- EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area. The campus is convenient to more than 1.5 million homes�and that it is the best educational value in the community. But once students start attending classes, ELAC�s professors become the primary reason they return semester after semester to complete their education. East Los Angeles College empowers students to achieve their educational goals, to expand their individual potential, and to successfully pursue their aspirations for a better future for themselves, their community and the world.
School Highlights
East Los Angeles College serves 33,677 students (17% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 33,677 students
- In-state tuition: $1,220
- Out-state tuition: $6,810
- Minority enrollment: 83%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
East Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 519 teachers has declined by 46% over five years.
East Los Angeles College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
519 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of East Los Angeles College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The East Los Angeles College diversity score of 0.60 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 14% over five years.
Total Enrollment
33,677 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
65:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
5,572 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
28,105 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
33,677 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,572 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
28,105 students
5,816 students
% Asian
7%
12%
% Hispanic
60%
46%
% Black
6%
7%
% White
17%
23%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
% Unknown races
8%
6%
Diversity Score
0.60
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
30%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,600
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,220 is less than the state average of $1,236. 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 $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,220
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,810
$6,577
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
85%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,875
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$6,272
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- East Los Angeles College has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area. The college offers both academic transfer courses which prepare students for admission to four-year colleges and universities and occupational programs which prepare students for careers in two years or less. Many of the students who transfer from East Los Angeles College to a four-year university move on to nearby California State University, Los Angeles, or to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The college is located in the suburban community of Monterey Park, California, ten miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Facilities include an Instructional Center; Bookstore; Cafeteria; Library; 20,000 seat sports stadium; 2,000 seat auditorium; and a 1,500 seat indoor swim stadium. East Los Angeles College was established in 1945 and was first located on the Garfield High School campus. In 1948, the college moved to its present 82 acre site on Avenida Cesar Chavez in Monterey Park, a suburb located six miles from the Los Angeles Civic Center. ELAC is one of the nine public community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District. East Los Angeles College is committed to offering students an excellent education at the lowest possible cost. Assistance in the forms of grants, fee waivers, scholarships, loans and employment are provided by a variety of federal, state, and private sources. East Los Angeles College established the South Gate Educational Center in 1997 to better serve a growing student population that lives in the southern part of the college's service district. A wide variety of career and academic courses is offered and many students have successfully transitioned to universities and productive careers from the Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does East Los Angeles College cost?
East Los Angeles College's tuition is approximately $1,220 for In-State students and $6,810 for Out-State students.
What is East Los Angeles College's ranking?
East Los Angeles College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.
