About SSU

Southern States University was first established over 30 years ago in Orange County, California and in 2005 was acquired by Tepper Technologies, Inc, an education-focused corporation, which also owns the International Academy of English. Since then, SSU has grown from less than 10 students in one location to close to 300 students studying in Degree and Certificate Programs at three campuses: in San Diego and Irvine, California and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our mission is to educate the leaders of tomorrow, while preparing them to develop and achieve their personal and professional goals. Our Degree and Certificate Programs have been designed to train them to succeed in the world of business and information technology, and to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders.

The University is authorized by the SEVP program to enroll international students (F1).

For many years, Southern States University has attracted international students to come and study at our campuses in California and Nevada. We are proud of having international students (F1) from all over the world. OPT is available in all programs. CPT is available in all degree programs.

SSU has campuses in some of the most beautiful locations in the United States:

Study in Irvine:

Orange County (“The OC”) lies near some of the most spectacular prime dining, shopping and entertainment destinations in Southern California. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and other major attractions are only a short car ride away. A number of corporations, particularly in the technology and semiconductor sectors, have their national or international headquarters in Irvine.
Irvine New Building

Irvine New Building

Study in San Diego:

a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, art galleries, museums and gardens.
SSU San Diego Main Location

SSU San Diego Main Location

Study in Las Vegas:

campus is conveniently located just minutes from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Public transport is easily accessible in front of the school to connect students with shopping centers and entertainment facilities.
Study in Las Vegas

Mission and Vision Statement

Our mission:

Southern States University empowers a diverse community of students to expand their career opportunities with acquired skills and knowledge, lead fulfilling internal and external lives, and become contributing, edifying members of global communities. Our student-centric approach to education is formulated based on collaborative learning that focuses on promoting critical thinking skills. We expand access to education by creating high-quality, affordable, and innovative pathways that meet the unique needs of each student. Our success is defined by our learners’ success.

Our vision:

The University will bring together a diverse community of students to study in a modern collaborative learning environment to promote critical thinking, ethical academic and business behavior, information literacy, technological proficiency, communication skills, and intercultural engagement with a global perspective.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The University has always adhered to a vision of diversity with its inclusion of a large international student population. In addition, the diversity of the University in terms of staff, faculty, and students has always been a major commitment and asset. Such diverse community has allowed the University to frame academic programs and extra-curricular activities with a wealth of diverse expressions and ideas.

Presently, the Diversity Statement of the University is as follows:

Southern States University is committed to:

  • Engaging our community to live a peaceful life in a multicultural world;
  • Promoting an academic community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences;
  • Promoting freedom of expression as a foundation for the pursuit of knowledge; and
  • Adhering to its Policy of Non-Discrimination. As such, Southern States University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, language, culture, social class, gender identity and expression, ability, or prior military service in the administration of its educational policies and procedures. Specifically, the University does not discriminate in admission, financial aid, employment, or entry or exit from educational courses and programs.