34 best universities in Los Angeles, California 2024

Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles is known as the largest city in California and the second largest metropolis in the United States. Also, it is a city of entertainment, sun and surfing, filmmaking, world-class stars and luxury holidays. In addition to a high standard of living and interesting leisure activities, high-quality education in a very international environment will be available to you in Los Angeles. It is not surprising that the universities of Los Angeles, as well as the whole of California, are the American leaders in the number of entrance applications from students. Everyone wants to study in the "city of angels"!

Numerous high quality educational programs in Los Angeles are offered to the international students, wishing to receive higher education. There is a great opportunity to get a master's degree or to conduct research at the doctoral dissertation level in well-equipped institutions, regardless of the PhD course you choose.

The international students are offered to study acute highly effective courses across a wide range of disciplines, including Business administration, law, medicine, social sciences, information technologies, cultural studies, journalism, PR.

There are approximately 40 universities in Los Angeles. At one of the most modern film studios in Hollywood, at the University of Southern California, the foreign students learn to make films, and at Caltech they study the best specialists in the field of science and technology. Below detailed information about conditions of admission to universities in Los Angeles, cost of studying is provided.

Los Angeles boasts a vibrant higher education landscape, offering a plethora of opportunities for international students to pursue their academic and career goals. The American educational system encompasses middle education, Bachelor's, Master's, and postgraduate programs, with the latter three constituting higher education in Los Angeles. Aspiring scholars can access prestigious colleges and universities that cater to their diverse academic needs.

In the United States, the terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle distinction. Many colleges may not offer research programs and doctoral studies, whereas universities provide comprehensive educational opportunities, including Bachelor's degree programs. These institutions are further categorized into state and private universities, with private universities generally recognized for their prestige, albeit often accompanied by a higher cost.

Additionally, an intermediate stage in the American higher education system is represented by two-year community colleges. Here, students can pursue incomplete higher education, known as an associate degree. Graduates from these programs can either enter the workforce directly or seamlessly transition to the third year of a university, often with lower tuition fees. This option is particularly popular among international students.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What are the criteria for evaluating American universities? How accurate is it?

The rankings are different, and therefore the criteria are different. Subtleties are covered such as the academic level of graduates, “retention rate” (how many students complete study programs), social mobility, and the number of recipients of financial aid. The final performance and GPA, academic reputation of students, resources of institutes and faculties, salaries of teachers, the number of doctoral / postdoctoral degrees among teachers (especially for those who are employed full-time at the university) can be taken into account.

They pay attention to the selectivity of students (which applicants scored SAT points, which results they showed in high school), financial indicators per student and the amount of debt of graduates (a common thing: many take out loans for education). Some rankings also use the parameter of academic citation, the intensity of research by the teaching staff. In general, there are more criteria than the rankings themselves!

1. University of California:

• A state higher educational institution with a rich legacy.

• Proudly counts 13 Nobel laureates among its alumni and is renowned for sporting excellence.

• In 2015, it secured the 12th spot in the Times Higher Education global university rankings.

• Offers an extensive array of academic disciplines, encompassing fields such as science, literature, art, architecture, engineering, applied sciences, medicine, theater, cinema, and television.

Remarkable Fact: UCLA, a part of the University of California system, is highly regarded for its graduate employment opportunities, ranking second globally, only behind Stanford University.

2. University of Southern California:

• The oldest private university in the United States.

• Distinguished for producing professionals in fields like law, arts, technology, international business, biology, medicine, and linguistics.

• Situated in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the entertainment industry, with a notable modern film studio.

• Attracts an impressive international student population, with around 7,000 students hailing from over a hundred countries each year.

Notable Alumni: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, among others, have significantly contributed to the university's film legacy.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech):

• Caltech, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is synonymous with innovation in exact sciences and engineering.

• Manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, responsible for launching the majority of NASA's automated spacecraft.

• Boasts 32 Nobel laureates, recipients of national scientific medals, and honorees in technology and innovation.

• Despite its academic excellence, Caltech maintains a relatively small student body, consisting of approximately 900 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students.

Noteworthy: Caltech plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific exploration and discovery.

4. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM):

• Given Los Angeles' status as a global hub for entertainment and media, FIDM attracts students aspiring to excel in this industry.

• Offers 26 accredited educational programs, including associate and Bachelor degrees.

• Programs span a variety of disciplines such as merchandising, marketing, visual communication, design, business management, media, fashion, shoe and jewelry design, and beauty industry management.

• Provides opportunities for MBA degrees and online education options.

• Collaborates with renowned brands like Lacoste and GUESS and engages with the popular TV show "Project Runway."

5. Loyola Marymount University:

• Established over a century ago, Loyola Marymount University hosts more than 9,000 students across seven academic schools and colleges.

• Offers programs in diverse fields, including business administration, communications, humanities, law, education, cinema and television, science, and engineering.

• The university's cinematography and MBA programs, coupled with its picturesque urban campus, have received recognition from various rankings.

The application process for admission to these prestigious institutions typically involves:

• Completing an online application, often accompanied by a fee of approximately $100.

• Submitting two concise essays that provide insights into your background, aspirations, hopes, achievements, and more.

• Presenting documents confirming your graduation from high school or another educational institution, along with recent grades if a certificate is unavailable.

• Furnishing test results, such as SAT, TOEFL, or others, depending on program requirements.

• Providing information about annual income (yours or your parents'), although this is not mandatory unless you're applying for scholarships or financial aid.

• Offering relevant details, including your social security number, if applicable.

• Sharing information about citizenship or visa status.

• Managing payments through a credit card, which can be used to pay fees and provide payment certificates.

• Acquiring recommendation letters from relevant sources.

The overall cost of studying in Los Angeles encompasses expenses like accommodation in a residence, meals, books, educational materials, transportation, and pocket money. On average, this comprehensive package amounts to approximately $59,000. However, choosing to rent a flat or reside with relatives can significantly reduce tuition fees. Furthermore, scholarships and grants are available to support students in their pursuit of higher education, albeit often limited to US citizens or permanent residents. Nevertheless, numerous sponsorship and loan programs cater to the needs of international students, facilitating their educational aspirations in Los Angeles.

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