Los Angeles is a captivating metropolis often referred to by its initials L.A. It has become the most populous city in California and the second-most populous in the United States. Beyond its bustling population, L.A. serves as the commercial, financial and cultural heart of Southern California. Its population of 3.8 million have the largest number of Asian and Latino-speaking residents. From the iconic Hollywood sign to the serene beaches of Malibu, the City of Los Angeles has beams with student culture. International students will find themselves among citizens who speak more than 200 languages.
Within its city limits, Los Angeles hosts three notable public universities—California State University, Los Angeles, California State University, Northridge and the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Speaking about the state, California remains the most popular for international students, with a significant number hailing from China and India. They account for 56% of international students in the state. Furthermore, studying in Los Angeles is comparatively safe as the city ranks 51 out of 427 cities on the Numbeo Safety Index. As a result of several positive trends, courses in Los Angeles are pursued by thousands of international students.
L.A. makes itself known for the immense entertainment district called Hollywood. Adding to that, the rich Mexican, Japanese and Korean culture is just the starting point. Students live in arguably one of the cities with the best seasons. This section covers why studying in Los Angeles topped most of the student cities of the world:
Los Angeles is the tinsel town of the USA and offers a range of cultural experiences. Students can attend a captivating show at the prestigious Pantages Theater or witness a movie premiere on Hollywood Boulevard. The city also has space for art enthusiasts with several museums, including The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), The Hammer Museum. Entry to these is free.
A significant draw to LA is its unparalleled weather. The year-round sunshine and warmth create a pleasant atmosphere. Whether enjoying beach trips during hot summers or relaxing in movie theatres, the consistently mild weather allows residents to spend less time worrying about conditions and more time embracing new experiences.
LA surprises international students with an emerging reputation as one of the premier cities for hiking. Iconic trails like the trek to the Hollywood Sign offer various entry points, accommodating both easy and challenging hikes to the summit. Other popular trails include "The Bridge to Nowhere," "Eaton Canyon Trail," and "Sturtevant Falls."
LA houses Mexican-Americans to Japanese-Americans and beyond. Exploring local neighbourhoods provides insights into the histories and experiences of different immigrant groups. The Japanese-American National Museum, for instance, offers an understanding of the Japanese immigrant legacy in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a homestead for food enthusiasts. Students can indulge in delectable Chinese cuisine in Chinatown or experience the fiery flavours of hot chicken at "Howling Rays," renowned as one of the city's best spicy chicken restaurants. During the summer, the "626 Night Market" showcases LA's latest food trends.
Los Angeles, United States
Cost Of Living
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public university located in Los Angeles, California. The school traces its roots to 1881 when it was known as the southern branch of the California State Normal School. It merged with UCLA in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, which makes it the second-oldest of the 10-campus University of California system. The university has been a pioneer in higher education, persevering through impossibility and turning the impossible into reality. In 1927, the Regents of the University of California adopt the name "University of California at Los Angeles" in place of "Southern Branch."
UCLA offers 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in a variety of disciplines, with approximately 31,600 undergraduate and 14,300 graduate and professional students enrolled. UCLA received 174,914 undergraduate applications, including transfers, for Fall 2022, making it the most applied-to university in the United States. Master's programmes at UCLA are more popular than undergraduate programmes.
International students account for 22% of total PG enrollment. 38% of international students were enrolled in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering in 2021. Apart from engineering, the most popular programmes were LLM and MS Computer Science. The University of California, Los Angeles' Westwood campus spans 419 acres across the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and south into the Los Angeles basin. The university's campus has a long history of community building, with over 1,000 clubs and student organisations. Student happiness and health are the most important factor, hence the university has established the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center.
UCLA's campus is ranked second in the United States, trailing only the University of Southern California. It is a single campus with 31,600 undergraduate students and 14,300 graduate and professional students. One of the main draws for international students is the campus location. It is only 30 minutes from Hollywood and 20 minutes from Santa Monica Beach. The warm weather all year is also ideal for Indian students.
The University of California, Los Angeles, is a world-class university with 476,096 notable alumni. There are more than 140 American Indian alumni networks at UCLA. The university’s AIA is made up of American Indians who have graduated from the university. Some notable alumni include James Franco, Mayim Bialik, James Horner, and Heather Graham. In addition to these eight UCLA graduates, eight UCLA faculty members have been named Nobel Laureates.
Los Angeles, United States
Cost Of Living
California State University - Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university located in Carson, California. Established in 1960, CSUDH is part of the California State University system, which is the largest four-year public university system in the United States.
The university offers a range of academic programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as business, education, health, humanities, and social sciences. The university also offers a number of professional programs, including nursing, criminal justice, and public administration.
One of the unique features of the university is its commitment to student success. The university provides a range of resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals. This includes academic advising, tutoring, career counselling, and student success workshops.
CSUDH is also committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the diversity of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic and African American student population and has been recognized for its efforts to support underrepresented minority students. The school also offers a number of programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
In addition to its academic programs, the university has a vibrant campus community with a range of extracurricular activities and organizations. The university has over 100 student clubs and organizations, including cultural, academic, and recreational groups. The school also hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.
CSUDH has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university has implemented a number of sustainable practices, including energy-efficient buildings, solar panels, and water conservation measures. CSUDH has also been recognized for its sustainability efforts, receiving numerous awards and accolades.
Finally, the university has a strong commitment to community engagement and public service. The university is located in the heart of the South Bay region of Los Angeles and has established partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. CSUDH students are actively engaged in community service and public service projects, contributing to the betterment of the local community and beyond.
Los Angeles, United States
Cost Of Living
The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is a private, non-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1972, SCI-Arc is renowned for its innovative approach to architectural education and its emphasis on design, technology, and sustainability.
The institute of architecture has an acceptance rate of 47% and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in architecture, urban design, and related fields. Its curriculum emphasizes design thinking and hands-on learning, with a focus on experimentation and collaboration.
One of the unique features of the institute is its studio-based learning environment. Students work in teams with faculty and industry professionals to develop design solutions for real-world problems. This approach provides students with practical experience and helps them develop a strong portfolio of work that showcases their skills and creativity.
The institution is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental design. The university has a state-of-the-art fabrication lab that allows students to experiment with new materials and construction techniques. It also offers courses and programmes in sustainable design and environmental science.
Los Angeles, United States
Cost Of Living
Cal State LA, as it is commonly known, began operations on the grounds of L.A. City College. According to a law passed by the California legislature in 1947, Los Angeles State College was renamed California State University, Los Angeles. The college got university status and was given its current name in 1972. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) currently accredits the university. It is also linked to the network of California State Universities.
The university is made up of eight colleges that offer 57 undergraduate majors, 51 master's degree programmes, and four doctoral degrees in subjects such as accounting, business, science, engineering, communication, nursing, philosophy, economics, and computer science. CSU, Los Angeles, has some of the highest enrollment rates in business administration, sociology, criminal justice, child development, psychology, and other common undergraduate courses. Counselling, MBA, Social Work, Nursing, and other popular graduate programmes have seen an increase in enrollment throughout the admissions procedure.
There are 26,000 students enrolled, including over 1800 international students and 1,700 highly skilled professors. International students must meet the institution's minimum qualifying requirements, which include a minimum grade point average (GPA), results on the English language exam, and course planning. Students have access to over 130 clubs and organisations. The Career Development Centre at the university assists students at every stage of their journey, from selecting a curriculum to filling out job applications.
The university has over 2,50,000 alumni, which includes many notable individuals. Billie Jean King is an experienced tennis player who has won 39 Grand Slam titles, and Leana Wen is an author and doctor. Rosario Marin served as the 41st Treasurer of the United States. Samuel Durrance, a scientist, took part in two NASA Space Shuttle flights.
California State University - Los Angeles acceptance rate is 91% indicating that the admissions are less selective. For every 100 applicants, 91 get selected. The GPA of a student is viewed by the university's admissions officers as a critical academic factor. The applicant's high school class rank and, if any, letters of recommendation are taken into consideration by the admissions committee.
Los Angeles, United States
Cost Of Living
Loyola Marymount University is a private Jesuit and Marymount research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is the result of the unification of Marymount College, founded in 1932, and Loyola College, founded in 1917. It is housed on the Del Rey Hills in the Westchester neighbourhood of LA. It was founded in 1911 and has a diverse student body of over 10,165 undergraduate and graduate students in the fall semester of 2022. LMU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and over 50 graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including business, education, film and television production, and the liberal arts.
The university is known for its strong programmes in areas such as entrepreneurship, communications, and the arts. It has a commitment to social justice, and it is recognized for its rigorous academics and community outreach programs. There are more than 60 major and 56 minor undergraduate programs. Also has 49 master’s programs, 1 doctorate and 1 Juris doctor program at campus. Some of the popular courses availed by students are:
BS Accounting, BA African American Studies, BA Animation, BA Journalism , BBA Marketing
And BA Philosophy
Loyola Marymount in downtown Los Angeles also serves as the home to six other colleges and universities. It offers a number of year-long, semester-long, and summer study abroad programs throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It also has an Air Force ROTC programme and an Honors Program where students follow a different core curriculum. The admissions here are competitive. Students from all over the state in the US attend this university.
Admission requirements for universities in Los Angeles differ based on the specific university and program. Let's further understand the admission requirements for universities in the Los Angeles metro area:
Documents Required
Admission Process
In California, students attending public universities spend approximately $8,400 in annual tuition, based on data from the 2020-2021 academic year reported by the National Centre for Education Statistics. Meanwhile, private colleges come with an even higher price tag, at $38,500 in tuition and fees. In such cases, students attending universities in LA or anywhere else in California will require financial aid. These are the top scholarships in Los Angeles:
The Los Angeles Scholarship Fund: These are reserved for low-income students pursuing higher education, including the Los Angeles Scholarship Award and the First Generation Scholarship.
The California Community Foundation: Provides scholarships for students in the greater Los Angeles area, including the Weingart Scholarship and the Collins Scholarship.
The Asian Pacific American Community Leadership Foundation: Offers scholarships for Asian Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund: These scholarships are for Hispanic students pursuing higher education.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program: This scholarship program is offered to outstanding low-income students of all ethnicities.
The Hollywood celebrities, the TV and film sectors and stunning beaches contribute to Los Angeles' reputation as a renowned city and a sought-after vacation destination.
The average cost of studying in LA is $20,000 to $50,000
International students opting for Los Angeles enjoy the advantage of the Southern Californian climate. With sunshine throughout the year and stunning beaches, forests and mountains, it enhances the overall experience.
California State University, Stanislaus is the most affordable university in Los Angeles
Students live in areas such as Westwood, West LA, Santa Monica, Palms and Culver City.
For students, the typical monthly cost of living in Los Angeles ranges from $1,493 to $1,572.