- West Los Angeles College is an accredited California Community College offering paths to university transfer, career education and courses for professional and personal growth. It occupies 70 park-like acres overlooking Culver City, Marina Del Rey and Greater West Los Angeles. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean from the highest points on campus. Over the course of a year, West will serve between 16,000 to 19,000 students between our on-ground, online, and full-time and part-time students. But the college still retains the small, warm college feel as we have no more than about 5,000 students on campus at any one time.
- Our Dental Hygiene program is a national model and is one of only two California community college programs authorized to offer a Bachelor's degree. Our online degree program has been recognized as one of the best in California and the nation. Other unique programs include our Film / TV Production Crafts path preparing students for careers behind the scenes in entertainment and our Aviation Tech program. West also offers degree and certificate programs in Computer Science, Health Care, Business, Law Enforcement and Early Childhood Education.
- Students interested in transferring to universities to complete their Bachelor's degrees can select from 24 Associate Degrees for Transfer and get help with the transfer process from our Transfer Center and support organizations including EOPS, TRiO, Puente and Honors Transfer.
- West alumni can be found in every industry from the front lines to the executive ranks. Our college motto is: GO WEST. GO FAR.
School Highlights
West Los Angeles College serves 17,492 students (10% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 40:1 is higher than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 17,492 students
- In-state tuition: $1,220
- Out-state tuition: $6,810
- Student:teacher ratio: 40:1
- Minority enrollment: 83%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
West Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 436 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
West Los Angeles College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
436 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of West Los Angeles College has grown by 34% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 40:1 has increased from 26:1 over five years.
The West Los Angeles College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,492 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
40:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
1,671 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
15,821 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
174 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,671 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
15,821 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
7%
13%
% Hispanic
49%
47%
% Black
18%
7%
% White
17%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
4%
3%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
28%
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,220 is less than the state average of $1,516. 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 $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,220
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,810
$6,779
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
59%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,188
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- West Los Angeles College (WLAC), located on a scenic hillside in Culver City, opened its doors in February 1969. One of the nine campuses of the Los Angeles Community College District, the college has approximately 11,000 student in day, evening and online classes. WLAC serves Baldwin Hills, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Crenshaw, Culver City, LA Tijera/Windsor Hills, Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Playa del Rey, Venice, Westchester, West Los Angeles and Westwood. Students come from a rich mixture of nationalities and cultures. West is a leader in online education housing one of the largest programs in Southern California. Several of our degrees may be earned completely online. Partnerships with prestigious universities allow our students to transfer and complete their Bachelor's degree completely online as well. Students may also select just one or two classes online to augment their on campus courses. Our career-oriented Certificate and Associate degree programs include several that are unique in this area, including motion picture/television production crafts, aircraft electronics, aviation maintenance, dental hygiene, travel and hospitality, and the only paralegal program in the Los Angeles Community College District that is approved by the American Bar Association. Whether in academic or career-oriented subjects, our outstanding faculty members are experts in their fields. They have chosen to teach in a community college because they prefer to concentrate on teaching, and they value the smaller classes and greater opportunity for individualized instruction that colleges like West provide. Basic Skills Program to provide students with the necessary capabilities in mathematics, verbal and written language skills, and study skills to successfully complete a certificate, degree, or transfer program. The college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities, and offers 25 transfer and 18 vocationally-oriented programs. The American Dental Association and the Federal Aviation Administration also recognize the vocational curricula offered here at West Los Angeles College.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does West Los Angeles College cost?
West Los Angeles College's tuition is approximately $1,220 for In-State students and $6,810 for Out-State students.
What sports does West Los Angeles College offer?
West Los Angeles College offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is West Los Angeles College's ranking?
West Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
This article highlights three key reasons why joining a debate club in community college can significantly boost career prospects. It explores how debate activities enhance public speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and networking opportunities, all of which are valuable assets in the job market.
Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Learn about the number of colleges joining the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, which was introduced by the White House this past spring.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
