(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to prevent deceptive and misleading use of the terms “college” and “university” by businesses and other organizations that present themselves as institutions of higher education but are not authorized to operate as private postsecondary educational institutions under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 94700).

(b) No person shall designate a business, social, political, religious, or other organization operating in this state, including, but not limited to, any firm, association, partnership, or corporation, as a “college” or “university.”

Terms Used In California Education Code 94050

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.

(c) This section does not apply to the designation of any of the following:

(1) A postsecondary or vocational educational institution established, operated, and governed by a public entity, or by a firm, association, partnership, or corporation using the name of that institution with the permission of the institution.

(2) A nonprofit religious institution described in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 94739.

(3) A bona fide trade, business, professional, or fraternal organization that either sponsors no educational services or sponsors educational services solely for the membership of the organization.

(d) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 405, Sec. 66. Effective January 1, 2003.)

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