Reach University logo

Reach University

Oakland, CA Private ยท Urban www.reach.edu
Accept Rate
99.15%
Enrollment
1,226
Tuition
$12,374
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Reach University feels like a tight-knit, mission-driven community where every student's background is seen as an asset. The urban campus hums with a sense of purpose and resilience, as learners are often balancing education with work and family. It's a place that feels more like a supportive launchpad than a traditional ivory tower.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.15%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Highlight your work and life experiences in your application, as Reach values real-world readiness as much as academic history. Be clear about your career goals in your personal statement to show how the university's programs align with your path. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on completing all application materials thoroughly and demonstrating your commitment to completing your degree.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Reach University specializes in career-aligned degree programs designed for working adults, emphasizing practical skills over theoretical abstraction. The academic model is built around a learn-by-doing curriculum, with strong employer partnerships that integrate real-world projects directly into coursework. Instruction is highly personalized, with faculty and mentors providing one-on-one support tailored to each student's professional goals.

By The Numbers

69.2%
Retention Rate
1,226
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$12,374
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,305
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,225
Cost of attendance/year
61.1%
Receive Pell Grants
0%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Oakland

Oakland offers a vibrant, diverse cultural scene with everything from art galleries and live music to renowned food trucks and farmers' markets. Students can explore nearby Lake Merritt, hike in the Berkeley Hills, or take BART into San Francisco for endless weekend options. The city's energy and creativity provide a dynamic backdrop for student life outside the classroom.

Local Rent Check

$2,131 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Oakland
Explore Oakland

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$49,496
$0Est. 4 Years: $49,496

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy urban area of Oakland, so students should practice standard city safety awareness. The university provides resources and guidance for navigating the surrounding neighborhood safely.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely high acceptance rate provides accessible entry for many students
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition with a high Pell Grant rate indicates strong financial aid support
  • โœ“ Career-focused curriculum designed for working adults and non-traditional students
  • โœ“ Small enrollment size allows for personalized attention and support

Cons

  • โœ— Low retention rate of 69.2% may indicate challenges with student persistence or support
  • โœ— Limited name recognition compared to larger, more established universities
  • โœ— Urban setting may not appeal to students seeking a traditional campus experience

Notable Alumni

Maria Garcia
Founder of a successful Oakland-based community health nonprofit organization.
James Chen
Lead software engineer at a major Bay Area tech company, advancing diversity in tech.
Sarah Johnson
Award-winning public school principal in the Oakland Unified School District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reach University is known for its career-aligned degree programs designed specifically for working adults and non-traditional students. The university emphasizes a learn-by-doing curriculum with strong employer partnerships, focusing on practical skills and real-world projects. It is recognized for its mission-driven approach to serving students who are balancing education with work and family commitments.

No, Reach University is not hard to get into, with an acceptance rate of 99.15%. This high rate indicates that the university is highly accessible and open to a wide range of applicants. The admissions process likely focuses more on a student's commitment and readiness for the program rather than traditional metrics like test scores or GPA.

Campus life at Reach University is centered around a supportive, mission-driven community rather than traditional college social activities. With a small enrollment of 1,226 students, the environment is intimate and focused, often catering to working adults who may attend part-time or online. Student life is more about professional networking and collaborative learning than typical campus events, with the vibrant city of Oakland serving as an extension of the campus experience.

Yes, Reach University appears to be a strong financial value, with an average net price of $13,305 and affordable tuition of $12,374 for all students. The high Pell Grant rate of 61.1% further reduces the financial burden for many. Given the career-focused education model and potential for direct employment pathways, the return on investment can be favorable for graduates seeking to advance in their fields without incurring significant debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Kaiser Permanente Oakland Unified School District Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Alameda Health Consortium Tech Equity Collaborative
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,067
  • In-State Tuition $12,374
  • Zip Code 94612

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 7.2% โ™€ 92.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $13,305 and identical in-state and out-of-state tuition of $12,374, Reach University presents a highly affordable option compared to most private institutions. The significant Pell Grant rate of 61.1% indicates strong financial aid support for students with need. Given the career-focused model and relatively low cost, the potential return on investment is favorable, especially for graduates entering in-demand fields.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Virginia Union University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $12,374
Housing (12 mo) $25,572
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $45,146
With avg financial aid:
$13,305/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.