Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a private college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The College began in 1961 with its School of Business, which offers an alternative to the traditional two- or four-year college program. Programs are directed toward practical knowledge and career training designed to get graduates on the job in as short a time as possible in the following fields: accounting, information technology, legal, medical, office administration, and tourism/hospitality.
In 2006 the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools recognized Empire College as an Honor Roll Institution based on its academic excellence, job placement rates, student satisfaction, and community involvement.
In 2007 Empire College had the distinction of being recognized among 1350 educational institutions nationwide with the Career College Association's Community Service Award. The national award recognized the school's impressive record of outreach to local residents and non-profit agencies.