- EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area. The campus is convenient to more than 1.5 million homes�and that it is the best educational value in the community. But once students start attending classes, ELAC�s professors become the primary reason they return semester after semester to complete their education. East Los Angeles College empowers students to achieve their educational goals, to expand their individual potential, and to successfully pursue their aspirations for a better future for themselves, their community and the world.
School Highlights
East Los Angeles College serves 33,397 students (18% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 33,397 students
- In-state tuition: $1,220
- Out-state tuition: $6,810
- Student:teacher ratio: 34:1
- Minority enrollment: 95%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
East Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 969 teachers has grown by 96% over five years.
East Los Angeles College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
969 staff
308 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of East Los Angeles College has declined by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 34:1 has decreased from 38:1 over five years.
The East Los Angeles College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
33,397 students
7,899 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
34:1
22:1

# Full-Time Students
5,969 students
1,660 students

# Part-Time Students
27,428 students
6,239 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
179 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,969 students
1,580 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
27,428 students
6,239 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% Asian
11%
14%

% Hispanic
68%
45%

% Black
2%
5%

% White
5%
26%

% Two or more races
1%
4%

% Non Resident races
4%
3%

% Unknown races
8%
3%


Diversity Score
0.52
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,600
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,220 is less than the state average of $1,246. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,810 is more than the state average of $6,603. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,220
$1,246

Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,810
$6,603

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
69%
86%

Median Debt for Graduates
$10,875
$10,500

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- East Los Angeles College has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area. The college offers both academic transfer courses which prepare students for admission to four-year colleges and universities and occupational programs which prepare students for careers in two years or less. Many of the students who transfer from East Los Angeles College to a four-year university move on to nearby California State University, Los Angeles, or to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The college is located in the suburban community of Monterey Park, California, ten miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Facilities include an Instructional Center; Bookstore; Cafeteria; Library; 20,000 seat sports stadium; 2,000 seat auditorium; and a 1,500 seat indoor swim stadium. East Los Angeles College was established in 1945 and was first located on the Garfield High School campus. In 1948, the college moved to its present 82 acre site on Avenida Cesar Chavez in Monterey Park, a suburb located six miles from the Los Angeles Civic Center. ELAC is one of the nine public community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District. East Los Angeles College is committed to offering students an excellent education at the lowest possible cost. Assistance in the forms of grants, fee waivers, scholarships, loans and employment are provided by a variety of federal, state, and private sources. East Los Angeles College established the South Gate Educational Center in 1997 to better serve a growing student population that lives in the southern part of the college's service district. A wide variety of career and academic courses is offered and many students have successfully transitioned to universities and productive careers from the Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does East Los Angeles College cost?
East Los Angeles College's tuition is approximately $1,220 for In-State students and $6,810 for Out-State students.
What is East Los Angeles College's ranking?
East Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Average community college minority breakdown and Largest student body.
Recent Articles

How to Take Online Community College Classes for Free
Learn about programs across the country that allow students to take online community college classes for free.

A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
Going to college is hard work but it’s even more challenging for nontraditional students who are working or raising a family at the same time. If you’re considering community college to improve your life or further your career, here’s everything you need to know.

Beyond the High School Classroom: The Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment
Explore the intricacies of dual enrollment, a growing educational trend that allows high school students to earn college credits. This comprehensive guide delves into its history, eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks, offering valuable insights for both parents and students considering this path.