2024 Top Colleges for Protective Services in the Los Angeles Area

• Walnut, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  1,930 reviews

Sophomore: After I graduated high school I went straight to college, Mt. SAC. My freshman year was a little difficult to adjust to because of the way the class schedules are. For instance, the math class was only 2 days a week in person and the rest was online, so I was frustrated in having to teach myself the what was being recorded on lecture videos. However, Mt. SAC has specific tutor centers for each subject! Also, I am an athlete there so there is a WIN program that is very beneficial. The staff are always so helpful and supportive, so that really means a lot that I can count on having an encouraging environment go to when I need extra help.... Read 1,930 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,774

• SAT range —

• Glendale, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  675 reviews

Sophomore: I love this school! Overall it's been a great experience being a student at GCC. The professors are mostly good, the classes are engaging and I've learned a lot, and the school administrators are very helpful. I've worked with many counselors and I feel very supported by my school, and I'm always learning about new groups or scholarship opportunities. The transfer center is also great and offers many resources for students looking to transfer with an Associates degree.... Read 675 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,823

• SAT range —

• Torrance, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,548 reviews

Sophomore: I have had an incredible experience so far at El Camino College. I joined the First Year Experience program which introduced me to new people on campus who are now some of my closest friends. Something else I love about this program and the college itself is how active the student community is from all the events they have going on to the amazing environment they have in the different rooms of the library. Having not been an active student at my high school in any school related events, I have found it to be so fun and a really great college experience for me to have all of the resources they provide. Along with amazing people, the professors and classes that I have taken have been so supportive and helpful as well!... Read 1,548 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,296

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,174 reviews

Freshman: My experience in going to CSULA was completely eye-opening and definitely gave me a change of heart. When getting rejected and waitlisted by my other options, it became detrimental to my mental state and discouraged me because I did not get into my top five schools. My first day of school was so exhilarating because of how welcoming students and faculty were; suddenly it changed my aspect of this school. I absolutely love the environment of CSULA, it gives a sense of individuality, simplicity, and diversity; it gives a physical sense of belonging. What I love most about campus is when the farmers market is stationed right at the main walkway along with canopy's that preview what El Mercadito would look like. Overall, this school is my home now, Go Eagles!... Read 3,174 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $2,695

• SAT range 870-1060

• Santa Clarita, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,002 reviews

Sophomore: I was blessed with the opportunity of Canyons Promise. I loved all of my professors and classes, they made me more passionate about what I want to do with my life and gave me new encouragement to continue with my creative abilities. I had certain professors who clearly were passionate about what they did and had a love for teaching! One professor I will remember was one of my childhood development teachers. She was always encouraging, loving and gave helpful feedback for anything I was struggling with. I would encourage every and anyone looking to start their college career here!... Read 1,002 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,400

• SAT range —

• Glendora, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  785 reviews

Freshman: I personally feel there are a lot of resources at Citrus college and that they are truly there to help you achieve your goals. I hardly ever ran into a bad professor and the school genuinely felt like a community while I was attending. I highly recommend attending for General Education courses however there are a wide range of certificates available to earn there as well. Online learning was not a problem either as there were many accommodations made for me— a student with a disability. The professors all did seem to be doing their part with their students’ best interests in heart. I recall never being nervous to ask for an extension or popping in for their office hours because I was always met with a smile and welcoming aura. For anyone unsure of whether Citrus College is the right fit for them, I would say to give the school a chance because it just might be exactly what they are looking for! Furthermore, Citrus College is a place where you get back double of what you put into it.... Read 785 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,852

• SAT range —

• Long Beach, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,739 reviews

Sophomore: Long Beach City College (LBCC) is widely recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and inclusive environment. The college offers diverse programs and courses, supported by knowledgeable and supportive faculty members. LBCC's emphasis on practical experience through internships and hands-on learning opportunities is commendable. The college fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students from different backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue. However, some students have expressed a desire for improved technology and modern facilities on campus. Additionally, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing communication channels could further improve the student experience at LBCC. Overall, LBCC provides a quality education with dedicated faculty and a diverse community, and with continued efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve administrative procedures, the college can further enhance the student experience.... Read 1,739 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,550

• SAT range —

• Pasadena, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,782 reviews

Freshman: Pasadena City College while not a highly connected community, is a very pleasant and friendly one. Students tend to keep to themselves and professors are very eager to help their students succeed and are far more willing to communicate with their students than in my previous college experiences. It will not be easy! You will need to put in hard work, and utilize all resources available to you should you want to pull off those A grades. The campus is sweet and small, relatively quiet and nestled right next to many boba shops and fast food options for busier students who need a quick meal to tide them over. Be it working night shifts, day shifts, or anything in-between; if you are willing to communicate with professors they will do all in their power to accommodate you. Overall while students tend to keep to themselves, some of the best friendships I've made were through PCC. I discovered both my patience and my grit with the Pasadena Lancers, proud to have been apart of the family... Read 1,782 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,466

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,354 reviews

Freshman: What I like about Riverside City College, it has EOPS, Veteran needs, basic needs, health support service is free, cheap tuition, the best clubs with students in it, nice students, make friends, students seem nice, fun activities on campus, fees are not that high, good securities, security alarm if necessary, cal fresh, they give free food to students who need it some, good community, available study room, disability resource center, and there is a lot of support. If you tell your consumer that you struggling, they will support you. I'm going to call Riverside Community College, the number 1 and safest college to go to. Nothing in Riverside College, bad about it. Office hours or personal tutors are available to all students. Don't hesitate, to ask for help, they will know how to assist you. The professors, I would give them 4 or 5 stars, because they are on good behavior for all students. They treat students, like adults. No dorms!... Read 1,354 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,161

• SAT range —

• Monterey Park, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,264 reviews

Alum: I attended ELAC for three years before I transferred to the University of California Santa Barbara. At this institution, I felt extremely supported by student personnel. Counselors assured me I was on the right track to transferring by explaining the general ed courses needed to transfer to my dream colleges. Within 3 years I was able to transfer with an outstanding GPA of 3.7. The counselors are easy to access and talk to, the professors are relatable and they are very empathetic to students and their struggles. One of the best community colleges in the area!... Read 1,264 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,028

• SAT range —

• Rancho Cucamonga, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,226 reviews

Alum: I was impressed with the level of education I received from Chaffey College! The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject, which made learning pleasurable. They provided helpful feedback and great resources for studying. The school even offers free money to its student for books, supplies, food and other things at the bookstore. Chaffey offers a wide range of courses and majors. The college also provides a diverse set of extracurricular activities. There were also plenty of student services available, such as counseling and tutoring, which was very helpful. The campus itself was beautiful and well-maintained. There were a variety of amenities available. One thing I would recommend is bettering the student life. The college did not have too much of a priority regarding events and activities for students to participate in. Overall, I had a positive experience and would recommend Chaffey College for anyone looking for a quality educational experience.... Read 1,226 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,939

• SAT range —

• Cypress, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,044 reviews

Sophomore: I love Cypress College! I came here after being at a 4-year university for a bit, because I wanted to save money. Cypress hasn't disappointed. They have plenty of programs that help students of different backgrounds. I've been fortunate to have all my textbooks paid for by the VRC. The STEM Program also provides amazing resources to students, including books loans and other perks. Campus provides free breakfasts and lunches for all students. If you're involved in clubs, there's so much potential to build a community for yourself. I generally feel safe on campus. Surrounding area has a lot of good restaurants and stores. Academics are good, but I've only had experience with STEM. I'm sure quality varies by professor since many are adjunct/not tenured; make use of RateMyProfessors. Overall I've had a wonderful experience here. Community colleges are a great financial decision, and Cypress College makes it a great educational and social experience as well.... Read 1,044 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,951

• SAT range —

• San Jacinto, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  974 reviews

Sophomore: Anyone considering MSJC should keep this in mind: you will get back what you put in. MSJC can be a really boring and uneventful attendance, or a really useful and beneficial one if you get to know the people and know all the resources. Though, I think the biggest problem is simply the lack of not being given information at the right time. Especially for someone just out of high school, figuring out how to use the different MSJC websites and what classes to take for specific goals you have can be really difficult, so you should research extensively. Additionally, meet with/schedule an appointment with a counselor on Cranium Cafe! That being said, I am grateful for the classes and education here. The Honors Program has helped me reach better classes, so I do feel prepared for going to a 4-year, after Spring 2024. Lastly, I have only attended the SJ Campus, so I can't speak on how Menifee or Temecula is like. It has been a nice place, but always worried about safety at night.... Read 974 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,704

• SAT range —

• Whittier, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  863 reviews

Junior: Rio Hondo is such a great institution! From the great lab facilities to the great lunches at the café. Rio Hondo offers great staff and a set of wonderful professors who give you the help you need for success. The transfer center also has played a huge roll in my educational path. They are all friendly and very helpful with all the steps needed to transfer to any university. The difference between Rio and other junior colleges they sacrifice their time and refuse to give up on their students. Their love of success for their students is remarkable. In conclusion, I would highly recommend Rio Hondo Community College for its excellent staff and great help for all students on their journey to success!... Read 863 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,873

• SAT range —

• Santa Ana, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  793 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Santa Ana College was like they where waiting for me to arrive, welcoming, supportive, professional, stress free, I felt like a good person again. I got to be near some awesome people real people that showed me that life is real and there are good people out there still. Please take me into consideration to actually re enroll. P. S. I am still waiting on your response so that I may join you again! I have submitted a request to enroll and maybe get some kind of aid given my circumstances I think would better interest me to start a new career or maybe continue the one I had started. I was in dental field. Or I can use some information on your registered nurse program if you have one please. I would love to surprise my kids with something again and also prove to myself that I can finish college. Also someone stole my documents from me and I would like to show my kids that they have a smart momma please if you could be so kind as to maybe resend them to me. Thank you!... Read 793 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,351

• SAT range —

• Valley Glen, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  873 reviews

Junior: Los Angeles Valley College is my favorite college. I have taken classes in GCC as well, but switched my home campus and started taking all courses in LAVC, because I love it. Not that the nice environment, helpful resources and friendly professors, every single individual I have interacted was professional in its entirety. I have made a lot of friends throughout these years in LAVC, and I am grateful that I was a student here. LAVC prepared me for 4year UC, and because of well-detailed courses and counseling experts I got into my dream school of UCI. Thank you again for everything!... Read 873 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,833

• SAT range —

• Culver City, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  582 reviews

Sophomore: This is a great school. The curriculum is great and all of the professors are easy to deal with. The EOPS and Guardian Scholars counselors are very hands on and thorough. I went into the admissions office not having the slightest idea where to begin, and they did EVERYTHING they could to ease my jitters and guide me down my path. Now I will be transferring to a Cal Sate University all because the EOPS counselors informed me about the AA-T, which was new to me. I couldn't be more grateful or satisfied with my community college experience, minus covid coming in and making virtual/ remote learning a thing.... Read 582 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,259

• SAT range —

• Yucaipa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  534 reviews

Graduate Student: I very much enjoyed attending Crafton Hills College. The professors and facility were incredibly helpful in helping me pursue my degree, and I would have never been able to complete it without them. Despite the three major changes I went through, having to move to remote learning, and how intense everything had gotten during the pandemic, the entire campus workforce was supportive and encouraging nonetheless. If I had to do the college experience all over again, I would not hesitate to attend Crafton again!... Read 534 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,456

• SAT range —

• Oxnard, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  339 reviews

Freshman: Enrolling in this school is the best thing that ever happened to me. The counselors have become a crucial, motivating support system for me. It's something I've never had and desperately needed. The teachers have all been just as important to me. Here, I have never once been made to feel like I wasn't good enough. And that's how I've felt my whole life. I've been given a whole new outlook on the world and my part in it. They've given me confidence and revived the passion I have for writing. Now I have the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a writer. It doesn't seem impossible anymore. In fact, nothing seems impossible anymore. They helped me realize what I'm capable of and I could never repay them for that. Believe me when I say that this school has literally changed and saved my life and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Except maybe the fact that not enough people know how amazing they are. It should be broadcasted all over the world and I promise that is no exaggeration!... Read 339 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,441

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,166 reviews

Senior: While at Mount Saint Mary's University, I have had a phenomenal experience. Faculty and staff are easy-going and care tremendously about students' success. I enjoy how there is an inclusive atmosphere where everyone helps each other grow and become their ultimate best self. I like how the professors are easily accessible to go over course material and provide you with insight into assignments. Additionally, I enjoy how knowledgeable and sophisticated the professors are. In all honesty, there is nothing that I see that I would like to change as I have grown fondly over the school.... Read 1,166 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• Wilmington, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  541 reviews

Sophomore: Throughout my time at Harbor College, I have encountered both good and bad experiences. There were times where I felt overwhelmed and lost, but I was able to persevere thanks to the support of my teachers. Despite the difficulties, I had some amazing teachers who believed in me and pushed me to reach my full potential. They have inspired me and helped me grow into the person I am today. I have been blessed with teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to provide me with the resources and support I needed to succeed. They have been incredibly patient with me when I had difficulty understanding the material and have always been encouraging to me. I am grateful for their dedication and commitment to my success. Graduating from college is a milestone I've been working towards for a long time, and I'm proud to be able to say that I'm finally here. I'm immensely excited to take the next step in my life and pursue the career that I've always dreamed of.... Read 541 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,787

• SAT range —

• Moreno Valley, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  450 reviews

Junior: Personally, I believe Moreno Valley College is a relatively good school for individuals looking to obtain credits through their general education requirements without having to pay a huge tuition. At the same time, the campus is often a calm environment, allowing students to have space to socialize or simply work on their assignments. In addition, since this is a community college, there is no distinct athletic programs or party scenes. Depending on the course the student is taking, the professors and their course outline tends to vary. However, they are always willing to connect you to countless resources whether it is with tutoring with themselves or through the campus itself.... Read 450 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,899

• SAT range —

• Compton, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  386 reviews

Sophomore: The college itself is a supportive one that has good intentions! My only issue is how and the time things are resolved. Besides those issues, it’s a magnificent college with plenty of opportunities which allow the students that attend to flourish and or succeed! I would recommend this college if you already have an idea and or plan of what you intend to achieve. The reason why, is because community colleges are very easy to lose track of what your goals and aspirations are due to not having an idea and or plan of what one must complete.... Read 386 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,875

• SAT range —

• Fountain Valley, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  188 reviews

Sophomore: Coastline College has been a great experience for me. I have been through tremendous difficulties since 2018 when I graduated high school. There has been hardships with my family, financial situation, mental health and everything else that comes along with having to grow up quickly and trying to survive. No matter what the staff at Coastline has always been very understanding and helpful to my situation and life. It doesn't matter if I call the EOPS office, financial aid, admission and records, etc. I am always respected and treated like an equal. My professors have all been a blessing and the programs Coastline offers to student's with low-income are outstanding. I recommend my school to people I meet because no matter who you are you will feel like you belong there. I have had classes with people who are 16-66 and it is amazing to feel so united no matter who you are or where you come from. Coastline does a great job at helping student's get through their education.... Read 188 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,953

• SAT range —

• Wilmington, CA

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —