California Code, Education Code - EDC § 94050

(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.”

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

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