collageThe city boasts more than 60 colleges and universities. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) are not only the two most populous universities in the city, but they are also among LA’s leading employers.
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Explore the attractions of sunny Los Angeles, the ultimate West Coast destination. For more information about going to college in the Golden State, check out our Resources for Students in California page.
The East Coast may claim home to the City That Never Sleeps, but the West Coast has the City of Angels. Aspiring actors, musicians, entrepreneurs and the like flock to Los Angeles, California for one thing: to make dreams a reality. After all, hiking SoCal’s beautiful mountain ranges and surfing at the idyllic sunny beaches will make you feel like anything is possible. But where do the best and the brightest go to in the Los Angeles area to learn how to make their dreams come true? We’ve got the answer.
Why Study in Los Angeles?
The greater Los Angeles area houses diverse industrial, cultural, and educational sectors. Students attending college in LA can explore nearby areas and attractions. These include Hollywood, Disneyland in Anaheim, and Universal Studios near Burbank.
Major university systems like UCLA also feature locations in beach communities like Santa Monica and Long Beach, and extension sites including Woodland Hills.
Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities abound in Los Angeles, beginning in grades K-12. In 2021, the Los Angeles Unified School District increased its operating budget by a whopping 62%.
Gov. Gavin Newsom broke records with a similarly historic expansion of California’s higher learning budget. It aimed to improve college housing, campus facilities, and career training programs. Los Angeles also offers unique access to the entertainment industry, global corporations, and national organizations through internships.
Economy
Los Angeles has the third-richest city economy in the world, as the largest manufacturing center in the western U.S. and as the nation’s largest retail market. The service sector — including business, finance, healthcare, and tourism — makes up the bulk of LA’s economy.
Among the largest public finance, technology, entertainment, and healthcare entities with world headquarters near LA, The Walt Disney Co. also ranks 50th on Forbes’ Fortune 500.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living index in Los Angeles is 173, higher than the national index of 100. College students in Los Angeles can expect to pay nearly three times the national index for housing, though LA ranks lower than 100 for healthcare and utilities.
Students might consider a nationally renowned online program at one of LA’s leading colleges or universities as an alternative to residing in Los Angeles.
Cultural and Community Offerings
Named the entertainment capital of the world, LA’s glamorous history as the birthplace of Hollywood is well documented. Aside from its link to the golden age of film, Los Angeles continues to cultivate a thriving performing and visual arts culture. This includes more than 200 art museums.
The city has been home to multiple championship collegiate sports teams. It also boasts pro teams in nearly every sport, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer.
Climate
The draw of Los Angeles weather cannot be understated. People outside of California regularly flock to Los Angeles for its mild, subtropical climate. Similar to the Mediterranean but at a lower latitude, LA boasts warmer winters and slightly cooler summers along the Pacific Coast than near the Aegean Sea.
Los Angelenos enjoy an average of 284 days of sun each year. While tourism booms all year, the weather is especially mild from March to May and September to November, before “LA winter” sets in.
Top 10 Universities in Los Angeles
Pitzer College
Pitzer College creates an intimate environment while still offering all the resources of a big school. How do they do this? All seven of the Claremont Colleges (including Claremont McKenna, Pomona, Scripps and Harvey Mudd) work closely together to offer students the resources of a big school while keeping their own student body numbers low to provide the personalized attention offered by small schools. Plus, Pitzer boasts over 60 different clubs and organizations clubs. We’re talking everything from breakfast and brewing to reggae and skateboarding. Aside from clubs, Pitzer’s green bike-share program lends out bikes to students in exchange for few hours of volunteering. Promoting green initiatives with physical activity and volunteerism? Talk about killing three birds with one stone.
Pepperdine University
Any Zoey 101 fans out there? You may know Pepperdine as the Pacific Coast Academy (aka the coolest boarding school ever). Turns out, Pepperdine and the rest of Malibu look just as picturesque in person as on TV. PU loves sending their students abroad—try two-thirds of the student body—to Lausanne, Heidelberg and Buenos Aires, etc. When students grow weary of gallivanting around the world, they can participate in programs like Surf Convo and God in the Wilderness that combine spirituality with Pepperdine’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Loyola Marymount University
Walk onto campus and never again wonder why LMU consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful college campuses. The school’s hilltop location overlooks the city of L.A. and the Pacific Ocean. But LMU offers more than just a pretty view. LMU delivers extensive career and professional development support. Not only does LMU’s career development staff outline what resources will be most helpful during a student’s freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year, but their very own LionJobs links students and alumni to job and internship opportunities most suited to their interests. “I love LMU because of the community and the relationships I have created. I’m constantly being challenged inside and outside the classroom, and learning to become comfortable with the uncomfortable,” said senior Kaitlin Quigley.
UC Santa Barbara
Palm trees, the ocean breeze and a mountain backdrop—what more could you need? UCSB students have a reputation for being some of the fittest kids in the nation. Outside of class, expect to see your fellow classmates surfing in the ocean waves or jogging across campus. But aside from the athletics, Santa Barbara offers over 200 majors, degrees and credentials. Who wouldn’t want to add a Global Peace and Security or Sociocultural Linguistics minor onto their English degree? But have no fear, students who feel intimidated by larger lecture classes seek refuge in the school’s Campus Learning Assistance Services. CLAS offers workshops and tutoring on a smaller scale to give students time to adjust into a large, scholastic setting. “As someone who has lived in Northern California all his life, coming to UCSB was a major change of pace,” said senior Daniel Chan. “In the end, being here by myself allowed me to open up to trying new things and pursuing opportunity when it presents itself because the alternative was staying the same rather than growing as a person the last four years of my life.”
Pomona College
Only three miles away from the base of the San Gabriel Mountains foothills, Pomona College’s scenery takes ‘breathtaking’ to a whole new level. But you gotta work hard to get here—only 9.1 percent of applicants make the cut. The 1,640 undergraduate students who did, however, now make the most of their prime location near the mountains and the beach. One of PC’s most prized traditions, Ski-Beach day starts with skiing and snowboarding in the mountains and ends with s’mores and sunsets on the beach. When students escape Pomona’s nature and find themselves back on campus, they work hard to earn their degree. PC’s alumni network of about 25,000 offers students a seamless transition into the workforce from college, if they so please. No more moving in with Mom and Dad for a year while you “figure things out.”
Scripps College
Beyoncé reinforced the idea that girls run the world, and Scripps College makes sure that comes true. With an undergraduate student body of under 1,000, this all-women’s college works tirelessly to make their student’s career aspirations come true. Over 90 percent of the freshmen class meet one-on-one with the school’s Career Planning and Resources within their first three weeks on campus. Talk about getting a head start. Plus, 82 percent of students have at least one internship during their time at Scripps. Within three months of graduation, over 50 percent of students start working full-time. Beyoncé would be proud.
Claremont McKenna College
Leave the cutthroat mentality at the door—though Claremont McKenna teaches the best and the brightest, students don’t view each other as competition. Instead, CMC students go above and beyond to help each other out with their studies. The school’s government and economics programs may lure over 40 percent of the student body, but don’t be turned away if your interests stray. While the politically-inclined thrive on CMC’s political-activist atmosphere, anyone feels at home. Sports-enthusiasts, coffee-fanatics and music aficionados all have a club to indulge their interests. The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum also hosts four speakers a week. Past speakers include Spike Lee, Bono and former President Bill Clinton.
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd refuses to play by your typical college rules. Though they offer only nine majors, all focusing on engineering, science and mathematics, Harvey Mudd won’t let their students leave without a fully-rounded curriculum. Harvey Mudd still considers itself a liberal arts school, and students take humanities courses as part of their studies. Don’t worry, book nerds: You’ll get to read Othello for class-credit. “Harvey Mudd is an exceptional school because it approaches a technical education in an incredibly creative manner. The in-class education is designed around struggling with problems you don’t immediately know how to solve, problems where you have to call upon more than the formulas you learned in class. It’s applicable to all aspects of life general; you learn to thrive and think creatively in difficult environments,” said freshman John Little. Mudd students know they receive a once-in-a-lifetime curriculum, hence the reason why their retention rate stands high as a whopping 98 percent. If you managed to be one of the 13 percent admitted, you never want to give that up that accomplishment.
University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA gets a whole lot of screen time both in major picture films and on TV. You know when your favorite character visited Harvard, Princeton or Yale? Yeah, they were actually on the UCLA campus. UCLA’s Westwood location houses the school in a quaint but quirky bubble. From tiny boutiques to Diddy Riese Cookies, you never need to leave Westwood (though you probably should explore the rest of L.A., too). The faculty also includes 13 Nobel laureates, 12 MacArthur fellows and 3 Pulitzer Prize winners. As far as sports go, students proudly brag about their D-1 teams. On game days, the entire student body turns blue and gold. “After having been here a while I can say that there is definitely an atmosphere of competition, but rather than it being a negative influence, I found myself challenged to grow in ways that I would never have experienced anywhere else,” said senior Karen Tolentino. “Everyone here feels very honored and happy to be here and there is a ton of school pride- way more than most schools I’ve seen, which was one of the things that stood out the most when I first arrived. I love this school and couldn’t be prouder to call myself a Bruin.”
University of Southern California (USC)
Lights, camera, action. Film students have long been drawn to USC for its film school (George Lucas did go here after all), but USC draws more than just aspiring filmmakers. Beautiful brick buildings and glorious gardens make the sprawling landscape of Los Angeles feel close-knit—while still providing students with all the luxuries of a big city. “One common thread I’ve noticed between all students at USC is that everyone has a community. Regardless of majors, interests and causes, you’ll find others just as passionate as you are—about anything. College is what you make of it, and I’ve made USC my home,” said sophomore Ivana Giang. With an impressive student retention rate of 97 percent, a student’s four years at USC really do become the best four years of his or her life. For a school of its size (hello, 19,000 undergrads), USC boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of only nine to one. Forget getting lost in a hundred-person lecture hall. At USC you know your professor by name and, more importantly, they know your name, too.
Best Community Colleges In Los Angeles
Finding the best community college for your further studies in Los Angeles can be overwhelming. But our list of best community colleges will help you to narrow your search and figure out exactly where you want to go.
The city has one of the highest percentages of colleges and universities offering various degree programs, scholarships and amazing opportunities. The colleges in Los Angeles offer a selection of education options as vast as the state.
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College was founded in 1929. It is a public institution offering higher education. It is a small institution, with a total of 3,999 undergraduate students enrolled. As a comprehensive community college, LACC courses and academic programs designed to provide students with the required information, knowledge and skills to work effectively and creatively in this regard.
Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 7,538 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 323-953-4000
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College was established in 1947 and is the third-largest college. The college offers programs that include Associate of Art, Associate of Science degrees and certificates. The admission required in High School Certificate and a GED for students. International students should have the chance to the internship. It is accredited by the Western Schools and Colleges Association, accreditation Board.
Ranking: #4 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,186 USD, Domestic tuition 7,978 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 714-432-5072 or
arinfo@occ.cccd.edu
Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College was founded in 1924. It offers associate degree programs in music, health care, languages, mathematics, arts, product design, television, and radio. The college offers athletic programs in the fields of basketball, swimming, cross country, tennis, track and field, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and football. Across several ways, the college provides internship opportunities for graduates.
Ranking: #14 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,166 USD, Domestic tuition 7,548 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 626-585-7123
Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College, in Irvine, California, is a community college. The college offers a two-year degree and certificate programs for art and science associates. The university provides students with grant scholarships and financial aid. In-state California residents’ living cost estimate for going to college is $21,089 for the academic year. It is funded by a combination of state and local tax dollars, supplemented by private donations from individuals and corporations via the college’s foundation.
Ranking: #23 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,142 USD, Domestic tuition 8,054 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 949-451-5100
Cerritos College
Cerritos College was founded in 1955 and is a California public research community college. The college offers graduations and certificates in 87 study areas. For the academic year, the total living expense budget for in-state California residents going to Cerritos College is $20,730. For students, the admission required is a high school diploma, GPA, SAT and ACT score.
Ranking: #26 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,346 USD, Domestic tuition 8,710 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 562-860-2451
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College, founded in 1926. The college provides programs for graduation and the certification. It is a constituent community college district of the California Community College System (CCCS), whose only college is GCC. The in-state tuition and fees for 2017-2018 were $1,175, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $6,335.
Ranking: #27 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,175 USD, Domestic tuition 6,719 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 818-240-1000
Pierce College
Pierce College is a college that opens to the public community. The college provides graduation programs for 44 associates and 78 Certificates. The college is composed of 18 faculty members. The Western Schools and Colleges Association accredit it. It serves 22,000 pupils every semester. It offers courses in 92 academic disciplines covering more than 100 subjects.
Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,220 USD, Domestic tuition 7,746 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 818-719-6404 or special_services@piercecollege.edu
Chaffey College
Chaffey College, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is a public community college. It is California’s oldest Community college. The college offers programs for associate degrees and work certificates in business, accounting and financial services, marketing, cybersecurity and criminal matters. The college serves students in Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland. It is the oldest community college in California.
Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,172 USD, Domestic tuition 7,604 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 909-652-6000
Cypress College
Cypress College places emphasis on individual student education. Instructional excellence and individualized laboratories of learning enhance students’ ability to achieve their highest potential. This offers 55 associate degrees, 58 transfer majors, and 145 technical programs leading to associate degrees and certificates in a variety of general education.
Ranking: #1 in Best Community Colleges
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,140 USD, Domestic tuition 6,158 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 714-484-7000
East Los Angeles College
East Los Angeles College is part of the California Community Colleges System and member of the Los Angeles Community College District. The college offers Associate Degrees, Certificates, and 873 Degrees for Transfer. The student-faculty ratio is 30-to-1. The college provides sports programs in soccer, basketball, cross-country, football, track & field and wrestling.
Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 1,220 USD, Domestic tuition 7,746 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 323-265-8650
Best Private Colleges in Los Angeles
The state of California has an extensive public education system. In fact, it has 111 community colleges alone. LA has a wealth of community colleges, public and private four-year universities and online colleges.
The largest community college by enrollment is Los Angeles City College (LACC). It was established in 1929 and has 16,042 students. According to the California Colleges website, one unique feature of LCC is its multi-ethnic student base that ranges in age from high school students to senior citizens. LACC offers degrees and certificates in music, nursing, engineering, and many other areas of study. The school also offers career and vocational programs for students who want to pursue careers in areas such as law enforcement, business, entertainment, and child development.
Other two-year public colleges in LA include Los Angeles Harbor College and West Los Angeles College.
In addition to two-year colleges, LA has two four-year state universities. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) serves 18,074 students and accepts 67.5 percent of those who apply each year, according to U.S. News & World Report. CSU Northridge (CSUN) has 31,119 students and has a 46.2 percent acceptance rate. Both universities offer numerous degrees, credentials and certificates for undergraduate as well as graduate students. Some examples include: African American studies, social work, urban learning, and exercise science.
Los Angeles is also home to the well known University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). According to the institution’s website, UCLA is the most applied-to university in the U.S. UCLA’s 42,163 students can choose from over 125 majors and more than 80 minors. Areas of study available include music history, Asian American studies, dance, and statistics. UCLA has five academic divisions: letters and science; arts and architecture; engineering and applied science; nursing; and theater, film and television.
Los Angeles also has a number of private four-year institutions, including the University of Southern California (USC), Anitoch University Los Angeles, American Film Institute Conservatory, American Jewish University, Occidental College, Marymount College, and Mount St. Mary’s College. These institutions provide a mix of undergraduate and graduate degrees and sometimes revolve around special interests such as the arts or a highly religious campus environment.
To get a better idea of the range of two- and four-year higher education options LA has, here are just a few choice students have:
| Institution | Type | Training/Degrees Offered |
| Los Angeles City College | Public | Certificates, Associate’s degrees |
| Los Angeles Harbor College | Public | Certificates, Associate’s degrees |
| West Los Angeles College | Public | Certificates of achievement or skill, Associate’s degrees |
| California State University Los Angeles | Public | Certificates, Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, PhD |
| California State University Northridge | Public | Teaching credentials, Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, PhD |
| University of California Los Angeles | Public | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, PhD, Continuing education |
| University of Southern California | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, PhD, Continuing education |
| Mount St. Mary’s College | Not for Profit Private | Certificates, Associate’s degrees, graduate degrees |
| Marymount College | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees |
| Occidental College | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees |
| American Jewish University | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, Continuing education |
| Alliant International University | Not for Profit Private | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees |
Best Medical Colleges in Los Angeles
The golden state’s capital is home to some of the country’s most prestigious and competitive medical schools. Besides receiving a top-notch education, it’s not difficult to understand why people flock to Los Angeles for school- think sunshine, beaches, excitement, culture, and more.
If you’re interested in some of the medical schools in Los Angeles but don’t know where to start, keep reading to learn which schools you can apply to and why you should.
Below are descriptions of three of Los Angeles’s major medical schools, including the average MCAT scores of accepted applicants and admission requirements.
University of Southern California: Keck School of Medicine
Established in 1885 at the University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine was the region’s first medical school and is overall California’s second-oldest medical school. It is located at USC’s Health Science campus in northeastern Los Angeles.
About the Keck School of Medicine
Keck School of Medicine focuses on providing a well-rounded curriculum, allowing students to work closely with faculty mentors.
It is also known for its robust clinical teaching experience, which starts during the program’s first weeks. Students train at the school’s more than a dozen affiliated teaching hospitals, including LAC+USC Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and Keck Hospital of USC.
Apart from an M.D., students can enroll in combination degrees such as the MD/MBA program and MD/P.h.D program.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
- There are no specific course requirements but USC emphasizes competency in sciences at the time of application
- Applicants must apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and Keck’s supplemental application
- Required documents: official transcripts, MCAT scores (USC considers all of an applicant’s MCAT scores), and 3 letters of recommendation
Notable Alumni
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan: Pediatrician and clinical scientist who is globally recognized for her work on HIV and tuberculosis. She also served as the Chief Scientist for the World Health Organization
Dr. David Drew Pinsky: Known as Dr. Drew, is an internist, addiction medicine specialist, and American media personality
University of California, Los Angele- David Geffen School of Medicine
Located at the southeast corner of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)’s campus in northeastern Los Angeles, the David Geffen School of Medicine is an internationally recognized leader in medical education. It repeatedly ranks among the best schools in the country,
About the David Geffen School of Medicine
Its curriculum is divided into three phases: Human Biology and Diseases, Core Clinical Clerkship, and 4th Year Colleges. The initial phase takes on a more relaxing pass/fail grading system, as well as an organ-based approach. You will spend a certain number of weeks solely studying the anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, and genetic background of the lungs.
Like its USC counterpart, students can enroll in combined degree programs. Notably, it offers the UCLA/PRIME which prepares students to be proactive leaders in policy, care, and research for patients in disadvantaged communities.
For clinical clerkships, students train within the top-ranked hospital Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, as well as its other affiliated hospitals.
Admission Materials
- UCLA requires Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with at least 3 years of coursework
- There are no specific course requirements but UCLA emphasizes competency in sciences at the time of application
- Application must be filled out through AMCAS
- Required documents: official transcripts, MCAT scores (UCLA considers all of an applicant’s MCAT scores), and 3-5 letters of recommendation
- Must complete the Association of American Medical Colleges Professional Readiness Exam
Notable Alumni
Dr. David Da-i Ho: a physician, researcher, and virologist known for his groundbreaking research on HIV
Dr. Berry Paw: a pediatrician and biologist who discovered a gene responsible for hemoglobin production in humans
University of College Irvine: Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences
This University of College Irvine (UCI)’s medical school is located in a suburb of Orange County and is known for its research institute, which emphasizes innovations in stem cell therapies, cancer research, and more.
About the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences
UCI is one of the first medical schools to offer students a completely digital learning option, achieved through an interactive and comprehensive iPad-based curriculum. Each incoming student receives an iPad with curriculum materials, clinical apps, and digital textbooks.
Interestingly, students also receive portable ultrasound devices to promote the use of this noninvasive diagnostic tool.
UCI offers dual degree programs, such as a combined MD/MPH in public health and its Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (referred to as PRIME-LC).
Students mainly train at the UCI Medical Center during clinical rotations, which has been rated among the best hospitals in the United States for 18 years consecutively.
Admission Materials
- UCI requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university by the time of matriculation and at least 3 years of coursework
- Prerequisites include 1.5 years of biology, 2 years of chemistry, 1 year of physics, and 1 semester or 1 quarter of humanities. (Coursework in anatomy, biostatistics, calculus, and more are recommended)
- Application must be filled out through AMCAS
- Required documents: official transcripts, MCAT scores, and 3-6 (recommended) letters of recommendation
Notable Alumni
Dr. Laila Al-Marayati: an obstetrician-gynecologist and activist for the Muslim community. She served as a presidential appointee to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Benefits of Medical Schools in Los Angeles
As the second-largest city in the United States, the City of Angels has a lot to offer for any type of person. For some, its beautiful year-round weather is enough to justify the move, while others might see the move as a great networking opportunity. Keep reading to find out which of the medical schools in Los Angeles could be right for you.
Nature
Los Angeles offers superb geographical diversity like no other place. Driving an hour or less from the city can land you in a desert, a mountain, or a beach. You can swim and surf on the iconic beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica one weekend and hike or ski in the Angeles national forests the next.
Study-life balance is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being as a medical student. Having multiple outlets for fun, inspiration, and relaxation is a priority for many people.
Fun in the City
If you’re not an outdoorsy person, don’t worry. Spend your weekends at the various cultural districts such as Koreatown and Little Italy, or visit the city’s diverse number of museums. Think the Getty Center on one end of the spectrum and the quirky Museum of Neon Art on the other.
A film buff or pop culture fanatic? As the entertainment industry hub of the U.S., the appeal of L.A. goes without saying.
Professional Connections
The great deal of hospitals and private practices offer many opportunities for internships, fellowships, networking, and more compared to smaller cities.
Considerations Before You Apply
Like with anything, there are pros and cons. Keep reading for what you should keep in mind before applying to medical schools in Los Angeles.
Cost of Living
Living in L.A. is more expensive than in most cities. For some perspective, however, it costs about 20% less to live in than New York City.
At UCLA, the vast majority of first-year medical students live in student housing on campus. Student housing can offer cheaper alternatives, especially if you have children and seek out university-family housing.
Commute
When considering where to live, It’s also important to keep in mind that L.A. is notorious for bad traffic. Thankfully, the city’s public transit is amongst the best in the country, but make sure to consider the commute time before signing a lease.
Competition
It’s essential to keep in mind that L.A. schools are very competitive and may be challenging to get into. They consistently rank within the top 100 medical programs in America. UCLA, in particular, lands within the top 20 and has an acceptance rate of 2.2%.
However, exceptional education and facilities come with this prestige, so it can be more than worth it if you think you are a competitive candidate for L.A. schools.
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