2024 Best Colleges with Astronomy and Astrophysics Degrees in the Los Angeles Area

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  133 reviews

Alum: I was in the Class of 1996. I had such a difficult time due to personal issues. I wish someone had been able to explain to me that it is okay to take a break. That would have been better than failing out and then taking a break. Also, peer support at the counseling center would have made a difference.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,528 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,528 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• 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

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Fullerton, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,409 reviews

Sophomore: I liked the environment and campus. The school had a lot of resources that helped me in classes. I made a lot of friends and new people. I had the opportunity in multiple classes to communicate and get to know New people. The campus is close and small. Getting around classes was pretty simple. If I was ever lost, there was someone always willing to help me. The food on campus is great! They also had a Jamba Juice that was not open and still isn’t to this day. The idea of it is awesome though, I love Jamba Juice. They should open it. I do enjoy the life outside of school. We are so close to cal state Fullerton. There are a lot of fun things to do and places to visit where you will find students from all over. My professors here at Fullerton college are all very unique. Some very outgoing, some very calm and simple, some are even hilarious. The variety of personalities at this school is very unique. The diversity is beautiful. The education is great and simple. Lots of cool courses also... Read 1,409 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,191

• SAT range —

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,156 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 1,156 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,836

• 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 —

• 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 —

• San Bernardino, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  951 reviews

Freshman: I am a first year student, 7 years after graduating high school. The professors so far have all been helpful regarding any issues that have come up, and understanding about difficult life circumstances that have arisen since beginning classes. I have gained mentors, friends, and confidence I did not have before. I am extremely grateful to have started school and am getting closer to my goals every day thanks to Valley College!... Read 951 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,621

• SAT range —

• Yucaipa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  537 reviews

Alum: Because of the small campus size, I wasn't overwhelmed by the volume of students and often felt very comfortable navigating around on my own. Communicating with my professors and administration was an easy process and they were friendly and happy to help. I also appreciated the amount of resources the school shared with us - everything from workshops at the tutoring center to college fairs to club events with free food. This school stays on top of communications with its students. For online courses, though I took them during the pandemic, I hope that the professors receive a proper education in order to elevate students' online learning.... Read 537 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,456

• SAT range —