Tuition-Free Colleges in Los Angeles 2025

If you live in Los Angeles and hope to attend college in the city, you may be wondering how to pay for your education. Is it possible to go to school for free in Los Angeles?

Students can attend any of the colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) for free for up to two years through the Los Angeles College Promise Program. Those attending the University of Southern California may also receive free tuition if their family income is less than $80,000 annually.

Keep reading to learn more.

Top 10 Tuition-Free Colleges Near Los Angeles

There are nine schools in the LACCD. Read on as we discuss each of these schools and the University of Southern California and explore their free college tuition plans. Also, many tuition-free online colleges in California are available.

East Los Angeles College

East Los Angeles College is located on the east side of town in Monterey Park. It is one of the largest community colleges in the LACCD with more than 35,000 students.

Students receive up to two years of college tuition-free through the Los Angeles College Promise Program (LACP). Additional benefits include a summer transition activity and employment and internship opportunities.

Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles City College is located in east Hollywood. This member of the LACCD enrolls more than 17,000 students.

First-time students attending this school receive at least one year of free tuition through the LACP program, with opportunities to receive a second year free. The program may also cover enrollment fees for full-time students.

Los Angeles Harbor College

Los Angeles Harbor College is located in Wilmington, in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. The school enrolls around 10,000 students.

Full-time college students receive two years of free tuition through the LACP program. First-year students participate in the Harbor Promise program, while second-year students participate in the Harbor Success program. Each program provides additional resources to help LACP students succeed in college.

Los Angeles Mission College

Los Angeles Mission College was established in 1975, making it the youngest of the nine schools in the LACCD. It has an enrollment of around 10,400 students. Students can receive two years of free tuition for summer, fall, and spring semesters through the LACP program. Additional resources available include success coaching, referrals, and academic counseling services.

Los Angeles Pierce College

Los Angeles Pierce College is in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles. It is one of the largest schools in the LACCD, boasting around 23,000 students. High school graduates can attend the college tuition-free thanks to the LACP program. To maintain eligibility throughout their college experience, they must maintain a GPA of 2.0, study full-time, and complete various activities each year.

Los Angeles Southwest College

Los Angeles Southwest College is located in West Athens, an unincorporated region of Los Angeles County. It is one of the smaller schools in the district with around 8,200 students. The LACP program provides students at this school with two years of free tuition and access to various services, including priority admission. It applies to all first-time college students, even those who have been out of high school for a while.

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College provides many technical degrees and certificate programs. It enrolls more than 16,700 students. First-time, full-time students receive a year of free tuition through the LACP program. Those who maintain eligibility receive a second year of free tuition.

Los Angeles Valley College

Los Angeles Valley College is in the Valley Glen area of Los Angeles. It boasts an enrollment of more than 18,300 students. The LACP program provides free tuition for two years for first-time college students at this school. Additional academic support services and priority class registration are also available.

West Los Angeles College

West Los Angeles College is the final member of the LACCD. Located in Culver City, it enrolls around 9,800 students. In addition to free tuition through the LACP program, students receive additional benefits and resources. These include a stipend after each successful semester, a free Chromebook, and priority registration.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in the state. It is a four-year school enrolling nearly 50,000 students. The school provides free tuition for all students from families with typical assets and an annual income of $80,000 or less. Homeownership is not considered a factor when determining a family's financial eligibility for this program.

How To Access Free College in Los Angeles

If you want to attend school for free in Los Angeles, keep reading. The following tips will help you access opportunities for free tuition in Los Angeles.

Attend a Community College

Most schools offering free tuition in Los Angeles are community colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District. These schools guarantee one year of free tuition for full-time students, with opportunities to receive a second year free as well. Your best chance of obtaining free tuition in Los Angeles is to attend one of these schools. Opportunities are available for first-time and returning students regardless of age, immigration status, academic standing, or income.

Apply for Financial Aid

If you plan to attend another school in Los Angeles, you may still be able to go for free by combining financial aid and scholarship opportunities. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California DREAM Act application.

These forms allow you to receive grants, loans, and other financial aid awards from the federal and state governments. Many schools also require you to complete the FAFSA or DREAM Act application before they award any school-based financial aid.

Grants and Scholarship Programs

You can receive additional aid by applying for grants and scholarships. Many organizations and businesses offer these financial awards. In Los Angeles, you can apply for multi-year scholarships and other aid packages through the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund (LASIF). This initiative was designed to support low-income and underrepresented students pursuing a college education.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Degree Programs in Los Angeles

If you still have questions about attending college for free in Los Angeles, read on. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

Are There Any Tuition-Free Colleges in Los Angeles for Out-of-State Students?

To be eligible for tuition-free college through the Los Angeles College Promise Program, students must be California residents or eligible for resident tuition through AB 540. With this in mind, out-of-state residents generally cannot take advantage of the program. However, all USC students may receive free tuition if their family earns less than $80,000 annually.

What Does Community College Cost in California?

Each school has different tuition rates, but generally speaking, those who attend school in-district and in-state pay the lowest tuition rates. In-state tuition at California community colleges typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay $4,000 to $5,000 annually.

How Does the FAFSA Work When Attending Community College?

The FAFSA works the same for community colleges as four-year universities. Students complete the application annually and receive various financial aid offers depending on their personal and family situations. Financial aid offers may include grants, loans, work-study programs, and more.