Best
Private Colleges in Los Angeles in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Los Angeles offers training in management and organizational decision-making. Typical courses include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, human resources, business law, operations, and entrepreneurship. Students often develop leadership, communication, and analytical skills through projects and internships. Popular local options include the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, and California State University, Los Angeles. Graduates may pursue roles as management trainees, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations analysts, or business development associates.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Los Angeles, CA offers opportunities to explore human behavior, mental processes, and research in a diverse city. Typical courses include developmental psychology, social psychology, statistics, research methods, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Popular local options include UCLA, the University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, behavioral health technician, or community outreach worker.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Los Angeles, CA, offers access to innovative technology communities and diverse career networks. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, or web developer. Popular colleges in Los Angeles include the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Los Angeles, California combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and career guidance. Programs usually include supervised fieldwork in schools, clinics, or community agencies. Popular local options include the University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, and California State University, Los Angeles. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as school counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or college student support professionals.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Los Angeles can prepare you for care in varied settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, and community health. Popular local options include UCLA, the University of Southern California, Cal State LA, Mount Saint Mary's University, and West Coast University. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations, with career paths in pediatrics, emergency care, or public health.

Best Colleges in Los Angeles, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $28,700, compared with $63,324 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-ranked schools substantially more expensive.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 55.7% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 55.7%. Schools receive an average of 10,988.45 applicants, while those in the top 10% receive an average of 23,089.
• The median number of applicants is 218 men and 590 women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,353 and 30.25, respectively.
• Schools enroll an average of 4,969.29 students, including an average of 276.4 men and 398.56 women.
• The average graduation rate is 64.17%, compared with 95.1% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 74% for both men and women.
• Nine institutions offer associate's degrees, 18 offer bachelor's degrees, 21 offer master's degrees, and 6 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 13 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid availability, and consider how selectivity, applicant volume, test scores, enrollment, graduation outcomes, degree offerings, and school type fit your needs. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher costs and applicant numbers, but also a higher average graduation rate and a lower share of students receiving financial aid.

How much does studying at a college in Los Angeles, CA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying for a degree in Los Angeles, CA, is $34,367.19. Treat this as a planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed bill: your expenses can vary with the school, degree program, living arrangement, and financial aid.

• Average tuition and fees: $35,982.44.
• Average room and board: $20,065.33.
• Average books and supplies cost: $1,283.

Compare local options such as UCLA, USC, California State University, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University. Because the tuition-and-fees average exceeds the reported total, treat these as separate averages rather than adding them together. Ask each college for a personalized cost estimate, then subtract grants and scholarships to gauge your likely bill. If you'll live at home, compare that budget with campus housing; room and board can make a major difference. Careful planning can make this exciting choice feel more manageable and help you find a school and program that suit your goals.

How long does it take to finish college in Los Angeles, CA?

In Los Angeles, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; associate degrees often take about two, while part-time schedules may extend the timeline. At UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, or community colleges such as Los Angeles City College, your pace depends on your major, course availability, and transfer credits.

Graduation-rate figures provided show an average rate of 64.17%, meaning roughly six in ten students graduate within the measured period; the average among the top 10% of schools is 95.1%. Reported averages are 71.0% for men and 67.94% for women. These figures are not guarantees for any individual Los Angeles campus.

Potential ways to finish sooner include:

• Bring eligible AP, IB, or community-college credits with you, after confirming UCLA, USC, or Cal State LA will accept them.
• Take summer or winter-session classes, choose an accelerated program, and meet an adviser early to map prerequisites and avoid missed course sequences.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Los Angeles, CA, earn a median alumni salary of about $57,178. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is approximately $72,559 - a promising benchmark as you plan for life and work after college.

Los Angeles offers a wide range of places to study, including UCLA, the University of Southern California, Cal State LA, and Loyola Marymount University. Your earnings can vary depending on your degree, career, and experience, but the city's broad mix of industries gives graduates many paths to explore.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Los Angeles?

Beauty is subjective, but UCLA is a strong contender. Its leafy campus pairs historic landmarks such as Royce Hall with gardens, open courtyards, and views of the surrounding hills. In Westwood, you can enjoy a peaceful campus walk and still be close to Los Angeles neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural life.

What is the most selective college in Los Angeles?

Caltech, in nearby Pasadena, is generally one of the most selective colleges in the Los Angeles area, and it may be the toughest to get into by acceptance rate. Its small student body and intensive focus on science and engineering make admission especially competitive. For applicants, that challenge comes with a close-knit academic community.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Los Angeles, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Southern California (USC) is a large private research university in Los Angeles, known for its academic offerings, spirited campus life, and connections across the city's industries. Its 46,645 enrolled students and 92% graduation rate make it the largest and strongest-graduating option in this group. The 10% acceptance rate signals highly selective admission. Total study cost is $69,904, while median alumni salary is $62,697. For Los Angeles students, USC offers extensive local networks, but compare costs and aid.

Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science is a health-focused university in South Los Angeles, emphasizing preparation for medical and community-health careers. Its 1,052 students are far fewer than USC's, while the 39% acceptance rate suggests a less selective admissions process. The graduation rate is 30%, and total study cost is $23,000, the lowest among the five schools. Median alumni salary is $58,202. For Angelenos seeking health-related study, compare program options and outcomes as you plan your college path locally.

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, known for an undergraduate-focused community and a campus. With 1,823 students, it offers an intimate environment than larger universities. Its 81% graduation rate is second-highest among these five schools, while its 44% acceptance rate indicates moderately selective admission. Total study cost is $65,678, and median alumni salary is $40,296. Students based in Los Angeles can access cultural opportunities while weighing the college's cost against its graduation outcomes and goals.

Loyola Marymount University is a private Jesuit university in Los Angeles, with programs spanning liberal arts, business, and fields. Its 10,062 students provide a mid-sized campus experience, and its 79% graduation rate is strong among this group. Admission is moderately selective, with a 45% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $60,970, and median alumni salary is $48,366. For Los Angeles residents, the university combines city access with a setting; consider affordability and whether its academic offerings align with your plans.

Southern California Institute of Architecture is a specialist architecture school in downtown Los Angeles, known as SCI-Arc for its experimental design culture and studio-based learning. Its 422 students make it the smallest institution here, while the 77% acceptance rate is the highest. The graduation rate is 71%. Total study cost is $54,562, and median alumni salary is $58,357. For aspiring architects in Los Angeles, its urban location may offer relevant creative connections; examine its curriculum and career pathways for students.