Los Angeles Southwest College

1600 W Imperial Hwy
Los Angeles, CA 90047
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) has and continues to be a catalyst for change in its community through the programs it offers and the services it provides. Students come to LASC for a variety of reasons - from attaining work skills necessary to seek employment in their chosen field to preparing for transfer to colleges and universities to receive their Baccalaureate degree to accessing non-credit offerings such as citizenship and English language training to further specific personal goals. Often, students enroll at LASC and just immerse themselves in lifespan learning. Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) is a learner-centered institution dedicated to meeting the needs of learners – the students and community who access the college for programs; and the faculty, staff and administrators who provide learning opportunities and support.

School Highlights

Los Angeles Southwest College serves 5,371 students (11% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 40:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 5,371 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,220
  • Out-state tuition: $6,810
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 40:1
  • Minority enrollment: 82%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Los Angeles Southwest College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

The teacher population of 133 teachers has declined by 57% over five years.
Los Angeles Southwest College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1967
Campus Size
54 acres
Total Faculty
133 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
We are the point of contact for all students.

Student Body

The student population of Los Angeles Southwest College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 40:1 has increased from 21:1 over five years.
The Los Angeles Southwest College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 20% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,371 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
40:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
566 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
4,805 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,371 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
566 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,805 students
5,850 students
% Asian
3%
12%
% Hispanic
44%
46%
% Black
28%
7%
% White
18%
23%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
19%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,200
$34,300

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $1,220 is less than the state average of $1,238. 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 $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,220
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,810
$6,634
Tuition Notes
$46 per unit for California residents
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
86%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,038
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
60%
82%

Sports

School Mascot
Cougars
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • On September 11, 1967, Los Angeles Southwest College officially opened its doors with 600 students and 22 full-time faculty members. Since then, Los Angeles Southwest College has established itself as an educational and cultural hub of the southern part of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. In addition to classroom instruction, students are exposed to a myriad of learning experiences to broaden their horizons, to expand their options and alternatives, to develop an appreciation for the academic work ethic, and to understand intellectual pursuits. Our graduates are among the most successful — ranging from medical professionals and professional athletes to recording artists and educators. To accomplish the educational philosophy and mission of the Los Angeles Community Colleges, Los Angeles Southwest College offers the following types of educational programs Transfer, Occupational, General Education, Transitional Education, Continuing Education, Community Services and Joint Programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Los Angeles Southwest College cost?
Los Angeles Southwest College's tuition is approximately $1,220 for In-State students and $6,810 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Los Angeles Southwest College?
The acceptance rate of Los Angeles Southwest College is 60%, which is lower than the state average of 82%. Los Angeles Southwest College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Los Angeles Southwest College's ranking?
Los Angeles Southwest College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Lowest acceptance rates.
In what neighborhood is Los Angeles Southwest College located?
Los Angeles Southwest College is located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. There are 1 other community '.college.' located in South Los Angeles.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 5,371 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,220
  • Out-state tuition: $6,810
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 40:1
  • Minority enrollment: 82%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

The average community college acceptance rate in Los Angeles County, CA is 75%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Los Angeles County, CA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.64, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Los Angeles County, CA is Theatre of Arts. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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