PLATT COLLEGE
Newport Beach, California
The College and its Mission
Platt College is a private school that was founded in Missouri in 1879. Today, Platt has three southern California campuses, which are located in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Ontario, a branch of Platt College Los Angeles.
Platt College students participate in a career-focused and hands-on environment that prepares them to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
Platt College is always looking to the future and revising its programs to meet the constant changes taking place in the related industries. Platt College is dedicated to the principle that education is the foundation for personal and professional growth and that students should have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. Platt College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology and is state approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
Academic Programs
Platt College offers the following programs: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in visual communication, the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree and diploma in graphic design, the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in paralegal studies, the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in information technology networking, a certificate in information technology networking, and a certificate in multimedia.
The programs vary in length from approximately five months to thirty-one months and total classroom hours vary from 350 to 2,400 hours. Classes start every five weeks, thus providing many opportunities for students to get started in fulfilling their educational and career goals.
Classes meet either two or four days each week, depending on the nature of the specific course. There are no classes on Friday, which is reserved as an open-lab day for students to work on class or individual projects.
While internships are not a requirement for graduation, students are encouraged to contact the Career Services Office to participate in an internship if their schedule allows.
Credit for Nontraditional Learning Experiences
Transfer and Experiential Learning Credit Many students enter Platt College having attended another college. In addition, many students with industry experience attend Platt College for the purpose of gaining a degree or enhancing their skills. Applicants with the appropriate amount of industry experience may be qualified for waiver of Platt College courses through experiential learning. Up to 50 percent of a students program at Platt College may be waived through transfer credits from a previously attended school and/or through experiential learning.
Costs
Program costs (including tuition, books, supplies, and registration fee), as of the date of this publication, are B.A. in visual communication, $57,455; A.A. in graphic design, $26,350; A.A. in paralegal studies, $26,780; A.S. in information technology networking, $27,420; diploma in graphic design, $19,635; certificate in information technology networking, $8240; and certificate in multimedia, $10,885.
Financial Aid
Eligible applicants may benefit from the following federally sponsored programs which provide grants, loans, and federal work-study opportunities to cover portions of a student's tuition and fees: Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans, Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and consolidation loans. Platt College can also provide private education loans through Key Bank and SallieMae. Applicants are required to complete a credit application to determine approval status.
Platt College also participates in the Cal Grant program, which is offered by the State of California and administered through the California Student Aid Commission. Awards are based on need and academic achievement. Platt College also services students who are receiving Veterans Administration benefits.
Faculty
The faculty of the Newport Beach campus is composed of full-time and part-time instructors who bring teaching and industry experience to the classrooms and computer labs. The faculty members are active in all campus activities, from the new student orientation program through graduation day. Platt College believes that the learning process is a partnership between the students and their instructors.
Student Body Profile
The Newport Beach campus has a student population that ranges from 180 to 200 students. The average age of the student population is 23; 60 percent of the students are men and 40 percent are women; approximately 45 percent of the students have prior industry and/or college experience; and the ethnic breakdown is representative of Orange County. All students are commuters.
Student Activities
Students participate in field trips related to art and science. Graphic design students display work in local art shows and often do work for charity groups that need design services. Students may also take advantage of on-campus guest speakers and Career Nights, which are arranged by the College.
Facilities and Resources
Facilities include general education classrooms and computer labs, with each student having a dedicated workstation. The library provides research materials, both in its holdings and online; it also provides computers for Internet access.
Academic and financial aid advising is made available to all students. Campus activities focus on contacts with the related industries and opportunities for students to develop and present their portfolios.
Career Services strives to see that each graduate understands the job search process. Placement begins on orientation day, at which time the importance of the student's attendance and productivity in class is stressed. During the course of training, members of the Career Services staff meet with each Bstudent and become familiar with his or her special skills, background, and goals. Students participate in writing resumes and letters of application, portfolio preparation, and researching and contacting potential employers. Students also gain valuable interviewing skills.
Location
The area surrounding the campus is the growing and vibrant area of Orange County. The campus is conveniently located within easy access to the beautiful California beaches, amusement parks, and other attractions. The campus is serviced by Los Angeles International Airport and nearby John Wayne Airport.
Admission Requirements
All applicants for admission to Platt College are required to visit the campus for a personal interview with the Admissions Department, complete an application form, and tour the facility to view the classrooms, equipment, and samples of student work.
Applicants are required to take a standardized entrance examination that measures language, reading comprehension, and numerical skills. In addition to the examination, all applicants are required to complete a written essay addressing their rationale for entering one of the offered programs of study. An Acceptance Committee reviews the examination scores and essay and then informs the applicants regarding their acceptance to Platt College.
All applicants must provide proof of either a high school diploma or GED.
Application and Information
Platt College programs are based on five-week modules with rolling start dates throughout the year.
Interested students should contact:
