main schools: the School of Architecture (renowned as one of the oldest in the region), the School of Business, the School of Media, Culture and Design, and the Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies. The five‑year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), stands as a flagship offering, combining rigorous studio‑based learning with hands‑on project experience. The School of Business holds the rare distinction of dual accreditations from both the AACSB and the ACBSP—a benchmark achieved by only a fraction of business schools worldwide. Undergraduate enrollment typically numbers around 785 students, fostering an intimate 8:1 student‑faculty ratio that allows for deep mentorship and small class sizes, with 79 percent of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students.

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Real‑World Education

Woodbury’s most distinctive academic feature is its internship requirement: every major at the university mandates an internship for graduation. This policy ensures that students graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with tangible, work‑based experience that provides a competitive edge in the job market. This practice‑based approach has helped the university earn high marks for social mobility. In the 2026 edition of *U.S. News & World Report’s* Best Colleges rankings, Woodbury was placed 43rd among Regional Universities in the West, and notably 6th nationally in the category of Top Performers on Social Mobility—a metric that recognizes institutions that successfully enroll and graduate economically disadvantaged students. Approximately 77 percent of first‑year students receive need‑based financial aid.

A Merger and a New Chapter

A significant transition is currently shaping Woodbury’s future. In early 2024, the university announced its merger with the University of Redlands, a larger and more established institution in Southern California. While the Woodbury name will continue to be carried forward in key academic units—the Woodbury School of Architecture, the Woodbury Business Institute, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies—the combined entity will operate as the University of Redlands, Los Angeles (URLA). Students graduating in spring or summer 2026 will still receive diplomas bearing the Woodbury name; those graduating in the fall of 2026 and beyond will receive University of Redlands diplomas annotated with the Woodbury designation. The merger is designed to preserve Woodbury’s close‑knit, creative identity while significantly expanding student access to academic resources, study abroad opportunities, and a broader range of courses across the University of Redlands’ network. Important professional accreditations—including the NAAB, CIDA, AACSB, ACBSP, and WSCUC—will all be maintained in the transition.

Recent Recognition and Future Outlook

Even amid this transformation, Woodbury’s reputation continues to grow. In 2025, the university was named “Favorite Four‑Year College/University” in *The Daily News’* 24th Annual Best of LA Readers’ Choice Awards—a public testament to its standing within the local community. Woodbury also joined the Cumulus Association, the world’s leading global association of art and design education and research, placing it alongside prestigious institutions such as Pratt and the ArtCenter College of Design.

Having survived economic difficulties two decades ago, the university that was once called the “American dream university” now looks to the future with renewed purpose. Its legacy of nearly 140 years—marked by a commitment to professional practice, social mobility, creative innovation, and inclusive community—will carry forward into its new chapter as part of the University of Redlands, ensuring that its spirit endures in the heart of Los Angeles for generations to come.