Universities in Los Angeles, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Los Angeles, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Los Angeles
  • 06 Mar, 2024: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings. University of California, Los Angeles with highest ranking among universities in Los Angeles ranked #22.
  • 25 Jan, 2024: New edition of THE World’s Most International Universities. 2 universities in Los Angeles ranked.
  • 19 Dec, 2023: Publication of URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance. University of California, Los Angeles with highest ranking among universities in Los Angeles ranked #21.
  • 15 Dec, 2023: New edition of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). University of Southern California in position #151.

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is of course best known for being the epicentre of the American entertainment industry, but it is also a city that has something to offer for very diverse of people.

Many neighbourhoods in Los Angeles are connected by what are known as ‘secret staircases’, which have been inherited by the city from a time before mass transportation, and they offer a way to get to know the city more intimately.

Some other lesser known attractions are Echo Park Lake and the Botanical Garden at Huntington Library, great places for those who want to relax far away from the huge crowds often associated with L.A.


Rankings of universities in Los Angeles, USA 2024

  • #12 
  • #18 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #27 
  • #27 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #13 
  • #29 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 31 more rankings of University of California, Los Angeles and subject specific rankings for 12 subjects

  • #30 
  • #74 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #19 
  • #19 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #29 
  • #116 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 31 more rankings of University of Southern California and subject specific rankings for 13 subjects

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 597 student ratings)
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  • #90 
  • #90 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #449 
  • #3494 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #68 
  • #68 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 8 more rankings of Loyola Marymount University and subject specific rankings for 5 subjects


Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 16 student ratings)
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  • #302 
  • #1942 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #48 
  • #48 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #262 
  • #2250 
URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
[Published 19 December, 2023]
Show 2 more rankings of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

  • #95 
  • #95 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #431 
  • #3350 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #97 
  • #99 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 7 more rankings of Occidental College

#6
USA

Southern California Institute of Architecture

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 123 student ratings)
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  • #174 
  • #178 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #202 
  • #205 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1136 
  • #7346 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

  • #356 
  • #365 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #494 
  • #513 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #592 
  • #595 
MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022]
Show 1 more rankings of Otis College of Art and Design

#8
USA

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

Student satisfaction: 4.4 / 5.0 (based on 2995 student ratings)
  • #779 
  • #5388 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#9
USA

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 122 student ratings)
  • #883 
  • #5961 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#10
USA

Pacific States University

  • #1660 
  • #11930 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#11
USA

American Film Institute Conservatory

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 62 student ratings)
  • #830 
  • #5713 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#12
USA

Southwestern Law School

Student satisfaction: 4.4 / 5.0 (based on 71 student ratings)
  • #1310 
  • #8142 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#13
USA

American Jewish University

Student satisfaction: 4.2 / 5.0 (based on 54 student ratings)
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  • #1452 
  • #8954 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 670 student ratings)
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  • #454 
  • #401 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #195 
  • #1401 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
  • #283 
  • #1811 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 9 more rankings of California State University, Los Angeles and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects

  • #235 
  • #236 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #360 
  • #369 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #362 
  • #373 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 3 more rankings of Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

#16
USA

Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Student satisfaction: 4.9 / 5.0 (based on 18 student ratings)

#17
USA

School of Business, California Trinity University


Highest subject rankings of universities in Los Angeles

Education US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#3 
University of California, Los Angeles
Entrepreneurship The Princeton Review: Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship
#5 
University of Southern California
Anthropology QS World University Rankings By Subject
#7 
University of California, Los Angeles
Medicine QS World University Rankings By Subject
#9 
University of California, Los Angeles
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#11 
University of California, Los Angeles
Mathematics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#12 
University of California, Los Angeles
Law GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#13 
University of California, Los Angeles
Journalism URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#14 
University of Southern California
Chemistry QS World University Rankings By Subject
#15 
University of California, Los Angeles
Engineering US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#16 
University of California, Los Angeles

Student Opinions About Studying in Los Angeles

“The locals here avoid the most touristy beaches and instead prefer beaches like El Matador, Cabrillo, Topanga and Abalone Cove. These are great ways to relax in this busy city without having to deal with huge crowds of tourists.”

“I made the mistake of not selecting my apartment based on the location of my university, so I ended up commuting for 2 hours every day which I really wish I could have avoided. Overall though the city is very alive and offers plenty of events and opportunities for connecting with people involved in the entertainment industry.”

“It can be hard to make friends in L.A sometimes because it seems like most people are mainly worried about advancing their careers and not much else. If you’re studying, make sure you take advantage of the clubs and societies available on your campus for meeting like-minded people, but if you’re not studying there are plenty of Facebook groups you can join with this purpose in mind.”

Los Angeles Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • Since Los Angeles is a city devoted to the entertainment business, you can find all manner of live performances, whether it be music, plays, or comedy. The city has a long-standing reputation for attracting aspiring artists.

  • L.A is the place to be for all those who are looking to make contacts and connections in the entertainment industry, but that’s not all L.A is. For the rest of us who don’t dream of being on the big screen, L.A offers large municipal parks, observatories, a vibrant nightlife, and much more.

  • Students who attend universities participating in the U-Pass program are entitled to a transit pass, which gives unlimited usage of all Metro services in L.A. For many students, this will be a crucial money-saver, so it’s recommended to get it as soon as possible.

CONS

  • Many residents of Los Angeles advise newcomers to try to find an apartment in the area that you will most often need to be during your day-to-day routine, as the public transport isn’t very reliable, or affordable. If you don’t do this, you may spend a good portion of your day commuting.

  • Rent prices are generally high. The most expensive areas for housing are Santa Monica, Venice, and Beverly Hills. In general, better rental prices can be found in San Fernando Valley (or just ‘the Valley’ for the locals).

  • Living in Los Angeles is not realistic on minimum wage, so it’s recommended to try to arrange your work situation prior to arrival.


15 out of 17 Universities in Los Angeles Ranked in at least one ranking

40 Different Rankings list Universities in Los Angeles (29 institution and 11 subject rankings)

34 Global Rankings rank Universities in Los Angeles Among TOP 200

Population: 3899000

Elevation: 89 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -8

District/province: California, Los Angeles County

Living costs for students in Los Angeles:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 90* (10% cheaper than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 85* (15% cheaper than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 91* (9% cheaper than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Los Angeles

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FAQ

University of California, Los Angeles ranks #1 in Los Angeles in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in Los Angeles University of Southern California is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 48 rankings where University of Southern California is listed.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of Southern California is ranked best in Los Angeles for Business (Entrepreneurship). See all rankings for the University of Southern California.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Social Studies & Humanities (Anthropology). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Medicine & Health (Medicine). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of Southern California is ranked best in Los Angeles for Journalism & Media Studies (Journalism). See all rankings for the University of Southern California.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Natural Sciences (Chemistry). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

University of California, Los Angeles is ranked best in Los Angeles for Architecture, Building & Planning (Architecture). See all rankings for the University of California, Los Angeles.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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Kiplinger

Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:

Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%

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MONEY

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Public Colleges:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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The Princeton Review

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Thomson Reuters

Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:

Patent Volume 33% Patent Citations 34% Industry Article Citation Impact 11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%

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Urap

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Us News

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Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:

Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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