Southern States University (SSU) is a private American university founded in 1983 in Orange County. With four campuses in San Diego and one in Newport Beach, SSU is focused on training business-oriented professionals from around the world. The University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program.

In addition, SSU offers TOEFL and TOEIC test preparation courses and intensive beginner through advanced English courses for students who do not yet possess the English skill level necessary to begin their university studies, as well as for those non-native English speakers who wish to improve their English proficiency. To assist those students whose intention is to pursue a certificate or degree, SSU can customize a program that includes degree program classes plus intensive English study, to adequately prepare them to succeed with their higher education studies.

SSU currently has over 500 enrolled students, approximately half in the BBA and MBA programs, and half in its Intensive English program. The University is authorized to operate by the State of California, and to issue the legal documents required to obtain a student Visa (SEVIS approved I-20 Form) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).