Most Underrated Colleges in Los Angeles, California

Whether you just graduated from high school or are returning to school to earn the degree you’ve always wanted, choosing the right institution is an important decision. Luckily, the greater Los Angeles area has many colleges to choose from to further your education. No matter the degree you plan to earn, there’s a college in the area for you. Many are nationally renowned, but there are also some underrated colleges in Los Angeles that you might want to consider enrolling in this term.

California Institute of Technology

Image by Leon Wu is licensed with Unsplash License.

Also known as Caltech, the California Institute of Technology offers classes that focus on engineering and science. It’s located in Pasadena, California, and has a 124-acre campus for students to enjoy. The school has a 3:1 student-faculty ratio to ensure that each student gets the necessary educational support. Many students from Caltech have earned prestigious awards and recognitions, including the following:

• Kavali Prize.
• National Medal of Science.
• National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

There have also been 46 Nobel Laureates awarded to former Caltech students and alumni. Academic divisions at this institute are biology and biological engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, applied science and engineering, geological and planetary sciences, humanities and social sciences, physics, mathematics, and astronomy.

Pitzer College

A liberal arts and sciences college, Pitzer College creates a fun and exciting learning environment for students. Located in Claremont, California, this institution offers more than 40 fields of study in environmental and interdisciplinary studies, the arts, humanities and social sciences, and behavioral and natural sciences. With only 1,000 students, Pitzer College offers an exceptional education with a personalized approach. Some of the most popular majors for students include:

• Psychology.
• Environmental analysis.
• Media studies.

In 2020, Princeton Review ranked Pitzer college number one for the most politically active student base and number five for the most politically active student base in student government. Many clubs and organizations are available for students to join that offer additional opportunities for socialization and specialization in a chosen field.

West Los Angeles College

West Los Angeles College is an accredited community college that offers free tuition to qualifying students for up to two years of study. This college is perfect for those who wish to earn a certificate of completion, an associate degree, or credit toward an eventual transfer. With over 1,000 classes in 12 different academic disciplines, you’re sure to find a program that suits your needs. Many of West Los Angeles College’s students go on to become employed immediately following graduation in fields such as:

• Health.
• Law.
• Industrial technologies.
• Consumer education.

West also encourages high school students to enroll in classes to get a head start on their higher education. Students can participate in many of these classes both online and on campus.

Claremont McKenna College

If you’re looking for a private school where you can earn your college degree, then consider Claremont McKenna College, a top-rated liberal arts institution. Located just 30 miles east of Los Angeles, Claremont McKenna offers over 2,000 classes and has a diverse student body. The small 9:1 faculty-student ratio makes this the ideal college for an intimate education where students can get to know their professors, not just as teachers but also as colleagues. With a 90% internship rate, many students can get real-world experience while attending classes.

Some of the most popular degree fields at Claremont McKenna College include business, law, and medicine. Graduates often work in education, government, media, and many other areas.

Rio Hondo College

For over 50 years, Rio Hondo College has provided higher learning opportunities for the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier, California. Another community college in southeast Los Angeles, Rio Hondo offers classes in fields like nursing, fire and police training, and automotive repair. You can also take introductory courses if you plan to transfer to a larger university in the future. A few of the degree programs you can choose from are:

• Accounting.
• Business administration.
• Computer information technology.
• Graphic design.

Cypress College

Striving to create a brighter future for all students, Cypress College provides a life-enriching environment where students can participate in more than just classes. With many opportunities to join clubs and committees, every student has the chance to get involved outside the classroom. In 2018 and 2020, Niche.com rated Cypress as the No. 1 California community college, and teachers are known for being friendly and personable. You can pursue one of the 73-degree programs or one of the 176 career-certificate programs.

The wide range of classes available at Cypress College means you can choose an educational path that fits your goals and interests. Whether you want to pursue creative writing, management, or history, you can find a program at Cypress.

Loyola Marymount University

An exceptional place to grow as a student and an individual, Loyola Marymount University is a dynamic institution that offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Being close to the Pacific Ocean means not only spending recreational time at the beach but also having a place to conduct important scientific research. Areas of study offered at Loyola Marymount include religion and spirituality, film and television, writing and literature, and many more. The university’s 10:1 faculty-student ratio gives students a chance to truly connect with their professors and create a lasting professional network.

Reach Out to Our Exterior Wood Refinishing Team

There are some of Los Angeles’ most underrated colleges from the team at Teak Master. If you’ve attended one of these colleges or another underrated school of higher education in the area, contact us and share your experience. We love hearing about the great things happening in our community and would appreciate learning more about the colleges and universities in and around Los Angeles. Our expert exterior wood finishing team can’t wait to hear from you.