Los Angeles is one of the most international cities in the United States. With large Latino and Asian communities, a high share of foreign-born residents, and many households speaking a language other than English at home, the city offers a multicultural experience for any student wishing to live here during college. In addition, if you’re into art or interested in the entertainment industry, this city might be perfect for you. Los Angeles is a major center for movie production and a lively art hub, where great minds connect to create.
Also, the weather in Los Angeles is mild compared with many other parts of the United States. There are no harsh winters to fear, and snow is rare in the Los Angeles basin. Last but not least, there are many colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area for you to choose from. Although pursuing higher education in the United States can be very costly, there are some affordable options you can find in this city.
Here, we’ve gathered the schools that may be among your best options if you’re looking for lower-cost study options in the Los Angeles area. In this article, we will be looking at affordable colleges and universities in Los Angeles.
Affordable Schools in Los Angeles for International Students
1. Santa Monica College
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: USD 11,664/Year (undergraduate, 24 units, tuition only)
Santa Monica College (SMC) was founded in 1929. This affordable college in Los Angeles has a strong transfer record, making it a good choice if you want to start at a smaller institution and then transfer to a 4-year university. It is one of the more affordable options in the Greater Los Angeles area. With more than 90 fields of study and more than 200 degrees and certificates, you’re likely to find an option that fits your goals. The student body is large, with more than 25,000 students enrolled. It’s also a practical institution to attend if you have a job, since many students study part-time. However, if you’re an international student on an F-1 visa, keep in mind that you generally have to take at least 12 units to maintain full-time status.
Here, we’re only showing the estimated tuition amount for 24 units. Mandatory health insurance, student fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and other costs are not included. SMC also publishes a higher estimated total annual expense amount for international students, so students should check the official fee page before applying.
2. Los Angeles City College
This public community college was established in 1929. It’s located in East Hollywood, and the campus has historic ties to both UCLA and California State University, Los Angeles. Los Angeles City College has been educating students for more than 90 years and offers more than 200 degree and certificate options. Students can choose from transfer programs, career education, and other academic pathways.
The amount shown here is not a tuition-only figure. Instead, it reflects the current proof-of-funds amount LACC lists for F-1 international students for one academic year. Some students may qualify for tuition assistance through the Los Angeles College Promise, but that program has specific eligibility requirements, including California residency or eligibility for in-state tuition under AB 540. International students should not assume that the College Promise will cover their tuition and should review LACC’s current international student cost information before applying.
3. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: USD 9,400 – 10,600/Semester for most full-time undergraduate programs
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private, nonprofit health sciences university in South Los Angeles. It is organized into three academic colleges: the College of Medicine, the College of Science and Health, and the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing. The university is small, with just over 1,200 students enrolled. It also has a long-running medical education relationship with UCLA through the CDU/UCLA Medical Education Program, while CDU’s own College of Medicine now also offers its own medical education pathway.
Here, we are providing a tuition range for most full-time undergraduate programs at Charles R. Drew University. Tuition varies by program, and some programs may have different semester rates. International applicants should also check program-specific admission requirements, application fees, credential evaluation requirements, English proficiency requirements, proof-of-financial-support rules, health insurance, and other fees before applying.
4. California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles is one of the major public universities in the city. After it was founded in 1947, this university expanded greatly. It now offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, more than 100 graduate-level master’s, certificate, and credential programs, and four doctoral programs. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, and admission requirements may vary by program.
The tuition estimate presented here is based on Cal State LA’s 2026-2027 undergraduate full-time tuition and mandatory fees, plus nonresident tuition for 24 semester units. Nonresident tuition applies to out-of-state students and international students on F or J visas. Books, housing, food, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses are not included, and official fees may change.
These were some of LA’s more affordable options. Don’t forget to check for scholarships and financial aid options that might further help you achieve your goal. Thanks to the wide number of programs offered at some of these institutions, it’s very likely that you’ll find one that offers studies in the area you’re searching for.
We hope that this article on affordable colleges and universities in Los Angeles was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
