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$1,238Tuition
13,029Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,521Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Los Angeles Pierce College

Pierce College serves as a launching pad for students across the San Fernando Valley, with 13,029 students taking advantage of its full community college programs. The campus sits in suburban Woodland Hills, offering everything from transfer preparation to career training in fields like agriculture, nursing, and automotive technology. Pierce stands out among LA's community colleges for its working farm and veterinary program, giving students hands-on experience with livestock and crops right in the heart of the city.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students pay an average net price of $11,196, which drops to just $10,111 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $44,521 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $12,936 quite manageable. With monthly loan payments averaging only $137, Pierce delivers strong value for students seeking affordable education or career changes.

The student body reflects LA's diversity, with 49% Hispanic enrollment and 95% of students staying in-state after graduation. The Brahmas compete in 11 varsity sports with 230 student athletes, though the real action happens in Pierce's well-known agriculture and pre-veterinary programs. The 41% six-year graduation rate aligns with community college norms, where many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Pierce College serves 13,029 students with a focus on career preparation and university transfer pathways. The community college offers strong programs in agriculture, veterinary technology, and film production that reflect the San Fernando Valley's industries. With a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive less individual attention than at smaller colleges. The 41.40% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, where many students attend part-time or take breaks for work. Pierce is particularly known for its equine studies program and working farm on campus. Students can complete general education requirements for under $1,238 annually before transferring to four-year universities. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through its technical programs and laboratory sciences.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
27:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,521

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $18,315
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Certificate $14,627

View all 90 programs →

Campus Life

The San Fernando Valley heat means you'll want sunscreen year-round at this sprawling community college campus. Pierce sits about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, putting students in the heart of suburban Woodland Hills. With 13,029 students and no on-campus housing, this is purely a commuter school where parking becomes a competitive sport during peak hours.

The 27:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the reality of large lecture halls and packed classes. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (49.44%), creating a culturally diverse environment that mirrors the Valley's demographics. Most students juggle work with classes since only 26.80% receive financial aid. Weekends often mean heading to nearby Topanga Canyon for hiking or catching a movie at the Westfield Promenade. The Brahmas compete in 11 varsity sports, though with zero athletic scholarships, most student-athletes are there for the love of the game. Campus life revolves around getting to class, grabbing food between sessions, and then heading home or to work.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1947

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
43°–69°F
July Avg
60°–95°F
Annual Precipitation
16.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Pierce College draws students from across the San Fernando Valley, with nearly all coming from California. The student body is majority Hispanic, reflecting the diverse communities of Woodland Hills and surrounding areas. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and transfer programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable education. The demographics mirror the Valley's population, making Pierce a true community college that provides accessible higher education to local residents looking to launch careers or transfer to four-year universities.
Men
46.2%
Women
53.8%
White
28.2%
Black
5.0%
Hispanic
49.4%
Asian
8.5%
In-State Students
95.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.8%

Location

Pierce College sits in Woodland Hills, a suburban neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a diverse student body where 49% of students are Hispanic and 28% are white. Woodland Hills offers a classic Southern California suburban setting with shopping centers, chain restaurants, and residential neighborhoods spreading across the valley floor. Students live surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains to the south and can reach beaches, downtown LA, or Hollywood within an hour's drive. The area attracts families and young professionals who want space while staying connected to LA's job market. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Los Angeles Pierce College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Woodland Hills, California 91371-0002
RustyTankAndBarn
RustyTankAndBarn
View from Pierce College
View from Pierce College
CHL- 939 Old Trappers Lodge
CHL- 939 Old Trappers Lodge

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,521
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,024
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,600
Loan Repayment Rate
32.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$137/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,936

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Los Angeles Pierce College?

Los Angeles Pierce College operates with open enrollment as a community college, meaning students who are 18 or older or have a high school diploma can register. The college enrolls 13,029 students and serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in the San Fernando Valley. Nearly all students (95.30%) are California residents taking advantage of the state's community college system.

How much does Los Angeles Pierce College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,196 annually, with in-state tuition at just $1,238 per year. Only 26.80% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost of attendance. The college keeps education affordable as part of California's community college mission.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 27:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means less individual attention than smaller schools. Classes tend to be lecture-based, especially for general education requirements. Students often appreciate the flexibility this creates for working adults and part-time learners.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Los Angeles Pierce College?

Graduates earn a median of $44,521 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 93.3%. The college excels at workforce preparation and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Many students use Pierce as a stepping stone to complete bachelor's degrees at nearby Cal State schools.

Where is Los Angeles Pierce College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Woodland Hills, a suburban area of the San Fernando Valley known for its proximity to both Los Angeles and natural areas. With 230 athletes competing in 11 varsity sports as the Brahmas, the college offers more athletic opportunities than many community colleges. The diverse student body is 49.44% Hispanic and 28.19% White, reflecting the valley's demographics.

Does Los Angeles Pierce College have a farm program?

Pierce College operates one of the few working farms at any community college in California, featuring livestock, crops, and agricultural technology programs. The 426-acre campus includes this unique agricultural center that dates back to the college's founding in 1947. Students can study everything from animal science to sustainable agriculture while staying close to urban Los Angeles.