Most
Popular Colleges in Los Angeles in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Los Angeles, CA, offers training in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and business analytics. Typical coursework also covers organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, and operations. Popular options include UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount University, California State University, Los Angeles, and California State University, Northridge. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations manager, or business consultant. Internships and Los Angeles' diverse industries can help build experience.

Psychology

Studying a psychology program in Los Angeles, CA offers access to diverse communities and research opportunities. Courses commonly include developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal psychology, statistics, and research methods. Local choices include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and Loyola Marymount University. A bachelor's degree may prepare graduates for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research coordinator. Clinical psychologist and counseling positions typically require graduate study, supervised experience, and licensing.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Los Angeles, CA, offers students exposure to the region's technology and entertainment industries. Students study programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Popular choices include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Southern California (USC), California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), and Loyola Marymount University. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, systems engineers, or web developers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Los Angeles, California, combines courses in counseling theories, ethics, human development, multicultural practice, assessment, and supervised fieldwork. Programs may focus on school counseling or clinical mental health. Graduates often work as school counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists (after meeting licensure requirements), or college advisers. Popular Los Angeles options for graduate counseling study include the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, and California State University, Los Angeles.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Los Angeles, CA offers pathways from associate and bachelor's degrees to advanced practice. Courses typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Graduates may work as registered nurses, nurse educators, care coordinators, or public health nurses, depending on credentials. Local options include UCLA, Mount Saint Mary's University, California State University, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California (USC).

Best Colleges in Los Angeles, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $46,126.0, compared with $65,207.2 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with an average of 54.75% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 54.75%. Schools receive an average of 24,989.0 applicants, while top 10% schools receive an average of 77,096.6.
• The median number of applicants is 483.5 for men and 2,854.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,353.0 on the SAT and 30.25 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 13,565.8, with averages of 563.0 enrolled men and 819.91 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 59.0%, compared with 90.9% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 72.0% for men and 66.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, 11 offer bachelor's degrees, 10 offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• Eight schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, test scores, and program offerings. Also consider graduation rates, including how they compare across schools and between men and women, and review enrollment and applicant figures to help assess the options.

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

The available estimate puts the average total cost of studying in Los Angeles, CA, at $42,783.50. Treat this as a planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed four-year degree price: your actual total depends on program length, aid, housing choices, and whether you attend full or part time. For a local student, comparing net prices after grants can make this goal feel much more manageable.

The reported averages include:

• Average tuition and fees: $40,992.75.
• Average room and board: $19,732.20.
• Average books and supplies: $1,319.20.

Because these figures are averages, compare each school's current net price rather than assuming they add up to one degree total. UCLA and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) are popular public choices; USC is a well-known private option. Check each campus's attendance budget for housing, transportation, fees, and aid. Scholarships, transfer routes, or living at home may ease expenses and make studying in Los Angeles feel achievable.

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

In Los Angeles, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree commonly takes two. At UCLA, USC, or Cal State Northridge, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, and transfer credits.

Eligible AP/IB or dual-enrollment credits, summer classes, carefully mapped course loads, and community-college transfer credits may help you finish sooner. In LA, consider transfer pathways from Los Angeles City College or Santa Monica College to a four-year campus, and confirm credit acceptance with the university before enrolling.

Graduation rates provide useful context: the average is 59.0%, versus 90.9% for the top 10% of schools. The reported average is 65.0% for men and 64.0% for women. These figures show why planning matters, while a clear degree map and early advising can make your goal feel much more manageable. Ask advisors about placement exams, year-round enrollment, and summer courses when available to accelerate progress.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Los Angeles can expect a median alumni salary of about $52,772. At schools in the top 10%, the median rises to approximately $63,930, offering an encouraging benchmark as you plan your career after graduation.

Your actual earnings will depend on your field, experience, and employer. In Los Angeles, students at institutions such as UCLA, USC, and Cal State LA may pursue opportunities across the region's many industries, so it's worth comparing programs and career paths - not just median salaries.

• Median alumni salary: $52,772
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: approximately $63,930

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Los Angeles?

By total student enrollment, the University of Southern California (USC) is generally the largest university within Los Angeles city limits, with roughly 49,000 students in recent institutional reports. UCLA is also a major campus, enrolling about 46,000. Enrollment changes year to year, but both offer the lively atmosphere and wide range of opportunities many students seek.

What is the richest university in Los Angeles?

If "richest" means the size of its endowment, USC appears to be the wealthiest university in Los Angeles, with an endowment reported at around $8 billion in recent years. UCLA's endowment is also substantial. An endowment is invested to support a university over time, so it is not the same as money available for immediate spending.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Los Angeles, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) is a major public research university in Westwood, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. For a Los Angeles student, its local setting can make commuting and exploring the city practical, though housing and daily expenses need planning. UCLA enrolls 47,432 students, graduates 93%, and admits 9%. Its total study cost is $44,148, while median alumni salary is $43,810. Its high graduation rate and selective admission stand out among these five local choices.

University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university known for its large campus and extensive academic and professional programs. Located in Los Angeles, it offers a distinctly urban college experience for students who want access to the city's cultural and career networks. USC enrolls 46,645 students, has a 92% graduation rate, and a 10% acceptance rate. Its total cost is $69,904, and median alumni salary is $62,697, the highest salary figure in this group. Budget carefully for attendance.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private historically Black graduate-level university in Willowbrook, Los Angeles, focused on health sciences, medical education and health equity. Based in Los Angeles County, it offers a specialized option for students pursuing healthcare careers close to home, rather than a broad traditional campus experience. It enrolls 1,052 students, with a 30% graduation rate and 39% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $23,000, and median alumni salary is $58,202 after graduation.

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Eagle Rock, northeast Los Angeles, with a smaller campus community and broad undergraduate focus. For students in Los Angeles, its location connects a residential college environment with access to the region's museums, internships and neighborhoods. The college enrolls 1,823 students, graduates 81%, and accepts 44% of applicants. Its total study cost is $65,678, while median alumni salary is $40,296. Students should weigh its close-knit setting and city access against the cost.

Loyola Marymount University is a private Catholic university in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, combining undergraduate education with graduate and professional study. Its location near the coast and LAX gives local students access to city opportunities, while its campus offers a defined university community. LMU enrolls 10,062 students, has a 79% graduation rate and a 45% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $60,970, and median alumni salary is $48,366. Compare the cost with financial aid and intended career outcomes.