Top 10 Universities in Los Angeles (2026) | Complete Guide for International Students

 Los Angeles (LA) is one of the world’s most influential cities for higher education. It is home to globally recognized universities. Also, it has unmatched cultural diversity, a booming innovation ecosystem, and year-round sunshine. You can study film, engineering, business, medicine, design, data science, or environmental studies. The city offers an exceptional academic landscape. In this blog, you will learn about Los Angeles universities' rankings, their specialties, and housing nearby.

Why Study in Los Angeles?

1. Global Student City

With over 135,000+ international students, LA ranks among the Top 20 QS Best Student Cities. Its multicultural ecosystem makes adaptation easy for students. Majorly, the students are from India, China, Europe, and beyond, studying at the best colleges in Los Angeles.

2. Thriving Job Market

Los Angeles hosts the second-largest economy of any US city. It has strong internships and post-study employer demands. Most students get placed on the campus of the best universities in LA.

The major industries are:

• Entertainment & media
• Tech & AI
• Healthcare & biotech
• Aerospace & engineering
• Finance
• Design & architecture

3. Innovation Capital

LA is home to more than 4,500 tech startups. It is the headquarters for Google, Hulu, Snapchat, Riot Games, SpaceX, Disney, Netflix, and more. 

Major hubs are in:

• Silicon Beach
• Playa Vista
• Santa Monica
• Culver City

4. Livability Advantage

Students love the lifestyle the city has to offer. Moreover, it has a quality of life index score of 135.56. 

Suitable for fun activities, it has:

• Mediterranean climate
• Outdoor lifestyle
• Numerous beaches, mountains, hiking trails, and cultural districts
• Food, arts, and entertainment scene unmatched by any other US city

Top 10 Universities in Los Angeles (2025 Ranking)

Below is a curated, student-focused top 10 universities in Los Angeles. It considers academics, global reputation, industry connections, campus experience, and international student support. The overview consists of universities, their grades, top programs, and Los Angeles student housing nearby.

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Location: Westwood

QS Ranking: #46 globally

Type: Public Research University

Acceptance Rate: 9%

UCLA is consistently cited as one of the best universities in Los Angeles for international students. It is known for academic excellence and an extensive research infrastructure. It also has an energetic student community. It has top-tier engineering, medicine, business, film, psychology, and life sciences programs. These attract students from over 140+ countries.

For international students, it offers visas, documentation, and cultural & academic support. The approximate tuition fees for international students are $38,000–$53,000/year. You can explore UCLA off-campus housing with convenient commute options for students. Some of the nearby student-friendly areas are Westwood Village, Brentwood, Sawtelle Japantown, and Palms. 

Why it Stands Out?

It offers strong internship access in Silicon Beach. It has one of the largest global alumni networks of 500,000+. The extensive research labs are funded by NSF, NIH, and NASA. Moreover, it has a highly walkable neighborhood.

2. University of Southern California (USC)

Location: University Park, Downtown LA

QS Ranking: #146  globally

Type: Private Research University

Acceptance Rate: 10%

USC is renowned for its engineering, business, film, and performing arts programs. Some of the popular courses are data science, game design, cinematic arts, and more. It is also a major hub for international students. It hosts over 20,000+ international learners every year. Hence, it is one of the top universities in LA.

The yearly tuition fee is approximately $63,000. You can also find USC off-campus housing for shorter commute times. If needed, you can learn how to find an apartment in LA before choosing a house to clarify what you want. Also, if you choose to study here, then Culver City and Koreatown are your best options.

Why it Stands Out?

USC has an elite alumni network, which is one of the strongest in the US. For someone dreaming of making it big in the film industry, it is an ideal choice. It has the biggest pipeline into Hollywood and global media. Moreover, it conducts extensive research in AI, robotics, computer vision, and ML. This offers major exposure to students wanting practical knowledge.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Location: Pasadena

QS Ranking: #10 globally

Type: Private STEM Research Institute

Acceptance Rate: 3%

Caltech is one of the world’s elite STEM institutions. It is known for its Nobel Prize winners and is one of the best universities in LA. It also has a partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Students often choose physics, chemical engineering, computer science, astronomy, and mathematics.

The annual tuition fee is approximately $60,000. You can explore cheap and nearby Caltech off-campus housing options now to save yourself from last-minute hassle. The closest areas are Pasadena and Altadena. Also, newcomers can get to know about the city in depth with this LA city guide.

Why it Stands Out?

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, which is the best in California. It conducts cutting-edge research in space exploration, machine learning, and bioengineering. Its direct NASA and university collaborations make it a popular choice among students.

4. Pepperdine University

Location: Malibu

QS Ranking: #131-140 in US UNI

Type: Private Christian University

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Pepperdine University offers a scenic campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is among the top 10 universities in Los Angeles for students seeking a close-knit learning environment. Some of the popular courses are psychology, business administration, communication, and finance. For someone planning to play globally, it offers the best international studies course as well. 

Pepperdine University's tuition fee is approximately $61,000/year. To make your life convenient, you can find Pepperdine off-campus housing in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica.

Why it Stands Out?

Pepperdine is a popular choice for Malibu’s safe and student-friendly environment. It has small classes and personal attention. Hence, it is one of the best colleges in Los Angeles. Moreover, students can grab excellent opportunities for global exchange programs for better exposure.

5. Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

Location: Westchester

QS Ranking: #131-140 in US UNI

Type: Private Catholic Research University

Acceptance Rate: 40%

LMU is located in the heart of Silicon Beach. It gives students prime access to tech startups and major media houses. Thus, making it one of the best universities in LA California. Students join this institute for its well-renowned programs in film production, entrepreneurship, and animation.

LMU's yearly tuition fee is around $58,000-$65,000. International students can rent their LMU off-campus housing early via amber. As we have verified properties and easy-to-book steps. The best neighborhoods to consider are Playa Vista and Playa Del Rey.

Why it Stands Out?

LMU is an elite film school among movie and theater lovers. It also harbors strong ties to LA’s media and creative sectors. Moreover, it has a modern campus with beautiful coastal views.

6. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

Location: East Los Angeles

QS Ranking: #1401+ globally

Type: Public University

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Cal State LA is one of the best universities in Los Angeles for international students. It is one of the top 10 universities in Los Angeles for affordability without compromising academic quality. Business, criminal justice, biology, mechanical engineering, and computer information systems are top programs.

Cal State LA's tuition fee is roughly $15,060/year. For budgeting, you can find your comfortable Cal State LA off-campus housing within walking distance. El Sereno and Alhambra are the nearest areas with a welcoming environment for students. 

Why it Stands Out?

It has strong upward mobility rankings. Cal State LA's affordable tuition is a prime attraction for students. While being cheap, it does not compromise on placements. It offers good industry placements in LA’s public sector.

7. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Location: Northridge, Los Angeles

Type: Public University

QS Ranking: #251-300 in US Universities

Acceptance Rate: 93%

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is one of the largest and most diverse public universities on the U.S. West Coast. It is known for its strong academic programs and supportive campus culture. Moreover, having industry partnerships across Los Angeles makes it one of the best universities in LA. Popular majors include business administration, cinema & television arts, psychology, and computer science.

Annual undergraduate tuition fees for international students are approximately $16,500–$17,000. This makes CSUN a budget-friendly choice compared to many LA institutions. Students can also find convenient CSUN off-campus housing. Some of the nearby areas are Northridge, Reseda, and Granada Hills. All these offer student-friendly pricing and transit connectivity.

Why it Stands Out?

CSUN is widely recognized for its hands-on, career-focused education. It also offers exceptional student support services. It has the country’s top film and media programs under its Department of Cinema & Television Arts. This gives students access to LA’s entertainment industry. CSUN’s David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is AACSB-accredited. This places it among the top business schools worldwide.

8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Location: Long Beach, Los Angeles County

QS Ranking: #1401+ globally

Type: Public University

Acceptance Rate: 47%

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), is one of the most competitive institutions. It is known for its beautiful coastal campus and lively student community. Due to high academic standards, CSULB consistently attracts students from around the world. Top programs include engineering, business administration, psychology, and nursing. The highly ranked College of the Arts also attracts many students. These features place it among the top 10 universities in Los Angeles.

For international students, annual tuition fees cost approximately $16,000–$17,500. This makes CSULB a strong value option given its rankings and campus environment. Students can explore CSULB off-campus housing in Long Beach neighborhoods. Belmont Shore, Traffic Circle, and Los Altos all offer easy connectivity to campus.

Why it Stands Out?

CSULB is known for its strong employability outcomes. It has deeply integrated partnerships with Southern California industries. The College of Engineering and the College of Business maintain robust internship pipelines. Recruiters are from Fortune 500 companies and aerospace firms. Moreover, top healthcare networks and tech employers also frequent the campus. CSULB is also recognized for its strong transfer success rates and student diversity. It provides a supportive academic structure. 

9. Occidental College (Oxy)

Location: Eagle Rock, Northeast LA

QS Ranking: N/A

Type: Private Liberal Arts College

Acceptance Rate: 40%

Occidental College is often called Oxy. It is a top-tier liberal arts institution known for small classes. It offers strong faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary study as well. Its standout programs include Urban & Environmental Policy, Computer Science, Diplomacy & World Affairs, Politics, and Media Arts.

Even though tuition is higher due to its private model, it is one of the top 10 universities in Los Angeles. The approximate tuition fee is $68,108 per year. But the academic support, undergraduate research focus, and alumni network add strong value. Most students look for off-campus housing at Occidental College due to the unavailability on campus. For this, Eagle Rock and Highland Park are both safe and student-friendly locations.

Why it Stands Out?

Oxy blends a classic liberal arts education with the professional advantages of Los Angeles. Its Diplomacy & World Affairs program offers pathways into global policy work. The Media Arts and CS students gain competitive internships across LA’s tech and creative industries. Students benefit from excellent research opportunities and community-based projects.

10. Otis College of Art & Design

Location: Westchester, Los Angeles

QS Ranking: #51-100 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject

Type: Private Art & Design College

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Otis College is one of LA’s leading creative institutions. It offers career-focused programs in Fashion Design, Digital Media, Fine Arts, and Toy Design. It also has close connections with studios, design firms, and major fashion houses. This makes it ideal for students pursuing creative careers in Los Angeles. The tuition fee is around $52,460 per year. For an easy commute, you can look for Otis College off-campus housing. Westchester and Playa Vista are both safe, well-connected, and close to campus.

Why it Stands Out?

Otis graduates are consistently recruited by top brands. Entertainment, fashion, gaming, and digital design firms pick skilled graduates from the campus. Besides strong industry placements, students also get hands-on studio training, making it one of the best universities in LA California.

Conclusion

Los Angeles offers an unparalleled blend of top-tier academics with global career opportunities. It also has cultural diversity and a lifestyle environment that few cities can match. It offers everything you need. From research-intensive universities to world-renowned creative programs, it is full of resources. These top 10 universities in Los Angeles have strong industry pipelines for hands-on experience opportunities. Hence, LA provides an academic ecosystem suited to every ambition.

As you plan your move to the city, preparation is key. To make your transition smoother, explore the following resources:

• Look for LA student housing options tailored to major universities
• Study the Cost of living in Los Angeles, including rent, utilities, and daily expenses
• Go through the Neighborhood guides to understand safety, commute times, and local amenities
• Choose University-specific accommodation options, especially off-campus housing near your chosen campus

Choosing the right university is only the first step. With the right housing and city insights, your Los Angeles academic journey can be both successful and unforgettable

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