2023 Best Colleges in the Los Angeles Area

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  129 reviews

Freshman: Great school, amazing opportunities provided by all the faculty. Beautiful campus perfect for anyone around :)... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  145 reviews

Alum: My relationship with Harvey Mudd is quite messy and convoluted. No single experience will suffice to describe in its entirety; however, hopefully there is something helpful to you in my description! Let's begin. One thing I will say, Harvey Mudd is very difficult. I assume you already know this if you are looking into it, but I want to stress that you will most definitely be challenged. There are many classes to get through, and they are very rigorous. There were a lot sleepless nights, several of which spent in the engineering basement. The constant flow of problem sets, quizzes, midterms and projects will keep you busy to say the least! That being said, there is a wonderful support system at Mudd. Being in graduate school now, I really miss the accessibility to professors and student tutors. Mudd does a really amazing job of fostering collaboration with fellow peers and you guys will grow very close from all the shared struggle. I miss spending every night with them studying!... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  416 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 416 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,433 reviews

Senior: If you can attend in-person classes, UCLA is a great school! The student dorms are on the expensive side, but well worth the price. There are several dining halls right next to the dorms that each cater to a different style (ie dine-in, to-go, vegan specialties), as well as a few restaurants on campus and the nearby Westwood Village. The campus itself is gorgeous (I love taking evening walks around sunset), and you can learn about the history of it from guided tours if you want. If you're looking for a rad party scene, just cross the street into frat row, and you'll find parties every week. In terms of academics, I will simply say that UCLA is a top school. You will have to work your butt off, sometimes in less-than-ideal circumstances, but the returns will be more than worth it. Most professors are great, but some are only there to do research and are forced to grudgingly teach a class or two, so look them up on Bruinwalk before enrolling in their classes. All-in-all, a great school!... Read 5,433 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  3,941 reviews

Graduate Student: What I found while in attendance here in USC is that there are a plethora of resources available to the students given at every opportunity available. You are given an active role in making connections as well as forming new career opportunities during and after your attendance here. There is an emphasis to put yourself out there, however if communicating is not your strength, do not worry! There are plenty of events that aid students in beginning the path towards networking such as events for introverted students. There are additional concerns with the quality of hygiene here as certain public utilities are not the best to gain access of. The demographic population is also a concern as it is a predominantly white institution which can correlate to struggles for students of color. There have been advances in supporting our students of color, however they are fairly new so there is little expectations on the amount of support they may provide. Overall I would highly recommend attending... Read 3,941 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  424 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible students. They are all approachable, motivated, and conscientious. The resources presented to the students are off the charts. CMC pays you to take internships. If you need business attire, the school will cover it. If you want to travel to look at Grad Schools, the school will cover the cost. They take you on "Networking Treks" every few months, where you meet with Alumni and talk about your career paths. The food is great (you can eat from all 5 dining halls). If you take advantage of the schools resources and opportunities, you will be extremely successful. Because CMC students are confident, learning is collaborative, not competitive. Student engagement is not only encouraged, but expected. If you yearn to be in an environment of students who prioritize proactivity, CMC is the school that will put you on the path to success.... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,147 reviews

Alum: Great university, with a safe campus located in a suburban area. The campus itself is small compared to other big universities, its easy to navigate with a great park in the center of the campus. Its easy to walk to class from most housing communities, but there is also a great university shuttle system with several routes. There are several resources for students whether academic or non academic. Several clubs and organizations for students to join. A shopping center across the street with several food places and stores. And there is an on-campus pub!... Read 4,147 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  641 reviews

Niche User: I loved this place! I did a domestic exchange program for a semester. Nice dorms, friendly student body, good food in the dining hall, and cool classes. A lot of fun classes on pop culture and media studies. It was a nice break from my sad, east coast liberal arts college. It was a bit easier than I anticipated it to be, more consistent assignments throughout the year rather than huge final projects like I was used to, but classes at Pomona or Scripps will amp up your workload. Still, like any college, it's just about the classes you take. Con: HUGE wealth gap here between students. First gen solidarity is strong here though. Such a pretty campus, and amazing Latinx Student Union which I joined while I was there.... Read 641 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  467 reviews

Sophomore: This is my first on-campus semester, and so far I love it! The student body has a defined sense of creativity and style which is something I never thought to look for in a college. I love the amount of student-run activities happening each day around campus. Honestly, the party scene is perfect for me. There isn't something every single night, but Thursdays and Saturdays are traditionally going out days, and sometimes Fridays as well. For being told that Scripps doesn't have a great party scene, I was pleasantly surprised. I appreciate the substantial gay community, although it doesn't show in particular affinity groups. My friends that are interested in men seem pretty content, as we naturally interact a lot thru classes and events. Not a lot of peer pressure or academic competition among the students, at least for me. Resources like math help & the counseling center aren't bad (!!), but you definetly have to hunt for them. We joke that there's no administration left on campus.... Read 467 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,324 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 1,324 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  495 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 495 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,714 reviews

Alum: I believe LMU has the potential to be an oasis in the mega city of Los Angeles, CA. Minutes away from LAX, the beach, shopping, entertainment and food from all over the world. University leadership is certainly putting investments into physical campus improvements. Sports programs are improving and facilities are getting better and better. Most students join Greek or service orgs to find community. Otherwise, at least for me it didn't feel like the most diverse or welcoming-for-all type of place. My hope for the future is for LMU to carve itself out as an up & coming entertainer and entrepreneur's dream, and pour more into growing sports programs so that LMU is the destination for athletes, trainer's, coaches and staff. Beautiful campus. Needs greater sense of belonging and community for students. Rating a 5 for my hope for the future. Go Lions!... Read 1,714 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  4,742 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 4,742 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,236 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 2,236 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,265 reviews

Freshman: The biblical studies department is the best of its kind for undergrad in the country. It has amazing professors and the education is phenomenal! I grew so much in my faith there, especially intellectually. However, unless you're naive (homeschooled, private school, sheltered, etc..) or right out of high school, you will most likely have trouble fitting in and most likely get misunderstood. It can be dangerous for transfers and older students living on campus. I've had conversations with Campus Safety and even campus safety notices it, it's called "the biola bubble." I would strongly recommend transfers and older students with more life experience to not live on campus. Other then that, fantastic education!... Read 2,265 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,586 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 3,586 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  908 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 908 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  106 reviews

Freshman: Stanbridge takes pride in making sure that their students succeed and I can agree. Although it is only my first term, all the professors and advisors that I have met have been very helpful. Some improvements that can be made are with parking and technical difficulties. Despite the expansion of the overflow lot across the street, parking is still very difficult to find considering that there are so many cohorts on campus at one time. In my honest opinion, the Edverum website can be improved by being able to see your grades for all your classes on one page. Another thing that should be changed is where we can see all the assignments that are due during the week all on one page too. These two enhancements can help create an efficient workspace for students. On the other hand, I wish the communication was better between the staff and students. Other than that, I would recommend this school to others!... Read 106 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $36,905

• SAT range —

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  2,820 reviews

Junior: California Baptist University is a school of community! This university does its best to involve every student in the community! There are events every month and many giveaway opportunities. They incorporate local services into their events! For example, CBU hosted a viewing of The Batman (2022) movie and inclusive service at the local Castle Park amusement center. CBU celebrates events at every corner. Students of differing fields of study or demographic may come together at larger events or feel included in smaller, interest-specific events. The size of the campus is perfect for these efforts! The campus is what I would describe as a size medium. It is not too big, where students would reduced to a number. It is not too small, where high-school-like drama spreads easily. California Baptist University is just right! Student life may expect a community-feeling to their time at CBU.... Read 2,820 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Santa Clarita, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  495 reviews

Freshman: The Master's University is awesome! The student body is so friendly and inclusive, you can make friends with basically everyone. Everyone knows so much about the Bible and they are always encouraging each other in the Lord. The teachers are very good, they care about each one of the students and teach their subject very well. The school even has some unique majors, like Classical Liberal Arts. The dorms are very comfortable and a great place to study or hang out with friends. We often do dorm hangouts, which helps you connect and make friends within your dorm. Altogether, the school is very safe, the culture is awesome, and has great, high level academics.... Read 495 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $30,748

• SAT range 990-1250

• Azusa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,762 reviews

Graduate Student: Azusa Pacific University (APU) Christ-centered institute that helps students of all ethnic, national, cultural, gender, and religious backgrounds to succeed in their academic goals. In fact, my experience has been extremely life-changing to where I found my vocational calling in ministry and my spouse! Although APU welcomes all people, even those international, I would like to see a change in student demographics. In other words, white-caucasian students represent the majority. I would like to see more students of Latin descent, African-American descent, Pacific Islander descent, Asian descent, and others not mentioned. I believe that Azusa Pacific University's reputation would strengthen and increase by advertising ethnic diversity.... Read 2,762 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $27,112

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  5,142 reviews

Junior: The school is overall a good school! When it comes to safety there are things that could be done. There were times were car parts were stolen or where there were lockdowns. The parking passes are EXPENSIVE. Barely have any free/public parking. Teachers are fine just make sure to research them. I’ve heard the party scene depends on who you know. The area around is nice there’s a lot of places to eat just always traffic. Student life it’s hard to make friends people are always in their own world. If you commute you don’t really see classmates outside of class. Overall I believe it is a pretty diverse school. The campus is nice pretty open and wide. The tsu is great they have good foood such as panda, pieology, hibachi, and more. They also have a gaming area which has bowling, billiards (pool), and some arcade games. I only discover this my junior year which was pretty cool to find out. I think it’s great they have more things at the school. A great way to entrain yourself between class.... Read 5,142 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,155 reviews

Freshman: It’s a beautiful campus with really pretty views of the sunset and the Santa Monica ocean! I love how staff is attentive and caring for/with students, it’s nice to know someone is supporting you along the way while achieving your academic future. There’s many majors and minors to choose from and many activities throughout the semester to help your stressful mind be at ease.... Read 1,155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• Northridge, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  4,921 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 4,921 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,708

• SAT range 900-1110

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  280 reviews

Senior: The faith based environment was conducive to my learning style. I was able to further progress in my understanding of the word and His message for me. Professors were notoriously difficult to contact, but there were some who made great efforts. Each term there seemed to be another mistake to address. Whether it was credits, grades, financial aid, housing. I felt like I was always trying to problem solve a new situation.... Read 280 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $18,801

• SAT range 1000-1180