With a population of more than four million people and encompassing 503 square miles, Los Angeles, California is one of the largest cities in the United States. As a result, LA is home to 63 colleges and the city's nearly constant sunny weather attracts students from all over the nation.
Colleges in Los Angeles
The state of California has an extensive public education system. In fact, it has 111 community colleges alone. LA has a wealth of community colleges, public and private four-year universities and online colleges.
The largest community college by enrollment is Los Angeles City College (LACC). It was established in 1929 and has 16,042 students. According to the California Colleges website, one unique feature of LCC is its multi-ethnic student base that ranges in age from high school students to senior citizens. LACC offers degrees and certificates in music, nursing, engineering, and many other areas of study. The school also offers career and vocational programs for students who want to pursue careers in areas such as law enforcement, business, entertainment, and child development.
Other two-year public colleges in LA include Los Angeles Harbor College and West Los Angeles College.
In addition to two-year colleges, LA has two four-year state universities. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) serves 18,074 students and accepts 67.5 percent of those who apply each year, according to U.S. News & World Report. CSU Northridge (CSUN) has 31,119 students and has a 46.2 percent acceptance rate. Both universities offer numerous degrees, credentials and certificates for undergraduate as well as graduate students. Some examples include: African American studies, social work, urban learning, and exercise science.
Los Angeles is also home to the well known University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). According to the institution's website, UCLA is the most applied-to university in the U.S. UCLA's 42,163 students can choose from over 125 majors and more than 80 minors. Areas of study available include music history, Asian American studies, dance, and statistics. UCLA has five academic divisions: letters and science; arts and architecture; engineering and applied science; nursing; and theater, film and television.
Los Angeles also has a number of private four-year institutions, including the University of Southern California (USC), Anitoch University Los Angeles, American Film Institute Conservatory, American Jewish University, Occidental College, Marymount College, and Mount St. Mary's College. These institutions provide a mix of undergraduate and graduate degrees and sometimes revolve around special interests such as the arts or a highly religious campus environment.
To get a better idea of the range of two- and four-year higher education options LA has, here are just a few choice students have:
| Institution | Type | Training/Degrees Offered |
| Los Angeles City College | Public | Certificates, Associate's degrees |
| Los Angeles Harbor College | Public | Certificates, Associate's degrees |
| West Los Angeles College | Public | Certificates of achievement or skill, Associate's degrees |
| California State University Los Angeles | Public | Certificates, Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, PhD |
| California State University Northridge | Public | Teaching credentials, Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, PhD |
| University of California Los Angeles | Public | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, PhD, Continuing education |
| University of Southern California | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, PhD, Continuing education |
| Mount St. Mary's College | Not for Profit Private | Certificates, Associate's degrees, graduate degrees |
| Marymount College | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees |
| Occidental College | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees |
| American Jewish University | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, Continuing education |
| Alliant International University | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees |
Online Colleges in Los Angeles
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of California, Los Angeles connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. The school supports degree programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. The school boasts an 18-to-1 student-faculty ratio, enabling collaborative endeavors such as faculty-driven research projects.
Students have the option to complete programs in person or online. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
University of California, Los Angeles at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 333
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 12%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 61%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $18,613
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 29%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,712
Average Price After Aid: $15,718
#2 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California, a private college based in Los Angeles, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's programs provide students with transferable skills and knowledge. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Learners from all walks of life benefit from the institution's flexible formats. To date, 14% of the college's degree programs enable online study. All students can access institutional resources while enrolled, and they receive personal and professional guidance.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 527
Number of Online Programs: 76
Admission Rate: 11%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 69%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 26%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,240
#3 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
California State University, Los Angeles supports numerous degree programs, both in person and online, from its main campus. The college's programs equip learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty.
Students in the programs benefit from two enrollment formats; they can learn in person or remotely. All students can access institutional resources while enrolled and receive personal and professional guidance.
California State University, Los Angeles at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 152
Admission Rate: 48%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $11,289
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 26%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,339
Average Price After Aid: $3,255
#4 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Loyola Marymount University operates a main campus in Los Angeles, California. The college's programs equip students with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a career in their field. Learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research projects.
The school accommodates both in-person and remote study. Of all its degree programs, 7% are online. Whether in-person or online, students can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Loyola Marymount University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 118
Number of Online Programs: 8
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 93%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 36%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,420
#5 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mount Saint Mary's University connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. The school's academic programs equip students with a well-rounded education through rigorous curricula. Students can benefit from the collaborative nature of coursework and can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities while enrolled.
Students benefit from multiple enrollment formats; they can learn in person or remotely. When considering remote study, learners should know that 9% of the college's programs support online learning. Whether learning in person or online, students can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Mount Saint Mary's University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 97
Number of Online Programs: 9
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 89%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,727
#6 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Occidental College, a private college, is located in Los Angeles, California. The school supports degree programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students can benefit from the collaborative nature of their program and can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities while enrolled.
Students benefit from two enrollment formats; they can learn in person or remotely. Leading in online education, the college supports online degree programs. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
Occidental College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 37
Admission Rate: 37%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 75%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 45%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,843
#7 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Southwestern Law School
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Southwestern Law School is a private college located in Los Angeles, California. The school equips students with a well-rounded education through its rigorous program curricula. Students can benefit from the collaborative nature of coursework and can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities while enrolled.
Enrollees can attend classes at the college's Los Angeles campus or pursue fully online learning. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising, library services, and more services.
Southwestern Law School at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 2
#8 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Otis College of Art and Design
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Located in Los Angeles, California, Otis College of Art and Design offers a variety of academic degree programs in person and online. The college provides students with transferable skills and knowledge necessary for work in their field. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Depending on their needs, students can complete their program in person or online. Students can make use of campus resources, such as academic advising and library services, while enrolled.
Otis College of Art and Design at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 47%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,317
#9 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles, a private college, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's programs equip learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. The college boasts a 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
Students in the school's programs benefit from multiple enrollment formats; they can learn in person or remotely. To date, the college supports 19 online degree programs. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 28
Number of Online Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 13%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 75%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,131
#10 Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges in Los Angeles
Southern California Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
The Southern California Institute of Architecture reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic degree programs, available in person and online. The school's programs build theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths. Learners benefit from a 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
Students have the option to complete their program in person or online. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
Southern California Institute of Architecture at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 2
Graduation Rate: 94%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 38%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 44%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,987