West Los Angeles College: $1,238 Tuition

$1,238Tuition

7,277Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,537Earnings

Public4-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About West Los Angeles College

West Los Angeles College serves 7,277 students in the heart of Culver City's entertainment corridor. This community college has built its reputation as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities and entering the workforce quickly. The campus sits in a large suburban setting where students can access internships and jobs in nearby Hollywood studios and tech companies.

Students pay an average net price of $7,131, making this one of the most affordable options in expensive Los Angeles County. In-state tuition costs just $1,238 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,537 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $13,500. The math works for students seeking practical career training without breaking the bank. Monthly loan payments average $143, manageable for most entry-level salaries.

The student body reflects LA's diversity, with 47% Hispanic students and 22% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. Women make up 58% of enrollment. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, typical for community colleges focused on efficiency. With a 90.5% employment rate, students find work after completing their programs, even if the 21% six-year graduation rate suggests many take longer to finish or transfer before graduating.

Academics & Faculty

West Los Angeles College serves as a transfer-focused community college with deep roots in the diverse Culver City community since 1969. The school maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, though students should expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. With a 24% four-year graduation rate, the college primarily functions as a stepping stone to four-year universities rather than a destination for bachelor's degrees. The campus offers strong foundational programs in liberal arts, sciences, and career technical education that prepare students for transfer to UC and CSU systems. Students benefit from affordable tuition at $1,238 for in-state residents while building credits toward their bachelor's degree goals.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 24.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 21.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,537

Campus Life

West Los Angeles College sits in the heart of Culver City, just 20 minutes from downtown LA and even closer to Santa Monica's beaches. The 70-acre campus serves 7,277 students in a setting where you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a winter coat. With 58% women and strong diversity (47% Hispanic, 22% Black, 18% White), the student body reflects the active LA area community.

As a community college, students commute rather than live on campus. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the proximity to entertainment industry centers makes this a popular transfer destination for students eyeing UCLA or USC. Weekends often involve beach trips to nearby Santa Monica or exploring LA's endless neighborhoods. The Wildcats compete in 10 varsity sports with 206 total athletes. Many students work part-time in the area's thriving media and service industries. The semester system and 90% in-state enrollment create a close-knit feel despite the commuter nature of campus life.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–66°F
July Avg: 63°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

West Los Angeles College draws heavily from nearby communities, with nine out of ten students staying in-state to attend this Culver City campus. The student body reflects the diversity of greater Los Angeles, with Hispanic students making up nearly half the enrollment and Black students comprising about one in five. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences, education, and transfer programs. The college serves as an affordable starting point for local students, particularly those from working-class families seeking career training or university transfer opportunities.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 18.0%
Black: 22.4%
Hispanic: 47.2%
Asian: 4.1%
In-State Students: 90.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.0%

Location

West Los Angeles College sits in Culver City, California, just 10 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves the heart of LA's entertainment corridor, where Sony Pictures Studios and major production companies operate nearby. Culver City blends urban energy with suburban accessibility, positioned between the beach cities and Hollywood. The college draws students from across LA County's diverse communities, with 47.18% Hispanic enrollment reflecting the region's demographics. The area offers internship opportunities in media, technology, and business while maintaining lower living costs than central LA neighborhoods. Students considering colleges in California may also compare West Los Angeles College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Culver City, California 90230-3519

West Los Angeles College, Ladera Heights, California

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,537
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,945
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $143/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at West Los Angeles College?

West Los Angeles College operates as an open-admission community college, meaning students don't need to meet specific GPA or test score requirements. The college serves 7,277 students who are looking for affordable higher education or transfer preparation. Most students use WLAC as a stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain career-focused skills.

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

Students pay an average net price of $7,131 annually, making WLAC one of the most affordable options in California. In-state tuition costs just $1,238, though only 19.98% of students receive financial aid. Low-income students with families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,841 after aid.

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

The student-faculty ratio stands at 25:1, which is typical for California community colleges. Classes tend to be larger than at private institutions, but students benefit from professors who focus on teaching rather than research. The college emphasizes practical, career-oriented education alongside traditional academic transfer programs.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at West Los Angeles College?

The four-year graduation rate is 24.31%, while the six-year rate reaches 21.40%, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,537 ten years after enrollment with typical monthly loan payments of $143. The employment rate of 90.5% shows strong job market preparation.

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

The campus sits in Culver City, a active suburb known for its entertainment industry connections and proximity to major Los Angeles attractions. With 58.21% women and 47.18% Hispanic students, WLAC reflects the diverse demographics of West LA. The college fields 10 varsity sports teams with 206 total athletes competing as the Wildcats.

Does West Los Angeles College serve as a good transfer option to four-year universities?

WLAC operates on a semester system and maintains strong transfer agreements with California State University and University of California schools. With 90.06% of students coming from in-state, most use the college's affordable tuition to complete general education requirements before transferring. The college's location near major universities makes it a popular choice for students planning to continue their education.