Across the country and worldwide, communities are changing, and so are the expectations for higher education. Today’s students want purpose, connection, and the tools to make an impact. Colleges and universities must evolve to meet these needs while also addressing the broader challenges their communities face. That’s where The Community Solution Education System comes in.
This nonprofit system of colleges and universities is built on the idea that “collaboration, not competition, can power incredible growth, innovation, and opportunity for institutions and students alike.” Together, they’re reimagining what education can look like, fusing resources, aligning goals, and working as one to support more than 13,500 students each year across 11 metro locations. The System’s mission is to equip each student with the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world problems head-on.
Each university offers a distinct experience but shares a commitment to innovation in fields such as education, medicine, psychology, and social work. If you’re exploring your options, here are five institutions of higher learning under The Community Solution Education System to consider:
At The Chicago School, you’ll gain a global perspective in fields such as business, counselling, psychology, and health care through a culturally rich environment. Source: The Chicago School
The Chicago School
The Chicago School has shaped professionals since 1979, with more than 22,000 alumni contributing to healthier individuals, organisations, and communities. As a nonprofit university, it has focused on applied learning and career readiness. In 2009, after a decade of growth under President Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., the university became the founding institution of The Community Solution Education System, further expanding its reach and impact.
With a strong commitment to global engagement, The Chicago School Global offers international students a supportive, culturally immersive educational experience. Its four-pillar model—student mobility, community integration, alumni engagement, and service—guides this mission. Today, more than 200 international students from 31 countries are part of this vibrant community.
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 2011, The Chicago School offers programs in psychology, counselling, business, medicine, and behavioral sciences. Each program equips students with practical skills, cultural fluency, and the ability to drive positive change across sectors.
At the heart of the learning experience is a faculty of seasoned professionals with real-world expertise. They bring current industry knowledge into the classroom and teach the skills it takes to thrive in today’s global workforce. This connection between theory and practice is reinforced from day one, with students encouraged to engage with peers from around the world.
As you move through your programs, you’ll participate in internships or practicum placements that put your classroom knowledge into action. These hands-on opportunities, supervized by professionals, often lead to strong professional relationships and future job prospects, especially within American organisations.
Learn more about The Chicago School.
Saybrook University believes true understanding comes from seeing the whole person, not separate parts, a principle central to its learning philosophy. Source: Saybrook University
Saybrook University
The spirit of Saybrook University’s approach is that education is a tool for both social impact and personal growth. “Not only do you learn how to transform society and community, but a great deal of the work is about transforming yourself,” says Cynthia Clay, a Ph.D. graduate.
For more than 50 years, Saybrook University has been at the forefront of psychology and integrative medicine. Grounded in the humanistic tradition, its programs encourage students to explore not just academic theory but also their inner purpose and voice. Each program is designed with this holistic mindset, recognizing that true change begins with self-awareness and expands outward into the world.
To achieve this, Saybrook University takes an expansive approach across its online master’s and doctoral programs. You can choose from a range of graduate programs, including psychology, mind-body medicine, integrative social work, and transformative social change. Specialised certificates, such as Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership or Legal Studies, offer more ways to tailor your learning. The curriculum combines evidence-based practice with a forward-thinking lens, enabling you to push the boundaries of your field while staying grounded in compassion and ethics.
As an early pioneer of distance learning, Saybrook University has long understood how powerful online education can be, especially when combined with a strong sense of community. Every program is built for online learners but is enriched by opportunities for connection.
One of those opportunities is the Community Learning Experience, a five-day, in-person event that brings students, faculty, and alumni together. It’s a chance to build relationships, collaborate across programmes, and engage in deeper learning, serving as an important reminder that even in an online environment, shared experiences matter.
Learn more about Saybrook University.
Pacific Oaks College nurtures your unique potential, making your perspective and experience central to your education. Source: The Community Solution Education System.
Pacific Oaks College
For more than 60 years, Pacific Oaks College has been committed to preparing students to create meaningful change in their communities. As an accredited, nonprofit institution, it offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs rooted in its core values of respect, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. These principles shape every aspect of the student experience.
Inside the classroom, learning goes beyond traditional, one-way lectures. You’re encouraged to share your background, perspectives, and experiences, creating a space where everyone learns from one another. International students bring valuable insights that enrich discussions while also gaining knowledge from classmates who are often working professionals in the U.S. This exchange of ideas helps connect academic theory to real-world practice.
Many programs are available, including B.S. in Business Administration, B.A. in Human Development; M.A. in Human Development; M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy; M.A. in Organisational Leadership and Management; and more. Each program includes fieldwork, which plays a key role in helping you apply what you’ve learned. These experiences take place in local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations, offering a deeper understanding of professional environments in the U.S.
Whichever program you choose, you will learn from a faculty that not only are educators but also experienced practitioners in their fields. They present concepts with the expectation that you will engage critically and offer perspectives shaped by your cultural contexts. This approach makes the learning process more dynamic and relevant to your future career.
To ensure academic success, Pacific Oaks provides strong learning support systems. The Learning Center offers help with writing and research, while faculty and advisers are always available to guide you through coursework.
Learn more about Pacific Oaks College.
The University of Western States offers evidence-informed, integrated health care education, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, science-based care tailored to each patient/client. Source: The Community Solution Education System
University of Western States
University of Western States (UWS) is shaping the future of health care education with an approach that’s both evidence-informed and centered on the whole person. For more than a century, UWS has trained professionals who combine scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to deliver high-quality care. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, UWS continues to build on its strong legacy in health sciences.
In 2023, UWS joined The Community Solution Education System, marking a new chapter in its journey. Through this alliance, UWS introduced the Community-Based Clinical Education program, which allows students to complete clinical hours closer to home, removing geographic barriers and expanding access. Students also benefit from stronger administrative support, helping them stay on track and focused on their goals.
UWS has long embraced a holistic view of health. Its programs reflect this by integrating current research with practical applications. Whether it’s chiropractic care, naturopathic medicine, or sports psychology, the curriculum is built around a foundation of evidence and relevance. This ensures students graduate ready to meet the real-world needs of their clients and communities.
Thanks to a mix of online and in-person options, UWS programs are accessible from anywhere worldwide. You can study on campus in Portland, Oregon, or complete a degree from your home country. Programs include the Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy, as well as master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counselling, Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, Sport and Performance Psychology, and Sports Medicine.
Each offering supports a growing demand for health professionals who understand the value of science, empathy, and individualized care.
Learn more about the University of Western States.
For more than 50 years, The Colleges of Law has provided accessible, high-quality legal education, producing civically engaged graduates who impact the legal field and beyond. Source: The Community Solution Education System
The Colleges of Law
In 1969, The Colleges of Law broke new ground by reimagining who could access a legal education. No longer limited by social standing or professional background, anyone with the passion, courage, and intellectual drive could step into the world of law. It was a bold move that placed equity and opportunity at the heart of legal learning.
More than 50 years later, that mission continues. While the legal landscape has evolved, The Colleges of Law remains focused on opening doors for driven individuals from all walks of life.
Today’s students often juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and busy lives. The Colleges of Law meets them where they are, offering flexible pathways to a law degree. For instance, the evening Juris Doctor (J.D.) program supports those who prefer in-person learning after work hours. Meanwhile, the Hybrid J.D. blends online and on-campus sessions, giving you the structure and flexibility you need. At every step, supportive faculty and staff ensure you have the tools to thrive academically and personally.
For professionals outside the traditional legal track, the fully online Master of Business, Law, and Technology program opens new doors. It’s designed to help working adults become innovative, cross-disciplinary thinkers in sectors that intersect with law. With four concentrations — Business Operations, Entrepreneurship, Emerging Law, and Technology — you can shape the program to match your interests and ambitions.
What truly enriches the learning experience is the faculty. Many are practising judges, attorneys, and public officials who bring cutting-edge insights directly into the classroom. Their guidance will help you bridge theory with practice, developing the sharp legal and problem-solving skills needed today.
Graduates of The Colleges of Law join a strong professional network and build successful careers in law, health care, real estate, journalism, public relations, and more.
