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California Institute of Applied Technology

California Institute of Applied Technology

California Institute of Applied Technology

Introduction

California Institute of Arts & Technology is an award-winning technical college specializing in helping students launch and advance their careers in the competitive IT field. We are a 100% online college and pride ourselves on a personalized student experience preparing you for your first job in IT. We offer small class sizes with hands-on learning, one-on-one tutoring, industry certification workshops, personalized career coaching, resume building, and more. Plus, all our courses are stackable, so you can earn milestones and industry certifications along the way to build your resume and kickstart your career.

At CIAT, you can earn a fully accredited degree in Cybersecurity, IT Administration, Networking, Software Development, or Data Analytics, all from the comfort of your own home.

Apply today and start building the tech career of your dreams!

Our Values

  • We are passionate about education and student success.
  • We value integrity and excellence in our employees and students.
  • We treat ourselves and our students with dignity and respect.
  • We believe in and encourage innovation at our school to better help our students succeed.
  • We have a student-centric focus and we want people highly committed to achieving goals, where our success equals student’s success.
  • We are accountable for our actions, and if errors occur, we focus on preventing future errors and moving forward.
  • We have a growth mindset, always looking for ways to improve, with a sincere belief that every student can do better and achieve their goals.
  • We expect every employee to be an example of conduct and professionalism, being a role model to students and colleagues.

It's time to rethink your approach to education.

Have a job, but want a career? CIAT is pioneering a new educational approach, beyond the traditional four-year or community college experience. CIAT graduates complete their programs with a portfolio of innovative experience and are uniquely positioned to compete for in-demand technology jobs. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career change, or transitioning back into civilian life, CIAT will prepare you for success.

Hands-on TrainingSmall Class SizesLive Online CoursesPersonalized Career ServicesFully Accredited Technical College

Degree + certifications = The best of both paths

Tackle both your short-term and long-term goals together. Build your technical skills, get certified, and launch your new career quickly, all while working towards your degree. Our extensive IT curriculum covers 24 industry certifications that prove to employers that their skills go beyond the classroom, and open opportunities for career advancement.

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Admissions

Ready to start your journey with CIAT? There’s no better time than right now. At the California Institute of Applied Technology, we’ve made the admissions process as easy as 1, 2, 3. Simply follow these steps to jumpstart your path to earning a degree or certificate in IT, software development, graphic design, or web design. We truly appreciate your interest in our programs, and we can’t wait to meet you.

  1. Book An Appointment
    We learn about you and determine what program would be the best fit.
  2. Apply Online
    We’ve streamlined our online application process so you can apply easily.
  3. Receive Financial Aid Support
    Speak with a Financial Aid advisor to explore financial aid options and apply.
  4. Submit Admissions Documentation
    Submit a copy of your high school diploma and required documentation to the Admissions Office.
  5. Enroll!
    Congratulations! We’re looking forward to sharing this journey with you.

Admissions Documentation

Supplemental Materials

Once you’ve completed your application, be sure to submit a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent documentation to our Office of Admissions. Additional documentation can include your GED, DD-214, and college transcripts.

Scholastic Level Exam

If you’ve earned less than six college-level semester credit hours, you’ll need to complete a Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). We’ll provide you with a link to the exam via email once you submit your application.

Proof of Identity

We need you to submit a government-issued proof of identity showing a photo and your age (e.g., a driver’s license, or passport with picture) to our Office of Admissions once you’ve completed your application.

Scholarships and Funding

Planning ahead and applying for financial aid can be a daunting task. CIAT is here to help. We offer assistance in applying for scholarships, federal aid, private loans, and monthly payment plans to help you build an affordable and manageable education plan.

Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid Office is committed to providing assistance to qualified students who would otherwise be unable to pursue the attainment of their educational and professional goals. To begin your application process, first complete the government’s FAFSA form at fafsa.gov. Our school code is 042598. You’ll need this and financial documents, like tax returns and pay stubs, to complete the application. You must re-apply for FAFSA for every year.

Cal Grant

Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training and do not have to be repaid. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending Universities of California, California State Universities California Community Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

Military Benefits

After their service, many veterans choose to move into the field of IT. The GI Bill® can be used not only for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in information technology but it can also be used for many of the invaluable certifications required. In fact, due to DoD 8570.01, a Department of Defense directive requiring information assurance personnel to be certified, IT certification can be mandatory for most DoD-related positions.

Scholarships

In addition to CIAT-offered scholarships, you will have access to a database where you can research different outside scholarships that have been made known to CIAT through other students, organizations, and businesses. You are free to apply to as many of these scholarships as you’d like. Just make sure you report any outside scholarships you receive to the Student Financial Services Office so we can apply them to your package.

Private Loans

When scholarships and federal financial aid aren’t enough, private loans help you cover any remaining personal investment balances. CIAT offers Sallie Mae to support the needs of students with a wide range of credit backgrounds and financial histories.

Student Testimonials

Awards & Accreditations

Accrediting Council For Continuing Education & Training

CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). We’ve earned this validation through an evaluation of our overall mission, the quality of education we provide and the reputation of our faculty. Through our accreditation, you can trust us when working to earn a quality and recognized degree. ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

California Institute of Applied Technology is approved to offer Federal Student Aid by the U.S. Department of Education. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to apply for federal student aid grants and loans and match you with our eligible programs. The total amount of financial aid awarded will depend on your income and need.

Department of Education

California Institute of Applied Technology is approved to offer Federal Student Aid by the U.S. Department of Education. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to apply for federal student aid grants and loans and match you with our eligible programs. The total amount of financial aid awarded will depend on your income and need.

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

California Institute of Applied Technology is approved to offer VA benefits including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program to those who are eligible. As a military-friendly college, California Institute of Arts & Technology has dedicated staff to assist our military students in understanding each individual’s eligible tuition benefits. We work closely with VA counsellors to ensure our students complete of our degree and certificate programs.

General Services Administration

California Institute of Applied Technology is a GSA-approved vendor and provides training and education programs through select contracts. As a military-friendly college, we understand the importance of maintaining specific IT certifications in order to maintain your government security clearance. We offer nine different programs for active duty members and veterans, along with a combination of certifications and hands-on training that empower you to take your education to the next level.

California Department of Rehabilitation

Every student who walks through our doors needs our help in some way – whether it’s selecting the right program, managing their financial investment, or overcoming employment barriers. We believe every student should have equal opportunities to succeed in their educational journey, which is why the California Institute of Applied Technology works closely with the California Department of Rehabilitation to provide optimal accommodations for students with disabilities.

English Language Requirements

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Locations

  • National City

    Mile of Cars Way, 401 Suite 100, 91950, National City

Questions