50 Best Colleges in Los Angeles
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Los Angeles, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Los Angeles.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Los Angeles graduates reach $56,358 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $1,238 to $68,237.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionAmerican Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
$39,475
Early Salary
$27,019
Acceptance Matrix
89.7%
American Film Institute Conservatory
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
American Career College-Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
$27,508
Early Salary
$38,430
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Associated Technical College-Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
$22,236
Early Salary
$24,368
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
California State University-Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
$6,813
Early Salary
$59,211
Acceptance Matrix
91.9%
University of California-Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
$13,747
Early Salary
$82,511
Acceptance Matrix
8.7%
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
Annual Tuition
$18,933
Early Salary
$83,438
Acceptance Matrix
38.8%
California College of ASU
Annual Tuition
$26,175
Early Salary
$42,014
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Annual Tuition
$34,325
Early Salary
$49,840
Acceptance Matrix
41.5%
American Jewish University
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$61,954
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Los Angeles Southwest College
Annual Tuition
$1,238
Early Salary
$32,172
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Annual Tuition
$1,238
Early Salary
$35,233
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Los Angeles City College
Annual Tuition
$1,238
Early Salary
$36,190
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$115,318
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Loyola Marymount University
Annual Tuition
$58,974
Early Salary
$78,349
Acceptance Matrix
40.3%
Mount Saint Mary's University
Annual Tuition
$48,132
Early Salary
$72,379
Acceptance Matrix
68.7%
Occidental College
Annual Tuition
$63,446
Early Salary
$75,951
Acceptance Matrix
39.9%
Otis College of Art and Design
Annual Tuition
$55,513
Early Salary
$58,152
Acceptance Matrix
84%
Pacific States University
Annual Tuition
$9,810
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Dongguk University Los Angeles
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Los Angeles
01
Academic Diversity
Los Angeles offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles, American Film Institute Conservatory, American Career College-Los Angeles and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Los Angeles can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Los Angeles graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $115,318. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Los Angeles has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Escondido, Monterey Park, Atherton to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the California landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Los Angeles
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Los Angeles, CA
Selecting a college in Los Angeles provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 50 institutions within or near the city limits of Los Angeles, California. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Los Angeles cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Los Angeles area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of California.
Our data for Los Angeles, CA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of California.