West Los Angeles College

What West Los Angeles College does

West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is a public two-year community college located on a 72-acre campus at 9000 Overland Avenue in Culver City, California, operating as one of nine colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and the broader 116-college California Community College system. The institution, founded in 1968, serves primarily first-time college students, international F-1 visa students, transfer-bound undergraduates, dual-enrolled high schoolers, veterans, foster youth, working adults, and undocumented students through a portfolio of 191 degrees and certificates across seven Career & Academic Pathways (Arts & Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Business, Computer Science & Applied Technology, Health Sciences, STEM, and Climate Studies & Environmental Justice), plus two bachelor's programs in Dental Hygiene and Aviation Maintenance/Aviomics. Student support is delivered through 28 specialized programs including EOPS, DSPS, Guardian Scholars/NextUp, Puente, BSU-Umoja, Dream Center, and basic-needs services via the Wildcats' Den.

WLAC's core technology stack is largely district-shared rather than proprietary: Canvas LMS for course delivery, SIS Portal for registration and records, LACCD email infrastructure, Cranium Café for virtual counseling, and the institution's branded West Online platform for fully online and hybrid learning, including the international online associate degree. Supporting integrations include Flywire for international payments, Parchment for transcripts, BankMobile for disbursements, TimelyCare for student health, and ASSIST.org / TES for transfer articulation. There is no proprietary AI/ML capability; the tech layer is administrative and transactional.

Revenue is not generated in a commercial sense. The institution is funded primarily through California state apportionment and LACCD allocations tied to FTES enrollment, supplemented by student tuition ($46 per unit for California residents, approximately $5,947 per semester for international students), federal financial aid (53% of students), and local property tax pass-through. The LA Promise Program provides $0 tuition for first-time full-time students. Distribution occurs through on-campus instruction, the global West Online channel, dual-enrollment partnerships with K-12 districts, and direct enrollment via the SIS Portal, with articulation agreements guaranteeing transfer pathways to all 23 CSUs, multiple UC campuses, and roughly 20 private universities including USC and Loyola Marymount.

Name

West Los Angeles College

Legal name

West Los Angeles College

Website

https://wlac.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

West Los Angeles College is a public two-year community college in Culver City, California, part of the LACCD system, serving first-time, international, transfer, veteran, and under-served students through 191 degrees and certificates plus two bachelor's programs, with $46/unit resident tuition and guaranteed transfer pathways to CSU and UC systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (6112), Junior Colleges (611210), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Community Colleges (EDAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE), Dual Enrollment / Early College Programs (via Community Colleges) (EDAHADAH), Online Community Colleges (2-Year, Degree/Transfer) (EDAHALAC)

Keywords

• Community college education
• Associate degree programs
• Online learning
• Career certificates
• University transfer pathways

Headquarters

HQ city

Culver City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue from student tuition and mandatory fees. California residents pay $46 per unit. International students pay approximately $12,000 per year. Public community college funded primarily by state and local tax revenue.
2. State Funding: Primary funding from California state and Los Angeles Community College District allocations based on enrollment and FTES
3. Financial Aid Distribution: 53% of students receive financial aid including grants, loans, and work-study. California College Promise Grant provides $0 tuition for eligible students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

West Los Angeles College is a public two-year community college offering 191 degrees and certificates, including Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T), two bachelor's degree programs (Aviation Maintenance/Aviomics and Dental Hygiene), career and academic pathways, and fully online learning via the West Online platform. Students can earn credits at $46 per unit for California residents, with the LA Promise Program providing $0 tuition for first-time full-time students. The college serves traditional, international, veteran, foster youth, and dual-enrolled high school students with extensive support services and transfer pathways to UC, CSU, and private universities.

Product overview

West Los Angeles College is a community college offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational products and services. The core offerings include West Online (online and hybrid learning), 191 degrees and certificates including Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T), and two bachelor's degree programs (Aviation Maintenance/Aviomics and Dental Hygiene). Students can choose from Career & Academic Pathways spanning Arts & Humanities, Business, Computer Science, Health Sciences, STEM, and Climate Studies. Supporting programs include the Transfer Honors Program for priority university admission, the Puente Project and BSU-Umoja for culturally responsive support, and the Guardian Scholars/NextUp programs for foster youth. The college provides extensive student services including the Child Development Center, Wildcats' Den basic needs support, and the Transfer Center facilitating pathways to UCLA, UC, CSU, and private universities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• West Online Online and hybrid learning platform enabling students to complete associate degrees and certificates entirely online. Recognized as one of the Best Online Community Colleges (2020). Includes international online associate degree program.
• Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) Two-year associate degrees fully transferable to California State Universities. Eligible students meeting CSU requirements receive priority admission to CSU campuses with guaranteed junior standing through the AD-T pathway.
• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Maintenance/Aviomics Four-year bachelor's degree program in Aviation Maintenance/Aviomics allowing students to complete a bachelor's degree at community college tuition rates.
• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program providing entry-level BSDH program and a degree completion pathway for ASDH graduates.
• Career & Academic Pathways Structured academic pathway programs spanning Arts & Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Business, Computer Science & Applied Technology, Health Sciences, STEM, and Climate Studies & Environmental Justice.
• Certificate Programs Career-focused certificate programs across 191 available degrees and certificates including Accounting, Addiction Studies, Administration of Justice, Computer Science, Dental Assistant, EMT, Game Design, Nursing, Paralegal, and Pharmacy Technician.
• Child Development Center Licensed childcare facility serving children ages 8 months to 5 years with infant-toddler and preschool programs using a play-based curriculum, nutritious meals, and family resource services. Licensed by CDSS Community Care Licensing Division.
• Transfer Honors Program Rigorous educational program providing students with specialized advising, honors courses, research opportunities, and priority transfer admission to UCLA, UC Irvine, LMU, CSU Long Beach, and other universities.
• LA Promise Program College Promise program providing $0 tuition for first-time, full-time students of any age or income as part of WLAC's commitment to accessible education.
• Black Scholars United (BSU) - Umoja Program Culturally responsive learning community enhancing educational experiences for Black and African American students through dedicated counseling, cohort-based courses, leadership development, mentorship, and university tours including HBCU partnerships.
• Puente Project Interdisciplinary program aiding underrepresented students achieve academic success through academic counseling, English courses, and mentoring by community leaders, with a focus on transfer preparation.
• Guardian Scholars Program Support program for current and former foster care youth providing educational support services, emergency assistance, and resources for foster youth success.
• Transfer Center Center helping students transition to four-year universities by providing university representative meetings, workshops, campus visits, ASSIST.org access, and application assistance in partnership with UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, and other institutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 53% of students receive financial aid
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• ASSIST.orgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial repository for approved transferable courses between CSUs, UCs, and WLAC. Enables students to verify course transferability to meet major and general education requirements.
• FlywirecoreTechnology or IntegrationInternational student payment processing platform enabling secure education payments in local currencies from 240+ countries. Provides real-time tracking and multilingual support.
• Gallagher Student HealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides international student health insurance (IMED) plan administration including ID cards, provider search, and wellness services.
• Safe Place for Youth (SPY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing support partnership providing virtual housing assistance for students experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty agency providing emergency shelter information and winter shelter programs for homeless students.
• University of California (UC System)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArticulation agreements with UC campuses (UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside) for course transferability.
• California State University (CSU System)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) guarantee priority admission to all 23 CSU campuses. Cal-GETC pathway for transfer students.
• California Private UniversitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArticulation agreements with Antioch University, Azusa Pacific, Biola, Chapman, Concordia Irvine, DeVry, Loma Linda, Loyola Marymount, Mount Saint Mary's, National University, Pacific Oaks, Southern New Hampshire, U of La Verne, UMass Global, U of Pacific, U of Redlands, USF, USC, Westmont, Whittier.
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransfer Alliance Program partner with priority admission consideration for WLAC Transfer Honors Program students.
• TimelyCarecoreTechnology or IntegrationVirtual health and well-being platform available 24/7, free for WLAC students, providing mental health and medical support.
• CAL FIRE Green Schoolyards GrantminorOthersGrant funding for Child Development Center playground redesign including infant/toddler play area, preschool playground, and family courtyard.
• Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)coreOthersParent district providing administrative infrastructure, shared systems (SIS, Canvas, SAP), and centralized services across 9 colleges.
• California Community College SystemcoreOthersIntegrated state system including 116+ community colleges designed to facilitate transfer to UC and CSU systems.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pasadena City College: California community college serving the greater LA area with similar tuition, transfer pathways to UC/CSU, and bachelor's-level programs. Comparable mix of career-technical and transfer-oriented programs including international student recruiting.
• Santa Monica College: Nearby California community college offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and similar cost structure ($46/unit). Comparable in scale, student demographics, and LACCD-adjacent curricular mix; most direct competitive overlap given proximity to Culver City.
• East Los Angeles College: LACCD sister college serving East LA with similar associate-degree, transfer, and workforce pathways. Shares district-wide articulation and shared services and is a direct geographic complement within LACCD.
• Los Angeles Pierce College: LACCD sister college in Woodland Hills offering associate degrees, transfer preparation, and bachelor's programs. Shares the district's shared services (Canvas, SIS) and competes with WLAC for Westside and Valley students.
• Long Beach City College: California community college in the LA basin offering associate degrees and transfer preparation at $46/unit. Competes with WLAC for both local and international students with overlapping career-technical programs.
• El Camino College: Adjacent California community college in Torrance serving similar demographics, with comparable tuition ($46/unit), transfer focus, and associate degree mix. Strong overlap with WLAC in international student programs and career-technical offerings.
• Rio Hondo College: California community college in Whittier offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and applied technology programs at the same $46/unit tuition. Comparable mix of career-technical, transfer, and dual enrollment programs.
• Los Angeles City College (LACC): Direct LACCD sister college in central Los Angeles offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and similar tuition/fees under the same district infrastructure. Operates identical articulation framework to UC/CSU and competes for similar student populations.
• Los Angeles Valley College: LACCD sister college in Valley Glen offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and similar district-shared services. Operates with the same curriculum articulation framework and competes for similar student pools.

Broad incumbents

• Mt. San Antonio College: One of the largest California community colleges by enrollment (similar scale to WLAC), offering a wide breadth of vocational and transfer programs. Comparable operating model and student demographics at a meaningfully larger size.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/wlacinfo
• Facebookfacebook.com/44331435068
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/west-los-angeles-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/westlacollege
• Xx.com/westlacollege

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about West Los Angeles College