Best Universities in Los Angeles: Fees, Courses & Ranking for 2025

Los Angeles, California, USA, a sunny city of dreams and ambitions, is not only the entertainment hub of the world. It is also the home of some of the most diverse and lively schools and universities. From high-ranked universities to value-for-money community colleges, LA has an attractive mix of education, culture, and career choices for students. 
 

With a huge Indian student population, Hollywood atmospherics, international industries, and a beautiful coastal climate, LA studies is a dream that yields more than a degree. It provides a lifestyle, a network, and a future influenced by innovation and diversity.

1. University of California, Los Angeles 

UCLA is a dream university for most, and rightly so. It's ranked #44 in the world, but strangely diverse and inclusive. While the fees are high (INR 25 - 40 L), the ROI is genuine, particularly for engineering, medicine, and film. With a 96% retention rate, it's clear that students adore it, and LA's industry connections ensure internships are within reach.
 

University of California, Los Angeles – Key Facts
 

2. Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount is great if you prefer small classes (10:1 student-faculty ratio), solid liberal arts foundation, and proximity to LA's film and business industries. It's well academically established but also prioritises individual development. It costs about INR 35- 45 L, but it's worth paying if you desire a faith-based but career-ready education in a beautiful West LA campus.
 

Loyola Marymount University – Key Facts
 

3. University of Southern California 

USC welcomes more than 49,000 students and is internationally recognised for film, business, and engineering programs. It has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is ranked in the top 10 for innovation, and has a 93% freshman retention rate. Its location in LA drives unrivalled industry connections and international internships.

University of Southern California – Key Facts

4. Pacific States University

If you're on a budget but you still want the LA vibe, Pacific States University is a treasure. At only INR 12.8 L in tuition and accommodating evening classes, it's perfect for working professionals or career changers. It's not glamorous, but it's efficient, perfect for business, IT, and STEM students who desire a close-knit, global setting.
 

Pacific States University – Key Facts
 

5. California State University, Los Angeles 

California State University, Los Angeles (CSU LA) is among the top value-for-money universities in LA. It has tuition of INR 13.6 L and solid programs in criminal justice, nursing, and engineering, with affordability and actual work-training to boot. It's particularly welcoming to first-gen and international students. Employers across Southern California hire here regularly because students are job-ready.

California State University, Los Angeles – Key Facts

6. California State University, Northridge 

At more than 38,000 students and 130+ programs, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is large, hectic, and convenient. It's excellent for film, education, and IT, and has strong connections to LA's film community. It's pricier (INR 50.73 L), but the range of courses and innovative atmosphere make it a solid choice for fans of visual media.
 

California State University, Northridge – Key Facts
 

7. Mt. San Antonio College

If you wish to transition into U.S. studies without burning a hole in your pocket, Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) is ideal. It is California's largest community college with solid transfer streams to UCLA and CSU. With a fee of only INR 7.41 L and an IELTS score requirement of a mere 4.5, it is perfect for students seeking flexibility and guidance.

Mt. San Antonio College – Key Details

8. Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary's educates more than 2,700 students and is among the only women's colleges on the West Coast. It provides small class sizes, leadership opportunities, and tailored learning. Renowned for its excellence in nursing, psychology, and liberal arts, it features a caring, mission-oriented campus environment.
 

Mount Saint Mary’s University – Key Facts
 

9. Dongguk University Los Angeles

Dongguk University LA has specialty programs in integrative health and Eastern medicine. The school serves a small student population and focuses on hands-on clinical experience. With a holistic curriculum combining Korean traditions and Western standards, it's a special option for alternative healthcare students.
 

Dongguk University Los Angeles – Key Facts
 

Conclusion

Los Angeles isn't only where movies are produced, it's where futures are created. With top-tier universities, proximity to Hollywood, Siilicon Beach, and a lively international student community, LA merges academics with fearless possibilities. Indian students here don't merely study, they create careers, find passions, and live a lifestyle that's both inspiring and profoundly global. 
 

Whether you want to study in University of California or Pacific States University, each university is filled with multiple academic possibilities and brimming campuses.

Contact Leapcholar to study in LA!