About Los Angeles Harbor College
At $11,245 average net price, Harbor College costs less than most California colleges. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,367 after aid. The investment pays off quickly for many graduates who enter skilled trades. Median earnings jump to $76,684 one year after graduation, though this drops to $41,133 after ten years as some students transition between jobs or industries. With only 0.59% of students taking federal loans, most avoid debt entirely.
The student body splits 60% women to 40% men across nine varsity sports programs. Nearly 95% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the college's focus on hands-on training in high-demand fields keeps the 91.5% employment rate strong.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 28.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,133
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,957 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $11,234 |
Campus Life
With 6,496 students and no dormitories, campus empties quickly after classes end. The 28:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you're part of larger lecture halls, especially in general education courses. Most students work jobs in the nearby ports or logistics companies between classes. The 58.50% Hispanic majority reflects the surrounding working-class neighborhood where many families have deep roots in maritime industries.
Weekends revolve around family time and work rather than campus activities. The Seahawks compete in just 9 varsity sports with 154 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic achievements than athletics. Students often transfer to Cal State Long Beach or other four-year schools after completing prerequisites at this affordable stepping stone.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1949
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 47°–66°F
- July Avg
- 61°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 13.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.3%
- Women
- 59.7%
- White
- 15.7%
- Black
- 11.0%
- Hispanic
- 58.5%
- Asian
- 7.8%
- In-State Students
- 94.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.8%
Location
- Address
- Wilmington, California 90744-2397
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,133
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,870
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Los Angeles Harbor College select students for admission?
As a community college, Los Angeles Harbor College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 6,496 students primarily from the local harbor area, with 94% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the maritime industry center of Wilmington.
What does Los Angeles Harbor College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,245 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $10,367, while in-state tuition starts at just $1,238 before other expenses. Only 23% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's role as an affordable option for working-class families in the harbor area.
What academic programs is Los Angeles Harbor College known for?
The college specializes in maritime and trade programs that align with the bustling Port of Los Angeles nearby. With a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, classes focus on practical skills for the shipping and logistics industries. The semester-based calendar allows students to balance coursework with work opportunities in one of the nation's largest port complexes.
What career outcomes can students expect from Los Angeles Harbor College?
Graduates achieve a strong 91.5% employment rate, with median earnings of $41,133 ten years after enrollment. The college's 36% six-year graduation rate reflects its role serving working students who often attend part-time. Students benefit from proximity to major employers in shipping, logistics, and manufacturing throughout the Los Angeles harbor region.
What is the campus environment like at Los Angeles Harbor College?
The campus serves a diverse student body that is 59% Hispanic and 60% female, reflecting the surrounding Wilmington community. With 154 student-athletes competing in 9 varsity sports as the Seahawks, the college maintains a modest but active athletic program. The large city setting provides access to internships and jobs in the massive port complex just minutes away.
Does Los Angeles Harbor College offer athletic scholarships?
The college awards $0 in athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic accessibility and workforce preparation. The Seahawks compete as an independent program across 9 varsity sports with 154 total athletes. This approach reflects the institution's mission as a community college prioritizing affordable education over competitive athletics recruitment.
