2024 Top Colleges for Trades and Personal Services in the Los Angeles Area

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,739 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 1,739 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• 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 —

• Walnut, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,945 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 1,945 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,774

• SAT range —

• Hollywood, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  85 reviews

Freshman: While Musicians Institute can be financially demanding and has posed a significant challenge for me to afford independently, I wholeheartedly endorse it for those who possess the financial means. This institution offers outstanding facilities, a dedicated staff, and creates a truly inspiring learning environment.... Read 85 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $36,686

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,875 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 2,875 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Glendale, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  680 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 680 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,823

• SAT range —

• Pasadena, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,789 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 1,789 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,466

• SAT range —

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,155 reviews

Alum: OCC is one of the biggest and, arguably, one of the best community colleges in the nation. They boast a large variety of majors and programs for students to explore. My experience with the counselors have been amazing, as they helped me complete the credits I needed for transfer and discover the right major for me. As a two-year college, the classes offered are mostly lower division general education classes. OCC offers an associates degree or certification for almost every major available. The facilities on campus are well maintained with brand new buildings across campus, including the college center, student union, literature & language building, and (my favorite) the planetarium. You’ll be able to meet and learn along side a diverse population of students coming to study from across the country and the world. With a beautiful campus, a large variety of majors, and amazing staff, I couldn’t recommend OCC more!... Read 1,155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,836

• SAT range —

• Santa Clarita, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,008 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 1,008 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,400

• SAT range —

• Glendora, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  787 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 787 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,852

• SAT range —

• Pomona, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,233 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 3,233 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $12,942

• SAT range 1010-1250

• Mission Viejo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,285 reviews

Junior: Saddleback College is a truly remarkable institution that has enriched my educational journey in countless ways. The abundance of resources it offers, from diverse pathways and engaging clubs to thrilling sports opportunities, has made my time here incredibly fulfilling. While it's true that I've encountered some challenges with the counseling department and a handful of professors who may lean towards a more rigorous approach, these occasional setbacks haven't diminished my overall appreciation for the school. One of the most admirable aspects of Saddleback College is its unwavering dedication to progress. The institution consistently seeks innovative ways to renovate and enhance the learning environment. This commitment to improvement ensures that students like me always have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic educational experience.... Read 1,285 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,918

• SAT range —

• Torrance, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,554 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 1,554 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,296

• SAT range —

• Irvine, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  821 reviews

Sophomore: The professors I have had are all AMAZING! They provide online and in-person education and require that students be vaccinated if they have in-person classes. It is a super clean campus and they try very hard to bring all the students together even though it is a community college; they plan events and have food drives as well as ceremonies for those who are transferring out. The only thing that I think they can work on is hiring more competent counselors. The counselors do not know enough to help you succeed when transferring to other universities, which can cause you to stay at IVC for more than the estimated two years.... Read 821 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,860

• SAT range —

• Tarzana, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: This is a great school if you’re looking for right away hands on experience. The first class or couple classes you are already working with equipment and being put in scenarios that will benefit you in the industry. You take these hands on classes while also getting your general Ed’s incorporated. There is not a class where film or animation will not somewhat be included within the course. When it comes to outside work I started working in the business my sophomore year due to an internship, that led to paid work and more internships and now as a starting senior I am getting decent consistent work as a PA or anything else. I have also been able to figure out what I want to do because of the classes the school provides. The teachers are all currently working and can also help you either with advice or possible gigs.... Read 80 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $27,545

• SAT range —

• Moorpark, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,200 reviews

Junior: Moorpark is a great college with a lot of options for classes and great programs. I am currently enrolled in their radiologic technology program and it is so amazing. The professors are great and the program really makes you prepared to work in a hospital setting. I also did my pre requisites for the program at Moorpark and have received a Associates from Moorpark College. The only change I would like to see if counselors who are more helpful and caring. I had many poor experiences with the counselors there and know many students that agree with me. Overall it is a great school and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially for radiology!... Read 1,200 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,856

• SAT range —

• Woodland Hills, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,098 reviews

Sophomore: You have to make the most of it! Go in with a clear mindset of what you want to accomplish and seek out the resources they have if you have questions. Spend some time in their student services building to figure out what they have to offer. I think many people don't realize how helpful some of their programs are! If you need help paying for classes, they have SO many options. There are so many programs that help you have specialized counselors, early enrollment dates, and free or reduced costs for classes. Also, I really liked 90% of the Professors I've had. The other 10% was when I didn't listen to rate my professor honestly. Be proactive and don't wait to ask for help!... Read 1,098 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,995

• SAT range —

• Ventura, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  759 reviews

Sophomore: I've really enjoyed my experience at Ventura College so far. I've had some amazing professors, especially my english, algebra, ceramics, and digital content marketing professors. I've really found a passion for digital content marketing through Professor Nick Norris' social media marketing program. He's been extremely supportive and genuinely wants his students to take the skills they learn and be successful outside of the program. My other favorite program here at Ventura College is the ceramics program. I love the friendly and creative environment that keeps drawing me back for extra time in the studio. Specifically what I love about the ceramics program is the creative freedom of the projects, letting me make the designs as intricate and crazy as I want or make a piece with a simple design. Overall I've really enjoyed my time at Ventura College so far, the environment is friendly and busy but in the very best way.... Read 759 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,971

• SAT range —

• Orange, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  377 reviews

Alum: The overall way the campus is set up and run is great. I enjoyed my classes here, and I had great professors! The classes are good quality for the most part, especially if you are going for general education. One downside is that they don't offer as many options for majors as other colleges do. Lots of clubs and activities happening here on a regular basis! The campus itself is pretty small, but the area is nice. It's usually a pretty safe place to be, even at night. Being a two year school, there isn't a lot of student housing or apartments nearby, which can make commutes a little difficult. Overall a great place to get started with school if you don't know where to go!... Read 377 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,879

• SAT range —

• Carson, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,934 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 1,934 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $4,500

• SAT range 760-940

• Huntington Beach, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  536 reviews

Freshman: First and foremost, the campus is beautifully laid out. Lots of nature, trees and hidden study spots. The teachers are compassionate and generous with study help and don't pile on homework like in high school. The work can pile up.. if you procrastinate so don't. My favorite thing about this college is by far their three story library. It really makes me feel like a college kid! The best spot is the second story on the frontside of the building. There is a long line of desk against a huge window view of the trees and nature making it a prime study spot!... Read 536 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,433

• SAT range —

• Ontario, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  338 reviews

Junior: Will be attending the nursing program, I am beyond excited. This school is welcoming and reaches out to you, as well as encouraged to teach.... Read 338 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,525

• SAT range —

• Temecula, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  58 reviews

Freshman: My second week, everyone is super friendly and helpful. I don’t feel left out. The faculty and students already attending are super helpful and inviting. A way better experience here than at my first 2-year college I attended.... Read 58 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,663

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,007 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 4,007 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Santa Monica, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,141 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 2,141 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,380

• SAT range —