Los Angeles Harbor College
General Information — Los Angeles Harbor College
Overview
Los Angeles Harbor College (LAHC), located in Wilmington, California, is a public two-year community college serving the South Bay and harbor region of Los Angeles. Established in 1949, it was initially conceived as a technical institute to serve local industry needs and has since evolved into a comprehensive community college offering transfer degrees, vocational training, and workforce certificates. The college operates on an urban 83-acre campus about 22 miles south of central Los Angeles, proximate to the Port of Los Angeles and adjacent communities.
With a mission centered on access, equity, and student success, LAHC serves a diverse student population from areas including Harbor City, San Pedro, Carson, Lomita, Gardena, and Palos Verdes. It provides programs in general education, health sciences, business, arts, sciences, technical trades, and adult/noncredit instruction. Over time it has expanded infrastructure and academic offerings, renovating key facilities and adding new student services to support learning, retention, and transfer. LAHC is recognized in its region as an accessible gateway to higher education, especially for historically underserved students seeking both career preparation and pathways to four-year institutions.
Contact Information
Address: 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, California
Phone Number: 310-233-4000
Email Address: studenthelp@lahc.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1949 |
| Motto | Education Changes Everything! |
| Type | Public community college |
| Campus Size | ~83 acres |
| Student Enrollment | ~10,000 students (annual headcount) |
| Colors | Blue and Yellow |
| Mascot | Sammy the Seahawk |
| Accreditation | Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| District | Los Angeles Community College District |
Los Angeles Harbor College Rankings
| Metric / Ranking | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| National overall ranking (College Factual) | #1,550 among U.S. colleges (2025) |
| Best Colleges in California ranking | #141 in state |
| Student-Faculty Ratio (reported) | ~26:1 |
| Freshman retention / first-year return | ~70% (various reports) |
| Graduation / certificate completion rates | ~25-35% (depending on measurement) |
Los Angeles Harbor College Academics
Los Angeles Harbor College Faculties / Departments
- Academic Affairs Division
- Health Sciences / Nursing Division
- Humanities & Fine Arts Division
- Math / Technology Division
- Science Division
- Social Science Division
- Kinesiology, Health & Wellness Division
- Noncredit & Adult Education Division
- Communications & Language Arts Division
Los Angeles Harbor College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) transfer degrees
- Associate degrees for transfer (e.g. AA-T, AS-T tracks)
- Certificates in career and technical education (CTE) fields
- Nursing and Allied Health programs
- Business, Information Technology, and Computer Science
- Fine Arts, Music, Theater, Communication Arts
- Natural Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science
- Kinesiology, Physical Education, Health Studies
- Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology
- English, Foreign Languages, Literature
- Noncredit / adult education and workforce development
Online Learning
Los Angeles Harbor College offers online and hybrid course options, allowing students to complete portions of their coursework remotely. A significant share of students enroll in at least one online course, and a subset completes all coursework online, especially in general education or prerequisite subjects. The college supports distance learners through online counseling, library access, digital resources, and instructional support. The adoption of online modalities enhances flexibility for students balancing work, family, or commuting demands. Moreover, LAHC aligns general education requirements with transfer frameworks (IGETC, CSU GE) that facilitate online completion of transferable units.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Range / Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not a standard requirement; optional or non-applicable for many applicants |
| Entrance Exams | Not required generally for admission |
| Program-specific requisites | Health or nursing programs may require prerequisites and minimum grades |
Because LAHC is a community college with open enrollment admission, standardized test scores are not a core barrier, and selection emphasizes completion of prerequisites and eligibility rather than high test performance.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Los Angeles Harbor College demonstrates moderate retention and degree completion outcomes among community colleges. The full-time retention for first-year students is often reported in the 68–70% range, indicating many students persist to their second term or year. The graduation rate (or completion of degree/certificate within 150% of “normal time”) tends to be approximately 25-35%, depending on cohort and metric. Transfer out rates (students who move onward to four-year institutions) also contribute significantly to outcomes, meaning some students leave LAHC after completing foundational work. The nature of community college attendance—part-time enrollment, work obligations, transfers—makes direct graduation metrics more complex than for four-year institutions. Nonetheless, LAHC emphasizes student support, academic counseling, and alignment with transfer pathways to bolster success.
Los Angeles Harbor College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because LAHC operates an open enrollment policy, there is no strict GPA threshold or SAT/ACT requirement for general admission. Applicants typically must have completed high school (or equivalent) or meet placement test requirements for English and math where needed. Admission is accessible to a wide range of students, including recent high school graduates, adult learners, and those seeking workforce training.
Los Angeles Harbor College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Open admissions (effectively 100% for eligible applicants) |
Admission is not selective; any student who meets basic eligibility (such as a high school diploma or GED) and follows application procedures is generally admitted.
Los Angeles Harbor College Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a college application, provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent, and complete placement assessments in English and mathematics if required. Some programs (such as nursing or allied health) may require additional prerequisites, minimum grades, application to the program, health clearances, or screening steps. Students may also consult counselors to plan their course sequence and align with transfer goals. The institution emphasizes removing barriers to entry, so application processes are designed to be accessible and student-friendly.
Application Process
- Complete the LAHC application form for admission
- Submit high school transcript or GED documentation
- Complete placement testing or assessment, if needed
- Meet with a counselor to plan coursework and goals
- Apply to specific programs or majors (if required)
- Register for classes, attend orientation, and begin coursework
Los Angeles Harbor College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Type of Deadline | Timing |
|---|---|
| General admission / registration | Begins in advance of each semester (fall, spring) |
| Priority registration | Early registration windows for continuing students |
| Program application deadlines | For selective programs (e.g. nursing) varying by cohort |
Because of the open admissions nature, many deadlines are rolling or aligned to the academic calendar; students are encouraged to apply early to secure seats in courses.
Essay Prompt
An essay prompt is not typically required for admission to LAHC under its open admissions policy. However, selective programs may ask applicants to submit statements, personal narratives, or supplemental materials about interest in the field, background, or goals when applying to competitive tracks like nursing or health sciences.
Los Angeles Harbor College Scholarships
Although the college itself is not highly selective, LAHC offers institutional scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities for eligible students. Many students also qualify for federal Pell Grants, state aid, and scholarships related to academic achievement, transfer support, or career pathways. The financial aid office assists applicants in accessing resources and may offer awards to cover tuition, books, or support services.
Los Angeles Harbor College Tuition Fee
| Cost Type | Estimate / Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (in-district) | ~$1,196 per year (median) |
| Net price (after grants) | ~$12,165 (average) |
| Room & Board | ~ $17,784 (if living off campus or commuting costs factored) |
| Books & Supplies | ~ $1,152 yearly |
These figures reflect median estimates as of recent data and may vary depending on course load, residency status, and aid packages. LAHC remains relatively low cost compared to national averages for community colleges.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
LAHC serves a widely diverse student population in terms of age, ethnicity, and enrollment status. In the 2023-2024 academic cycle, the age breakdown shows approximately 20% under age 20, 25% aged 20 to 24, 20% aged 25 to 34, 12% aged 35 to 54, and 2% age 55 and over, with about 21% concurrent high school students. The gender distribution has historically leaned female (around 60 %) to male (around 40 %). Ethnically, the college’s student body is majority Hispanic or Latino (approximately 57.6 %), followed by White (14.8 %), Black or African American (11.5 %), Asian (8.7 %), multiracial, and smaller categories. Many students are part-time commuters balancing education with work and life commitments.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of LAHC’s student population qualifies for financial aid, reflecting a mission to support low- and moderate-income learners. The college offers disability services, academic accommodations, counseling, learning support, and accessibility resources to assist students with disabilities. Through initiatives like TRIO, Dream Resource Center, and support programs, the institution strives to remove access barriers and enhance retention and success for marginalized groups.
Student Body
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (annual headcount) | ~10,000 students |
| Full-Time Students | ~1,479 (16.6%) |
| Part-Time Students | ~7,419 (83.4%) |
| Degrees / Certificates Awarded (recent) | ~2,779 |
| Female vs Male | ~63.2 % female, 36.8 % male |
University Diversity
Diversity is integral to LAHC’s identity and mission. The student population reflects the rich cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic mosaic of the greater Los Angeles harbor region. With more than half of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino and strong representation from other racial and ethnic groups, the college offers a fertile environment for cross-cultural exchange. Many students are first-generation, multilingual, working adults, or balancing educational goals with familial responsibilities. LAHC actively promotes equity, inclusive pedagogy, and student support services that foster belonging and academic success. The institution’s commitment to underserved communities is evident in its outreach, scholarship programs, and alignment of curricula to regional workforce needs, making it a bridge for socio-economic mobility in its communities.
Average Earnings
Post-graduation earnings from community college credentials vary widely depending on field, transfer, and regional employment conditions. For LAHC graduates who go into workforce roles, many enter entry-level positions in business administration, health support, technical trades, or service industries, which may yield moderate incomes initially but grow over time with experience or further education. For those who transfer to four-year institutions, long-term earnings tend to increase significantly. Data analyses indicate average mid-career earnings for degree completers in the region may reach approximately $30,000 to $39,000, influenced by area labor market and credential level. Because community college credentials often act as stepping stones, the true return on investment materializes for many students through transfers and degree completers who attain higher professional roles.
Los Angeles Harbor College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
LAHC employs a combination of full-time and adjunct faculty, administrative personnel, student services professionals, and technical support staff. As of recent data, there are about 90 instructional staff members, including 51 female instructors and 39 male instructors. Non-instructional staff include roles in management, office and administrative support, and service jobs. The faculty ratio is approximately 26 students per instructor in many reporting metrics, which is higher than national liberal arts norms but typical for public community colleges in urban settings.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at LAHC often come from backgrounds in teaching, research, industry, or professional practice in their respective disciplines. Many hold advanced degrees in their fields (Master’s or higher) and bring real-world experience into the classroom, particularly in applied or technical programs. Some faculty contribute to curriculum development, community partnerships, transfer alignment, or professional associations. Their achievements may include publications, grants, conference presentations, and leadership in student success initiatives. Given the college’s role as a transfer and workforce institution, faculty often emphasize real-world relevance, inclusive pedagogy, and preparing students for next steps whether in employment or further study.
Los Angeles Harbor College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a community college, LAHC is primarily a commuter campus and does not offer traditional student housing. Most students live in nearby neighborhoods and travel to campus daily. The campus includes instructional buildings, labs, student services centers, a student union (opened in 2019), library, and recreational facilities. Because of its urban proximity, campus life is modest compared to residential colleges; student engagement happens through clubs, student governance, workshops, cultural events, and partnerships with local community institutions. The campus is adjacent to Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, offering green space and outdoor recreation opportunities accessible to students. This proximity enhances the campus environment by adding natural areas, trails, and ecological settings for informal use.
Transportation
LAHC is well-served by local roads and public transit options, making it accessible for commuting students. The campus is reachable via city and regional bus lines, and many students drive, bike, or walk from neighboring areas. On-campus, mobility is straightforward, with walking paths, pedestrian connections, and proximity between key buildings. Parking is available for students and staff, typically organized in lots. Because most students commute, the design prioritizes ease of access and short transit distances within campus. The urban location and connectivity to Los Angeles infrastructure support commuting, internship access, and regional integration.