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Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Los Angeles College of Music

Pasadena's tree-lined calm hides a serious music hub. Los Angeles College of Music is known for contemporary study in performance, songwriting, production, composing for media, and music business. Classes stay hands-on with ensembles, studio work, and critiques that sharpen ears and feel. The culture is focused and collaborative, where you swap charts, trade riffs, and learn fast.

Students use pro-level studios, tech labs, rehearsal rooms, and intimate stages, with advising, tutoring, and career coaching on hand. Campus life leans jam-first with open mics, ensemble shows, and frequent collabs. Career prep shows up in portfolios, guest clinics, and ties to the greater LA scene. And Pasadena adds coffeehouse gigs, galleries, and quick reach of film and TV hubs. Regular showcase nights give the place a shared heartbeat.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 300 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, California, 91105, USA
Phone: +1 (626) 568-8850
Website: lacm.edu
Unit ID: 446385

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: NASM
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: In-state: $25,650 (Tuition $24,450 + Fee $1,200) · Out-of-state: $25,650 (Tuition $24,450 + Fee $1,200)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 279
Undergraduate: 267
Graduate/Other: 12
Male: 169 Female: 110
Applications:
Total Applicants: 408
Admitted: 332
Enrolled: 69
Acceptance: 81.4% Yield: 20.8%
Staff:
Total: 224 Full-time: 35 Part-time: 189

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (35)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0904 Music Theory and Composition. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
50.0907 Keyboard Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0908 Voice and Opera. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0911 Stringed Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individual to master a stringed instrument and performing arts as solo, ensemble and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0913 Music Technology. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
27-2091 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio N/A N/A N/A
27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians $79,280 N/A N/A
50.0914 Brass Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master a brass instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0915 Woodwind Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master a woodwind instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0916 Percussion Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master percussion instruments and performing art for a variety of musical settings, including orchestral, solo, chamber, commercial, or nontraditional. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.1003 Music Management. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to organize and manage music organizations, operations, facilities, and personnel. Includes instruction in business and financial management; marketing and fundraising; personnel management and labor relations; event promotion and management; music products merchandising; artist agency and promotion; music law; and applications to specific activities such as managing theaters, recording studios and companies, bands and other ensembles, individual artists, and music organizations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$48,474
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$48,474
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,650
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,650
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$17,253
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$900
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,671 (on) / $4,761 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,275
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,650
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,650
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

26%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,338
Avg. Loan
$7,124
Avg. Federal Loan
$7,124
Additional
Students with Any Grant
43
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
16
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
13
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$6,501
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

47%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
69%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$7,754 – $67,752
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$7,754 (25th %) $67,752 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $31,758
Median Salary After 6 Years
$20,538
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$31,758
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
52.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
62.1%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,938
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 50.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 54.0%
Independent 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Los Angeles College of Music (LACM)

How much does it cost to attend Los Angeles College of Music (LACM)?

The annual tuition at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) is $25,650 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $48,474 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,253 and books and supplies $900.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Los Angeles College of Music offer?

Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) offers 39 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (35 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Los Angeles College of Music?

Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) has an 81.4% acceptance rate and a 20.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 408
  • Students admitted: 332
  • Students enrolled: 69

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Los Angeles College of Music?

Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,338 and average loans of $7,124.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,090
  • State/Local grants: $3,882
  • Institutional grants: $6,501
  • Federal loans: $7,124

The university supports 43 students with grants and 16 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Los Angeles College of Music graduates?

Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) graduates earn a median salary of $20,538 after 6 years and $31,758 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $7,754 (25th percentile) to $67,752 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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