Los Angeles University List: Your Guide to Higher Education in the City of Angels
Dreaming of a glamorous life in LA? Many start their LA journey as a student - where LA colleges offer robust educational and career opportunities. Renowned as America’s entertainment hub, Los Angeles attracts millions of students from all over the world. In addition to plenty of sunshine and beaches, LA County has buoyant industries such as healthcare, tech, finance, and manufacturing. The City of Angels also has a strong higher education system with some of the country’s top institutions. LA colleges offer a rigorous education amidst a unique social, cultural, and economic backdrop.
Los Angeles (LA) is one of the world’s most influential cities for higher education. It is home to globally recognized universities. Also, it has unmatched cultural diversity, a booming innovation ecosystem, and year-round sunshine. You can study film, engineering, business, medicine, design, data science, or environmental studies. The city offers an exceptional academic landscape.
Why Study in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers many career opportunities, recreational activities, and pleasant weather.
Global Student City
With over 135,000+ international students, LA ranks among the Top 20 QS Best Student Cities. Its multicultural ecosystem makes adaptation easy for students. Majorly, the students are from India, China, Europe, and beyond, studying at the best colleges in Los Angeles.
Thriving Job Market
Los Angeles hosts the second-largest economy of any US city. It has strong internships and post-study employer demands. Most students get placed on the campus of the best universities in LA.
Read also: Differences between Cal State LA and UCLA
LA’s fastest-growing careers represent the diversity of industries in the city. Everything from entertainment to healthcare to tech is projected to grow. Pursuing your degree at one of the many colleges in Los Angeles can set you up for a career in the city.
The fastest-growing job is logistician, with an $82,405 median annual wage and a 37.5% projected growth rate. Music directors and composers come in second, with a $79,693 median annual wage and a 36.5% projected growth rate. Rounding out the top five are information security analysts, medical and health services managers, and meeting, convention, and event planners.
Here is a list of the fastest-growing jobs that require a bachelor’s degree based on data provided by the California Employment Development Department:
LA County Fastest-Growing Careers 2020-2030
| Job | Projected Growth | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Logisticians | 37.5% | $82,405 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 36.5% | $79,693 |
| Information Security Analysts | 36.3% | $124,625 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 35.1% | $123,314 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 34.8% | $62,159 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 33.4% | $70,354 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 32.7% | $102,957 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 28.1% | $101,426 |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 28% | N/A |
| Coaches and Scouts | 27.9% | $50,285 |
Innovation Capital
LA is home to more than 4,500 tech startups. It is the headquarters for Google, Hulu, Snapchat, Riot Games, SpaceX, Disney, Netflix, and more. Major hubs are in:
- Silicon Beach
- Playa Vista
- Santa Monica
- Culver City
Livability Advantage
Students love the lifestyle the city has to offer. Moreover, it has a quality of life index score of 135.56. Suitable for fun activities, it has:
Read also: MLS Internships: A Galaxy Case Study
- Mediterranean climate
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Numerous beaches, mountains, hiking trails, and cultural districts
- Food, arts, and entertainment scene unmatched by any other US city
Cost of Living in LA
Los Angeles offers many career opportunities, recreational activities, and pleasant weather. But life in LA isn’t cheap.
According to Redfin, the cost of living in Los Angeles is 50% higher than the national average. Housing alone costs 140% more than the national average, and groceries will cost you 11% more.
Fortunately, students can reduce their costs by living with roommates and using some of the services that colleges typically provide. This includes free or subsidized transportation and healthcare and student discounts for insurance and travel.
Average Cost of Living in LA
| Cost of Living Category | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Home Price | $1,000,000 |
| Apartment Rent | $3,198 |
| Energy Bill | $214.52 |
| Gasoline | $5.28 |
| Phone Bill | $193.44 |
| Doctor Visit | $131 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.03 |
| Haircut | $83.75 |
| Movie Ticket | $17.26 |
| Coffee | $6.34 |
| Bread Loaf | $4.21 |
| 1 Dozen Eggs | $4.11 |
| Pizza | $12.82 |
| Beer | $10.27 |
| Wine | $8.63 |
| Veterinarian Services | $10.27 |
List of All Los Angeles Colleges
Here is a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Los Angeles and the greater Los Angeles County. Use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
All data comes from NCES. Note that colleges with less than 500 enrolled undergraduates were not included in this list.
Read also: Protecting Students at Graduation
Colleges in Los Angeles County
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Center College of Design | 2,420 | $53,617 | 71% | 1,285 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 7,169 | $26,666 | 87% | 3,438 |
| California Institute of Technology | 2,401 | $20,755 | 3% | 16,626 |
| California Lutheran University | 3,615 | $30,416 | 87% | 5,150 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | 27,503 | $12,480 | 55% | 49,079 |
| California State University, Long Beach | 38,973 | $9,346 | 40% | 74,718 |
| California State University, Los Angeles | 26,460 | $5,801 | 87% | 33,939 |
| Claremont McKenna College | 1,389 | $28,701 | 10% | 5,709 |
| Harvey Mudd College | 922 | $39,850 | 13% | 4,440 |
| Loyola Marymount University | 10,165 | $52,815 | 41% | 21,695 |
| Mount Saint Mary’s University | 2,440 | $28,717 | 76% | 2,405 |
| Occidental College | 1,942 | $44,853 | 39% | 6,305 |
| Otis College of Art and Design | 1,312 | $48,198 | 83% | 2,083 |
| Pepperdine University | 10,030 | $47,804 | 49% | 11,466 |
| Pitzer College | 1,212 | $39,809 | 18% | 3,500 |
| Pomona College | 1,716 | $19,962 | 7% | 10,666 |
| Scripps College | 1,099 | $43,923 | 28% | 3,099 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 46,430 | $16,999 | 9% | 149,801 |
| University of Southern California | 48,945 | $36,808 | 12% | 69,062 |
| Whittier College | 1,192 | $28,368 | 75% | 3,014 |
| Woodbury University | 943 | $32,182 | 63% | 1,460 |
Top 10 Universities in Los Angeles
Below is a curated, student-focused top 10 universities in Los Angeles. It considers academics, global reputation, industry connections, campus experience, and international student support.
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Location: Westwood
- QS Ranking: #46 globally
- Type: Public Research University
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
UCLA is consistently cited as one of the best universities in Los Angeles for international students. It is known for academic excellence and an extensive research infrastructure. It also has an energetic student community. It has top-tier engineering, medicine, business, film, psychology, and life sciences programs. These attract students from over 140+ countries.
For international students, it offers visas, documentation, and cultural & academic support. The approximate tuition fees for international students are $38,000-$53,000/year. You can explore UCLA off-campus housing with convenient commute options for students. Some of the nearby student-friendly areas are Westwood Village, Brentwood, Sawtelle Japantown, and Palms.
Why it Stands Out?
It offers strong internship access in Silicon Beach. It has one of the largest global alumni networks of 500,000+. The extensive research labs are funded by NSF, NIH, and NASA. Moreover, it has a highly walkable neighborhood.
UCLA is the most-applied-to university in the US. Among all universities in Los Angeles University of California, Los Angeles is listed in the largest number of rankings. University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Education (Education). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Social Studies & Humanities (Psychology). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Engineering (Engineering). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Medicine & Health (Pharmacy & Pharmacology). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Mathematics (Statistics). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Arts Visual & Performing (Art). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Natural Sciences (Chemistry). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Computer Science (Computer Science). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Law (Law). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Agriculture (Earth Sciences). University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Architecture, Building & Planning (Architecture).
2. University of Southern California (USC)
- Location: University Park, Downtown LA
- QS Ranking: #146 globally
- Type: Private Research University
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
USC is renowned for its engineering, business, film, and performing arts programs. Some of the popular courses are data science, game design, cinematic arts, and more. It is also a major hub for international students. It hosts over 20,000+ international learners every year. Hence, it is one of the top universities in LA.
The yearly tuition fee is approximately $63,000. You can also find USC off-campus housing for shorter commute times. If needed, you can learn how to find an apartment in LA before choosing a house to clarify what you want. Also, if you choose to study here, then Culver City and Koreatown are your best options.
Why it Stands Out?
USC has an elite alumni network, which is one of the strongest in the US. For someone dreaming of making it big in the film industry, it is an ideal choice. It has the biggest pipeline into Hollywood and global media. Moreover, it conducts extensive research in AI, robotics, computer vision, and ML. This offers major exposure to students wanting practical knowledge.
University of Southern California is ranked best in Los Angeles for Business (Business). University of Southern California is ranked best in Los Angeles for Journalism & Media Studies (Journalism).
USC is the largest college in LA with approximately 48,000 students, followed by UCLA with 46,000 students. USC’s student enrollment consists of about 21,000 undergraduates and 28,000 graduate and professional students. In comparison, UCLA has a much larger undergraduate population compared to graduate students.
3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Location: Pasadena
- QS Ranking: #10 globally
- Type: Private STEM Research Institute
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
Caltech is one of the world’s elite STEM institutions. It is known for its Nobel Prize winners and is one of the best universities in LA. It also has a partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Students often choose physics, chemical engineering, computer science, astronomy, and mathematics.
The annual tuition fee is approximately $60,000. You can explore cheap and nearby Caltech off-campus housing options now to save yourself from last-minute hassle. The closest areas are Pasadena and Altadena.
Why it Stands Out?
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, which is the best in California. It conducts cutting-edge research in space exploration, machine learning, and bioengineering. Its direct NASA and university collaborations make it a popular choice among students.
4. Pepperdine University
- Location: Malibu
- QS Ranking: #131-140 in US UNI
- Type: Private Christian University
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
Pepperdine University offers a scenic campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is among the top 10 universities in Los Angeles for students seeking a close-knit learning environment. Some of the popular courses are psychology, business administration, communication, and finance. For someone planning to play globally, it offers the best international studies course as well.
Pepperdine University's tuition fee is approximately $61,000/year. To make your life convenient, you can find Pepperdine off-campus housing in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica.
Why it Stands Out?
Pepperdine is a popular choice for Malibu’s safe and student-friendly environment. It has small classes and personal attention. Hence, it is one of the best colleges in Los Angeles. Moreover, students can grab excellent opportunities for global exchange programs for better exposure.
5. Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
- Location: Westchester
- QS Ranking: #131-140 in US UNI
- Type: Private Catholic Research University
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
LMU is located in the heart of Silicon Beach. It gives students prime access to tech startups and major media houses. Thus, making it one of the best universities in LA California. Students join this institute for its well-renowned programs in film production, entrepreneurship, and animation.
LMU's yearly tuition fee is around $58,000-$65,000. International students can rent their LMU off-campus housing early via amber. As we have verified properties and easy-to-book steps. The best neighborhoods to consider are Playa Vista and Playa Del Rey.
Why it Stands Out?
LMU is an elite film school among movie and theater lovers. It also harbors strong ties to LA’s media and creative sectors. Moreover, it has a modern campus with beautiful coastal views.
6. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
- Location: East Los Angeles
- QS Ranking: #1401+ globally
- Type: Public University
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
Cal State LA is one of the best universities in Los Angeles for international students. It is one of the top 10 universities in Los Angeles for affordability without compromising academic quality. Business, criminal justice, biology, mechanical engineering, and computer information systems are top programs.
Cal State LA's tuition fee is roughly $15,060/year. For budgeting, you can find your comfortable Cal State LA off-campus housing within walking distance. El Sereno and Alhambra are the nearest areas with a welcoming environment for students.
Why it Stands Out?
It has strong upward mobility rankings. Cal State LA's affordable tuition is a prime attraction for students. While being cheap, it does not compromise on placements. It offers good industry placements in LA’s public sector.
Cal State LA has the lowest average annual net price. For the 2022-2023 school year, Cal State LA’s in-state tuition was $6,805, and its out-of-state tuition was $18,685.
7. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- Location: Northridge
- QS Ranking: N/A
- Type: Public University
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is a large public university in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. It is known for its strong academic programs and supportive campus culture. Moreover, having industry partnerships across Los Angeles makes it one of the best universities in LA. Popular majors include business administration, cinema & television arts, psychology, and computer science.
Annual undergraduate tuition fees for international students are approximately $16,500-$17,000. This makes CSUN a budget-friendly choice compared to many LA institutions. Students can also find convenient CSUN off-campus housing. Some of the nearby areas are Northridge, Reseda, and Granada Hills. All these offer student-friendly pricing and transit connectivity.
Why it Stands Out?
CSUN is widely recognized for its hands-on, career-focused education. It also offers exceptional student support services. It has the country’s top film and media programs under its Department of Cinema & Television Arts. This gives students access to LA’s entertainment industry. CSUN’s David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is AACSB-accredited. This places it among the top business schools worldwide.
8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Location: Long Beach, Los Angeles County
- QS Ranking: #1401+ globally
- Type: Public University
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), is one of the most competitive institutions. It is known for its beautiful coastal campus and lively student community. Due to high academic standards, CSULB consistently attracts students from around the world. Top programs include engineering, business administration, psychology, and nursing. The highly ranked College of the Arts also attracts many students. These features place it among the top 10 universities in Los Angeles.
For international students, annual tuition fees cost approximately $16,000-$17,500. This makes CSULB a strong value option given its rankings and campus environment. Students can explore CSULB off-campus housing in Long Beach neighborhoods. Belmont Shore, Traffic Circle, and Los Altos all offer easy connectivity to campus.
Why it Stands Out?
CSULB is known for its strong employability outcomes. It has deeply integrated partnerships with Southern California industries. The College of Engineering and the College of Business maintain robust internship pipelines. Recruiters are from Fortune 500 companies and aerospace firms. Moreover, top healthcare networks and tech employers also frequent the campus. CSULB is also recognized for its strong transfer success rates and student diversity. It provides a supportive academic structure.
9. Occidental College (Oxy)
- Location: Eagle Rock, Northeast LA
- QS Ranking: N/A
- Type: Private Liberal Arts College
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
Occidental College is often called Oxy. It is a top-tier liberal arts institution known for small classes. It offers strong faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary study as well. Its standout programs include Urban & Environmental Policy, Computer Science, Diplomacy & World Affairs, Politics, and Media Arts.
Even though tuition is higher due to its private model, it is one of the top 10 universities in Los Angeles. The approximate tuition fee is $68,108 per year. But the academic support, undergraduate research focus, and alumni network add strong value. Most students look for off-campus housing at Occidental College due to the unavailability on campus. For this, Eagle Rock and Highland Park are both safe and student-friendly locations.
Why it Stands Out?
Oxy blends a classic liberal arts education with the professional advantages of Los Angeles. Its Diplomacy & World Affairs program offers pathways into global policy work. The Media Arts and CS students gain competitive internships across LA’s tech and creative industries. Students benefit from excellent research opportunities and community-based projects.
10. Otis College of Art & Design
- Location: Westchester, Los Angeles
- QS Ranking: #51-100 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject
- Type: Private Art & Design College
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
Otis College is one of LA’s leading creative institutions. It offers career-focused programs in Fashion Design, Digital Media, Fine Arts, and Toy Design. It also has close connections with studios, design firms, and major fashion houses. This makes it ideal for students pursuing creative careers in Los Angeles.
The tuition fee is around $52,460 per year. For an easy commute, you can look for Otis College off-campus housing. Westchester and Playa Vista are both safe, well-connected, and close to campus.
Why it Stands Out?
Otis graduates are consistently recruited by top brands. Entertainment, fashion, gaming, and digital design firms pick skilled graduates from the campus. Besides strong industry placements, students also get hands-on studio training, making it one of the best universities in LA California.
Additional Insights for Students
- Entertainment Industry Focus: L.A is the place to be for all those who are looking to make contacts and connections in the entertainment industry.
- Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: For the rest of us who don’t dream of being on the big screen, L.A offers large municipal parks, observatories, a vibrant nightlife, and much more.
- Transportation: Students who attend universities participating in the U-Pass program are entitled to a transit pass, which gives unlimited usage of all Metro services in L.A.
- Housing Advice: Many residents of Los Angeles advise newcomers to try to find an apartment in the area that you will most often need to be during your day-to-day routine, as the public transport isn’t very reliable, or affordable. If you don’t do this, you may spend a good portion of your day commuting. Rent prices are generally high. The most expensive areas for housing are Santa Monica, Venice, and Beverly Hills. In general, better rental prices can be found in San Fernando Valley (or just ‘the Valley’ for the locals).
tags: #los #angeles #university #list
