2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in the Los Angeles Area

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  3,988 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 3,988 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,506 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCLA has been nothing short of transformative. It has not only provided me with a top-notch education but also helped shape me into a well-rounded individual ready to take on the world. The vibrant campus, exceptional faculty, diverse community, and comprehensive support services make UCLA a true beacon of higher education. I am immensely grateful for my time at this extraordinary institution and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a world-class education and an unforgettable college experience. Go Bruins!... Read 5,506 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  419 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 419 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  284 reviews

Senior: I transferred from Los Angeles Mission Community College to California Institute of the Arts in 2020. Since, I have been studying Music Technology and Digital Arts and am set to graduate this upcoming Fall! With my time at Calarts coming to a close, I am incredibly sad to leave my Calarts family behind. I love the Music Technology faculty, the amazing courses I have taken such as; Interface Design, Creative Producing for music, Advanced Electronic Ensemble, and Visual Programming (the list goes on)! These classes are some of the few that left me inspired and motivated to continue learning and pursuing my artistry after college. Nonetheless, these are classes that were very specific to my learning goals, that I would not have commonly found at any other university. My mentor, Madeline Falcone, has done an OUTSTANDING job of supporting me in my academic goals, while also pushing my artistry to the next level. I would love if the tuition was lower, because I am currently 120k in debt.... Read 284 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,212 reviews

Junior: The campus community thrives on inclusivity and support, with individuals eager to engage in meaningful conversations and lend a helping hand. UCI has a myriad of club opportunities available. No matter your interests, there is an organization that caters to your passions that provide avenues for personal development and also serve as platforms for making lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals! The campus boasts a wide array of support resources aimed at ensuring the success and well-being of every student. Academic support centers, tutoring programs, and career services are readily available, empowering students to excel in their studies and prepare for their future endeavors. A big plus is that within a short walking distance there is a lot of dining options. Additionally, the convenience of nearby grocery stores and transportation to them ensures that students can easily access the essentials they need, making life on campus incredibly convenient.... Read 4,212 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,735 reviews

Senior: This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive, namely, cause of not only my own achievements, but my family and siblings to come as well. As a first time generation student who was not exposed to diverse environments, independent environments; LMU has created a comfortable, easily accessible environment for us! I am thrilled that my siblings will be attending LMU next year, and joining the summer program this summer, 2023! Thank you LMU for being extremely welcoming, having positively supporting staff and support groups!... Read 1,735 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,261 reviews

Graduate Student: Chapman was the first time I ever had a truly positive educational experience. One of the things I enjoyed about the school was how the student body is incredibly friendly, open to new experience, and almost always will lend a helping hand. For the most part, classes are smaller and professors are engaging. Almost all professors I had were really passionate about the subjects they taught and were more than willing to assist any students with questions. If you are a student with a disability, this school office of disability services is one of the best I have ever dealt with. The school's disability services goes above and beyond to make sure students feel accommodated. Aslo, Chapman is the first school that I ever had positive interactions with admin. They always wanted to see me succeed and almost always had to time to interact if you just dropped in. Overall, everyone is very kind and really just wants to see you succeed! I liked the school so much I stayed on for Grad School!... Read 2,261 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,340 reviews

Alum: Pepperdine University is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there - I loved my professors, loved the location, and loved the stunning campus. Everyone there was remarkably friendly, and when I switched my major to Art History, I felt very welcomed by the department and encouraged in the pursuit of my goals. My professors were eager to offer help and advice, and it was clear that they enjoyed their careers and loved teaching and mentoring students. The other classes that I took outside of my major (as part of Pepperdine's liberal arts curriculum) were also excellent. I found my religion classes (three required) especially fascinating; given that I was not a Christian student, all the material was new for me and quite enlightening. The classes I took for my minor - Creative Writing - were also fantastic, particularly my Spiritual Writing class (taught by an outstanding professor). I had an amazing time at Pepperdine, and in all honesty, wish I could go back!... Read 1,340 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,800 reviews

Alum: This school is full of wonderful people. There a lot of students from all over the world with a brilliant personalities. If you don’t fit in, they will help you to fit in and succeed. A lot of students from economically successful social groups in the third college generation. I witnessed freshmen who drive Maserati and Tesla. Some professors are incredible, polite and have a tendency to like all of their students and treat them like if they were their kids. The parking lots are great. You be late for 30 minutes before classes and always find a free spot. I’m so glad I graduated from that place. Beaches are nearby and it’s a beach life. If I will ever have kids, I will send them to CSULB instead of sending them to an expensive private college where they can experience bad influence from spoiled classmates or toxic environment of faculty and administration. Don’t hesitate and Go Beach!... Read 4,800 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Burbank, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  118 reviews

Alum: New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to everything in the Film Industry. You will learn everything from Acting Methods to how to construct a proper resume. The Staff is absolutely wonderful when it comes to communication and any concerns you may have along the way. If you jump in 100%, you need not worry about difficult times in the Film Industry.... Read 118 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $43,006

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  498 reviews

Senior: Oxy is everything you'd expect from a small, liberal arts college in an urban area; what makes the college special is the community and environment of care that the students bring. I have felt extremely supported in my time at Oxy and have found different communities for my hobbies, cultural affinity spaces, and other interests. Oxy can sometimes feel small with only about 2000 students, but I really liked that aspect since no one on campus feels like a stranger. Academics are pretty rigorous but professors are lovely and truly want to work with individual students. Highly recommend taking any courses in the Education department! One downside is the campus is full of hills, so not very accessible for physically disabled students.... Read 498 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  5,225 reviews

Senior: My first year was all online due to COVID. I had extremely supportive and accommodating professors. The workload was very doable, just make sure to communicate with your professors whenever you miss something or do not understand. In my second year, I lived in the on-campus apartments. It is fairly regulated on campus, and people can be shy but is a very safe and healthy environment. Everyone loved their RA's because they were so sweet. My third year was living in campus-affiliated apartments, which was amazing. You have more freedom, but can still walk to school. The campus is very large which means there are endless opportunities for students. We have some of the best departments regarded in the state with some of the most reputable professors. Join clubs as well! Being part of clubs with your interests and meeting new people that way completely changes your college experience. It is the easiest way to connect with people! There are several food places on campus and the gym is big!... Read 5,225 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  918 reviews

Junior: Vanguard University provides students with exceptional support. With every upcoming semester every major meets in some form with their individual advisors allowing there to be opportunities for any questions/concerns. The advisors make sure that every student is on track for their intended graduation date. Professors/staff are also really open about providing students with the necessary help. There is a great loving and close knit community on campus which allows students to enjoy their time there. Vanguard University also provides students with food resources/clothing resources as well as emotional support resources if students are in need of them. Commuters however, may have a difficult time getting involved due to the event dates and traveling time. Due to this fact, Vanguard is always open to improving the school and the events occurring which is why they provide students with the opportunity to offer feedback at the end of each semester. Great school!... Read 918 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,861 reviews

Junior: All throughout high school my teachers would try to hammer this perception that in college, I would be truly independent and nothing more than a number in a classroom. This couldn't be further from the truth regarding CBU. The professors here generally care for their students and show teaching is their passion. Professors remind us on the regular that they're available during their office hours and are even willing to make themselves available for us whenever we had questions. Every Professor I've had thus far has prayed for us before we take an exam, this helped me feel less stressed. Campus life is fun. Dorm life is a great way to make connections. If you're an incoming freshman, I recommend you try and live in Smith/Simmons hall. Campus always has a lot of events going on all the time. Make sure you get involved! The on-campus food is fantastic. I highly recommend El Monte. If you want something different than on-campus food, there's a great selection of food nearby campus.... Read 2,861 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  699 reviews

Sophomore: Concordia feels like a family. It is a small campus, which makes it easy to get around and arrive to classes on time. I also am a student-athlete so it was important that my professors accommodate and make reasonable allowances for time away due to matches. I found this to be true of all my professors at Concordia. This university is known for having strong athletic programs as well as being academically challenging. I felt I was able to find academic support whenever I needed it. As far as the location is concerned, it can't be beat. There is another large university nearby, so you get the college-town feel. It is also just 15 minutes from one of the most beautiful beaches around. As a freshman last year, I felt the school really went above and beyond to have activities that helped us get acclimated and to feel comfortable. It truly is a beautiful, safe, welcoming environment to be in. I highly recommend Concordia!... Read 699 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $25,640

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Whittier, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  789 reviews

Freshman: Whittier College has been receiving a lot of negative press recently, and I do acknowledge that much of it is warranted. However, all this detracts from what you do get out of being a student here. You will get much of what you get out of any small liberal arts college like Whittier: small classes, tight-knit community, etc. It is truly a pleasure to have personal relationships with professors and have small, discussion based classes. At Whittier specifically, I feel like I am valued as an individual, and I am surrounded by incredibly supportive friends, faculty, staff, and admin. If you work hard and earn a good reputation with professors, they will do all they can to use their connections in the academic/professional world to help you out. Another HUGE thing is financial aid. I was already leaning towards going here when I was making my decision, but the package they offered me was too good to refuse. If you apply, make sure to apply to secondary scholarships that they offer too!!... Read 789 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,091

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,167 reviews

Sophomore: California Lutheran University is a private institution that has much to offer students of all types! I love that the community is small, just as the class sizes are. Its the perfect opportunity to make friends and make good close connections with amazing professors. Office hours are always easy to come by and there is always help at CLU for those who ask for it. And although this institution is affiliated with the Lutheran faith, CLU is accepting of all religions and backgrounds. I myself am Catholic, and nevertheless CLU has always felt like home. In addition, although tuition is very expensive, I have funded my entire education through the many scholarships they have. In this way, I view this institution as promising, and exciting no matter if your parents can fund your education or not, anything is possible. Right now for instance, I am only 8,000 in debt and I promised my parents I would fund my own education. All I can say is, come to CLU and meet the amazing community!... Read 1,167 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $24,065

• SAT range 1090-1290

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  603 reviews

Freshman: As a First Year at FIDM, it is literally everything a fashion opportunist could look for in a school! The courses not only supply basic knowledge in fashion but also take it a step further into color, design, advertising, and more to increase your skills when the opportunity comes. Unlike other schools, this institution definitely attracts opportunities for students to entail in their career.... Read 603 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $41,070

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,645 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCR has been great so far. First, I love the diversity we have here on campus! I was able to meet people from everywhere, and everyone is very friendly, so it was really easy to make a few friends along the way. Most of my professors have been great, and I could tell that they were really passionate about what they were teaching. Although I am not the biggest fan when it comes to long lectures, I feel like I am actually learning something, rather than when I was in high school. I also love the abundance of events that occur daily. The organizations/clubs are really awesome too, with most of them sounding very interesting to join. I am currently in two clubs and they are really fun. My only critique would probably have to be some professors not actually teaching, making it a less fun experience. But overall, I am happy I chose to be a student here, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!... Read 3,645 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Northridge, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  4,986 reviews

Graduate Student: California State University Northridge was the first university that I attended and I absolutely loved it! They had numerous accessible resources for students such as mental health, financial aid, mentors, tutoring...etc. When I was attending there, the school had a brand new two story gym for students to utilize and it was incredible. Another aspect that I appreciated while at the university was a program where people would escort students to their cars for safety reasons. I had multiple night classes for my major and never felt comfortable walking alone at night, so naturally I would take advantage of their safety programs. I would say that the atmosphere of CSUN is very lively, friendly and vibrant.... Read 4,986 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,708

• SAT range 900-1110

• Pomona, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,217 reviews

Senior: Cal Poly is an amazing school, there is a lot of problems with it when it comes to the size of the campus and the difficulty of the classes. However, I think overall going to CPP has been great and I have become a better person because I went here. Some professors are worse than others but I have met absolutely some of the best professors ever here and even some of them helped me get into the professional career. I think if you go to college seriously and want to really better your life this is a great school. Also the social life in Cal Poly is great too! lots of parties, and good times to be had here if you live on dorms or around the campus! I love it here and I have really grown since going to CPP. I recommend it to anyone especially in engineering or science fields.... Read 3,217 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $12,942

• SAT range 1010-1250

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,173 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 3,173 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $2,695

• SAT range 870-1060

• San Bernardino, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  2,766 reviews

Graduate Student: I went into Cal State San Bernardino as an undergrad in 2019 and I majored in Kinesiology and minored in Psyc. In the beginning, I was upset about going here because I'd never seen the campus, and growing up I would hear bad reviews about it. On my orientation day, I was so surprised walking on campus because the campus was just mouth-dropping! I could not believe that the campus was so beautiful. The staff is amazing and the professors for the kinesiology apartment go above and beyond. They say in college that no one holds your hand and that it's your responsibility to push yourself. And yes that is true but here my professors hold my hand and guided me to be a better student and a better studied. I enjoyed every minute of my college life here. When covid hit, it was a challenge but once again the staff just went above and beyond to still make it the best experience. I enjoyed the campus so much that I became a student mentor for incoming freshman and transfer students.... Read 2,766 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $3,254

• SAT range 910-1080

• Carson, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,923 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Cal State Dominguez Hills has been fantastic! I am a first generation student about to achieve my dream of getting my Bachelor's degree and I am so happy I will be getting it from CSUDH! The professors are super helpful and incredibly smart. The Loker student union has some amazing activities for students to pass the time or relax until another class starts. There are board games, tv's and even a pool table! The parking is plenty, just expensive for a semester parking permit (over 200$) The bookstore is well organized and have lots of snacks. I do wish they had more food options but the options they do have are delicious. Finally I love how small the campus is! It makes it easier to connect with professors and it is much easier to make friends especially if you're in the same major. I am looking forward to graduation in the spring, overall my time at Dominguez Hills has been wonderful!... Read 1,923 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $4,500

• SAT range 760-940

• Santa Monica, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,136 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a on campus Santa Monica College student. The energy on campus is very positive along with friendly students. The campus is also very diverse wit both students and teachers! There are a lot of food and drink choices all over the campus as well! The patio area near the cafe has a vast amount of tables and seating areas. Most of the class rooms look new and updated with both the buildings structure and the technology. The school also offers a large variety of different classes and the class options are very flexible to complicated schedules. Santa Monica College also offers a significant amount of extra help for students with learning disabilities. Most of the staff is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. There are also many clubs, fairs, and events on the Santa Monica campus. I personally believe that Santa Monica College is one of the best community college options available in California.... Read 2,136 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,380

• SAT range —