Los Angeles College of Music
Los Angeles College of Music has an acceptance rate of 87.7%, annual tuition of $30,540, average net price of $43,590, and a national rank of #1885 (Grade D+), with a 41.3% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 227 undergraduates, and median earnings of $33,938 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Los Angeles College of Music is a private for-profit institution in Pasadena, CA. Students most often pursue Music.
Day to day, students benefit from a 3:1 student-faculty ratio, and 61.3% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 20.2%, roughly 34.1 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Los Angeles College of Music Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Los Angeles College of Music graduates 41.3% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 60.4% and keeps 61.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Los Angeles College of Music's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,540 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,086 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,968 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $49,705 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.2% of Los Angeles College of Music students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $49,455/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $44,642/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $33,938
- 10-Year Median Earnings $31,758
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $27,938
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.7%
- Employment Rate 72.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Los Angeles College of Music graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Los Angeles College of Music vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Los Angeles College of Music's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Los Angeles College of Music's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Los Angeles College of Music graduates earn $33,938 median, the 15.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 227
- Full-Time Students 96.5%
- Part-Time Students 3.5%
- Retention Rate 61.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 41.3%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 60.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 3:1
How to Get Into Los Angeles College of Music
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Los Angeles College of Music requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.7%, Los Angeles College of Music is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.7% acceptance rate, Los Angeles College of Music is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Los Angeles College of Music undergraduates. Music and Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management draw the most students.
- Music 96.8%
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Music $24,059
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Los Angeles College of Music. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Music (Associate's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Associate's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Music (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 2 graduates)
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degree, 1 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Music
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 227
- Full-Time Students 96.5%
- Part-Time Students 3.5%
- Male Students 54.2%
- Female Students 45.8%
- Caucasian 8.4%
- Asian 3.5%
- Hispanic 8.8%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Los Angeles College of Music's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Los Angeles College of Music's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Los Angeles College of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Los Angeles College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Los Angeles College of Music has a diverse student body, with 8.4% identifying as White. About 20.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Los Angeles College of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Los Angeles College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Los Angeles College of Music ranks #1885 of 1947 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a D+ overall grade with 15.8% ROI.
At $43,590 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: Los Angeles College of Music
D+ grade | #1885 of 1947 | 3.2/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: Los Angeles College of Music's 15.8% return on investment and #1885 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $43,590 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare Los Angeles College of Music's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use Los Angeles College of Music's D+ grade and #1885 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 41.3% graduation rate sits 21.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.3% first-year retention is 15.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 15.8% return on investment is 34.1 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $33,938 run about 44% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $43,590 is roughly $23,511 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 72.5% employment rate within three years sits 4.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $43,590 is about $23,511 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.2% trails the national share by 14.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Los Angeles College of Music—a private for-profit institution in Pasadena, CA—at D+ overall. It stands at #1885 among 1962 schools Completion earns C, Support B+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability D+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 61.3% of first-year students return; 41.3% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 60.4%. Return on investment currently measures 15.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $43,590 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $49,705.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,115 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,938 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $33,938 four years after graduation. This is roughly 44% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 72.5% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 15.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Los Angeles College of Music admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Los Angeles College of Music's acceptance rate?
Los Angeles College of Music's acceptance rate is 87.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Los Angeles College of Music cost?
At Los Angeles College of Music, listed tuition and fees are $30,540 per year, and the average net price after aid is $43,590. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Los Angeles College of Music's ranking?
Los Angeles College of Music ranks #1885 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of D+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Los Angeles College of Music's graduation rate?
At Los Angeles College of Music, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 41.3% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 60.4%, and first-year retention is 61.3%.
What are Los Angeles College of Music's job outcomes?
Graduates of Los Angeles College of Music report median earnings of $33,938 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Los Angeles College of Music's student population?
Los Angeles College of Music enrolls about 227 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Pasadena, CA 91105
- Website www.lacm.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNational Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.5%