Los Angeles College of Music: 82.8% Acceptance Rate

82.8%Acceptance

$25,650Tuition

267Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,758Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Los Angeles College of Music

This specialized music college trains performers and industry professionals in a focused environment of just 267 students. The school built its reputation around hands-on music education since 1996, drawing aspiring musicians from across the country to Pasadena. Students get intensive attention with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. Most applicants gain admission, with an 82.83% acceptance rate reflecting the school's emphasis on passion over test scores.

The financial reality hits hard for music students here. The average net price reaches $40,853 annually, creating significant debt loads. Graduates carry a median debt of $27,938 but earn just $31,758 ten years after graduation. Many struggle with loan payments of $296 monthly while building music careers. Only 52.70% successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate of 90.9% looks promising, but early career earnings of $18,583 five years out reveal the financial challenges facing music industry professionals.

Students commit seriously to their craft, with 68.52% returning for sophomore year. The quarter system keeps pace intense and focused. Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, typical for contemporary music programs. Only 40.74% graduate within four years, reflecting both the demanding curriculum and the reality that many students leave early for professional opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

The Los Angeles College of Music delivers intensive, specialized training for aspiring musicians and music industry professionals. With a 5:1 student-faculty ratio among just 267 students, every musician gets personalized attention from working professionals. The school focuses on contemporary music performance, music production, and music business rather than traditional classical training. Students work with small cohorts in programs like guitar performance, vocal performance, music producing and recording, and music business. However, the 40.74% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of breaking into the music industry. Many students leave to pursue professional opportunities before completing their degrees, which the school actually encourages when the right career moment arrives.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 0.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 40.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.4%
Retention Rate: 68.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,758

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Music.	Associate	$21,052

View all 5 programs →

Campus Life

This small music conservatory houses just 267 students in the heart of Pasadena, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. With only 104 on-campus housing spots available, most students commute from nearby apartments or live at home. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with instructors in practice rooms and recording studios scattered throughout the urban campus.

Pasadena's year-round sunshine means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees. The quarter system keeps the academic pace intense, matching the professional music industry's demanding schedule. Students spend weekends gigging at LA venues, collaborating in home studios, or attending concerts across the sprawling music scene. With 60% male enrollment, the gender balance tilts toward men, typical for contemporary music programs. The 68% retention rate reflects both the program's intensity and the reality that music careers often pull students toward opportunities before graduation. Most students treat this as professional training rather than traditional college life.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 104 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1996

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	0	0	1	1
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 47°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

LACM draws aspiring musicians from across the country, with nearly three-quarters of students coming from outside California. The student body reflects the male-dominated nature of many music industry fields, with men making up about 60% of enrollment. The school attracts a racially diverse group of students seeking hands-on music training. With roughly one in four students receiving Pell Grants, LACM serves students from various economic backgrounds who are serious about pursuing music careers. The small enrollment of 267 creates an intimate environment where students can focus intensively on their craft.

Men: 60.3%
Women: 39.7%
White: 29.6%
Black: 5.2%
Hispanic: 14.6%
Asian: 4.1%
In-State Students: 27.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.1%

Location

LACM sits in Pasadena, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The school draws students from across the country, with only 27.45% coming from California. Pasadena offers a mid-sized city environment with easy access to LA's massive music industry. The area combines suburban charm with urban opportunities, featuring the famous Rose Bowl and tree-lined streets near the San Gabriel Mountains. Students can reach Hollywood recording studios, concert venues, and music labels within 30 minutes. The quarter system keeps pace with the fast-moving entertainment industry. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Los Angeles College of Music with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pasadena, California 91105

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,758
Median Earnings (5 years): $18,583
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $296/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,938

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Los Angeles College of Music?

Los Angeles College of Music accepts 82.83% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for aspiring musicians. The school focuses on specialized music education and performance training rather than maintaining highly selective admissions standards.

How much does Los Angeles College of Music cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $40,853 annually, though only 26.11% receive financial aid. The total cost of attendance reaches $43,803, making this specialized music education a significant investment with graduates earning a median of $31,758 ten years after graduation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Los Angeles College of Music?

The college maintains an exceptional 5:1 student-faculty ratio with just 267 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for intensive one-on-one instruction that's essential for developing musical performance and technical skills.

Does Los Angeles College of Music have good graduation rates?

The school graduates 40.74% of students within four years and 47.40% within six years. These rates reflect the challenging nature of pursuing a professional music career, though 90.9% of graduates find employment in their field.

Where do students live at Los Angeles College of Music?

The Pasadena campus houses only 104 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $17,253 annually. Most of the 267 students commute from the greater Los Angeles area, with 72.55% coming from out of state to pursue specialized music training.

How much debt do Los Angeles College of Music graduates typically have?

Graduates carry a median debt of $27,938, resulting in monthly loan payments of $296. With a loan repayment rate of 52.70%, about half of borrowers successfully make progress on their debt, reflecting the financial challenges of music industry careers where median earnings start at $18,583 five years post-graduation.