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Carson city hallPhoto: The Front Page Online · CC BY-SA 4.0
Colleges in and near Carson

Carson is home to California State University-Dominguez Hills

California State University-Dominguez Hills (13,167 students on campus) is inside the city, and Compton College (3,330) is 3.5 miles from the center, just over the line in Compton. About 6% of Carson’s residents are enrolled in college, below California (8%).

California State University-Dominguez HillsCompton CollegeUEI College-Gardena

From the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard, June 2026; IPEDS fall 2023 enrollment) and the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2020–24. Straight-line distances from the center of Carson. Colleges are described, not graded.

Within 15 miles
32
212,643 students on campus
Nearest college
1.7 mi
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Residents in college
6%
Below CA (8%)
Nearest community college
3.5 mi
Compton College · $1,142 tuition
Nearest public university
1.7 mi
California State University-Dominguez Hills · $7,449 in-state
Median household income
$109K
prices below start here

What stands out about college in Carson

Facts about the town and its distance to campus; each college’s own figures follow.

Three colleges within 4.2 milesCalifornia State University-Dominguez Hills admits 93% of applicants. Together they have 17,612 students on campus.In-state price at California State University-Dominguez HillsLiving in California, California State University-Dominguez Hills charges $7,449 in tuition and fees; from out of state, $20,049. State residency rules decide which a new arrival pays.A community college 3.5 miles awayCompton College in Compton: tuition and fees $1,142 a year for California residents.Students are 6% of residentsBelow California (8%). The Census counts anyone enrolled, including part-time and online students.
Every college

Colleges within 15 miles of Carson

20 private colleges within 14.5 miles, two public colleges within 8.8 miles, and 10 community colleges.

5 mi10 mi15 miUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Long BeachEast Los Angeles CollegeCarson
University or collegeCommunity college
California State University-Dominguez HillsUniversity or college · Public · 13,167 on campus · In Carson93%admitted$9knet price43%graduate$57kearningsCompton CollegeCommunity college · Public · 3,330 on campus · 3.5 mi · Compton$13knet price27%graduate$34kearningsTuition and fees: $1,142 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Los Angeles Harbor CollegeCommunity college · Public · 3,447 on campus · 4.2 mi · Wilmington · mostly online$13knet price36%graduate$41kearnings61% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Tuition and fees: $1,238 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.UEI College-GardenaUniversity or college · For-profit · 1,115 on campus · 4.2 mi · Gardena$29knet price60%graduate$31kearningsEarnings are reported for all 5 campuses that file with it.American University of Health SciencesUniversity or college · For-profit · 523 on campus · 5.4 mi · Signal Hill50%admitted50%graduate$94kearningsEl Camino Community College DistrictCommunity college · Public · 15,562 on campus · 5.6 mi · Torrance$6knet price42%graduate$42kearningsTuition and fees: $1,144 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Charles R Drew University of Medicine and ScienceUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 763 on campus · 5.9 mi · Los Angeles39%admitted$36knet price30%graduate$83kearningsUniversal Technical Institute-Southern CaliforniaUniversity or college · For-profit · 1,447 on campus · 6.1 mi · Long Beach$28knet price63%graduate$53kearningsEarnings are reported for all 6 campuses that file with it.National Polytechnic CollegeUniversity or college · For-profit · 299 on campus · 6.2 mi · Lakewood$31knet price47%graduate$31kearningsHomestead SchoolsUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 178 on campus · 6.2 mi · Torrance$16knet price93%graduate$59kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.North-West College-Long BeachUniversity or college · For-profit · 576 on campus · 6.4 mi · Long Beach$34knet price58%graduate$40kearningsEarnings are reported for all 4 campuses that file with it.Long Beach City CollegeCommunity college · Public · 17,484 on campus · 6.6 mi · Long Beach$6knet price30%graduate$39kearningsTuition and fees: $1,556 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Healthcare Career CollegeUniversity or college · For-profit · 381 on campus · 6.7 mi · Paramount$14knet price71%graduate$33kearningsLos Angeles Southwest CollegeCommunity college · Public · 1,754 on campus · 6.9 mi · Los Angeles · mostly online$6knet price34%graduate$32kearnings67% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Tuition and fees: $1,238 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.California State University-Long BeachUniversity or college · Public · 38,193 on campus · 8.8 mi · Long Beach46%admitted$10knet price69%graduate$64kearningsPCI CollegeUniversity or college · For-profit · 163 on campus · 8.9 mi · Cerritos$27knet price68%graduate$36kearningsCerritos CollegeCommunity college · Public · 13,757 on campus · 9.3 mi · Norwalk$2knet price31%graduate$41kearningsTuition and fees: $1,364 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.University of West Los AngelesUniversity or college · For-profit · 256 on campus · 10.1 mi · InglewoodSpartan College of Aeronautics & TechnologyUniversity or college · For-profit · 319 on campus · 10.9 mi · Inglewood$33knet price64%graduate$62kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.Otis College of Art and DesignUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,284 on campus · 12.5 mi · Los Angeles82%admitted$51knet price66%graduate$58kearningsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 41,282 on campus · 12.7 mi · Los Angeles10%admitted$33knet price92%graduate$92kearningsAntioch University-Los AngelesUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 888 on campus · 12.8 mi · Culver City$52kearningsEarnings are reported for all 5 campuses that file with it.Cypress CollegeCommunity college · Public · 10,494 on campus · 12.9 mi · Cypress$5knet price37%graduate$44kearningsTuition and fees: $1,150 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Loyola Marymount UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 9,533 on campus · 13.1 mi · Los Angeles45%admitted$48knet price79%graduate$78kearningsLos Angeles Trade Technical CollegeCommunity college · Public · 8,945 on campus · 13.3 mi · Los Angeles$12knet price35%graduate$35kearningsTuition and fees: $1,238 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.West Los Angeles CollegeCommunity college · Public · 2,805 on campus · 13.8 mi · Culver City · mostly online$10knet price28%graduate$39kearnings70% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Tuition and fees: $1,238 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.California College of ASUUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 136 on campus · 13.8 mi · Los AngelesFIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & MerchandisingUniversity or college · For-profit · 1,348 on campus · 14.1 mi · Los AngelesSouthern California Institute of ArchitectureUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 457 on campus · 14.1 mi · Los Angeles77%admitted$44knet price71%graduate$72kearningsBiola UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 4,288 on campus · 14.2 mi · La Mirada74%admitted$31knet price68%graduate$57kearningsThe Chicago School at Los AngelesUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 616 on campus · 14.5 mi · Los Angeles · mostly online46%admitted0%graduate$57kearnings82% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Earnings are reported for all 8 campuses that file with it.East Los Angeles CollegeCommunity college · Public · 17,853 on campus · 15 mi · Monterey Park$11knet price37%graduate$42kearningsTuition and fees: $1,238 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.

Degree-granting colleges with 100 or more students on campus (fall 2023 enrollment, minus students who study only online). Admitted: share of applicants offered a place. Net price: the average a year after grants, for students on federal aid. Graduate: within 6 years (4-year colleges) or 3 (2-year). Earnings: median, 10 years after starting.

What it costs

What would your family pay?

The average a year after grants, for families on federal aid, at the colleges within 15 miles. Pick your family’s income.

Family income

Starts at $75–110k, where Carson’s median household income ($108,703) falls.

Cerritos College9.3 mi · Norwalk · sticker $10,236 · tuition $1,364$6,599a year
Los Angeles Southwest College6.9 mi · Los Angeles · mostly online · sticker $13,624 · tuition $1,238$7,420a year
Long Beach City College6.6 mi · Long Beach · sticker $14,503 · tuition $1,556$10,042a year
Cypress College12.9 mi · Cypress · sticker $14,290 · tuition $1,150$10,163a year
El Camino Community College District5.6 mi · Torrance · sticker $15,246 · tuition $1,144$11,546a year
California State University-Dominguez HillsIn Carson · sticker $23,191$12,323a year
California State University-Long Beach8.8 mi · Long Beach · sticker $22,679$12,630a year
West Los Angeles College13.8 mi · Culver City · mostly online · sticker $17,336 · tuition $1,238$14,028a year
Healthcare Career College6.7 mi · Paramount · sticker $18,873$14,135a year
East Los Angeles College15 mi · Monterey Park · sticker $19,193 · tuition $1,238$15,346a year
Los Angeles Trade Technical College13.3 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $20,457 · tuition $1,238$16,399a year
Compton College3.5 mi · Compton · sticker $20,447 · tuition $1,142$16,689a year
Los Angeles Harbor College4.2 mi · Wilmington · mostly online · sticker $21,772 · tuition $1,238$17,831a year
University of Southern California12.7 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $90,300$24,976a year
Biola University14.2 mi · La Mirada · sticker $62,757$29,846a year
Universal Technical Institute-Southern California6.1 mi · Long Beach · sticker $33,041$32,469a year
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science5.9 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $39,834$33,075a year
National Polytechnic College6.2 mi · Lakewood · sticker $34,762$34,762a year
North-West College-Long Beach6.4 mi · Long Beach · sticker $36,942$35,381a year
Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology10.9 mi · Inglewood · sticker $39,104$39,104a year
Loyola Marymount University13.1 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $83,943$40,557a year
Otis College of Art and Design12.5 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $75,861$52,495a year
UEI College-Gardena4.2 mi · Gardena · sticker $34,105—a year
Homestead Schools6.2 mi · Torrance · sticker $20,937—a year
PCI College8.9 mi · Cerritos · sticker $33,852—a year
Southern California Institute of Architecture14.1 mi · Los Angeles · sticker $71,612—a year

The average a year after grants and scholarships, for first-time, full-time students on federal aid, from the College Scorecard. Your own price depends on your aid package; every college has a net price calculator. For community colleges the net price counts housing and food at full cost, so tuition is shown beside it. “—”: not reported for that income.

Outcomes

Do students finish, and does it pay?

Each dot is a college within 15 miles of Carson: across is the share who graduate, up is what they earn ten years after starting.

$0$20k$40k$60k$80k$100k0%25%50%75%100%Graduate →El Camino Community College DistrictLong Beach City CollegeCalifornia State University-Long BeachCerritos CollegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaEast Los Angeles College
University of Southern California92% graduate$92k earnings$18k typical debt
California State University-Long Beach69% graduate$64k earnings$14k typical debt
East Los Angeles College37% graduate$42k earnings$10k typical debt
Long Beach City College30% graduate$39k earnings$10k typical debt
El Camino Community College District42% graduate$42k earnings
Cerritos College31% graduate$41k earnings$8k typical debt
California State University-Dominguez Hills43% graduate$57k earnings$14k typical debt
Cypress College37% graduate$44k earnings$10k typical debt
Loyola Marymount University79% graduate$78k earnings$20k typical debt
Los Angeles Trade Technical College35% graduate$35k earnings$10k typical debt
Biola University68% graduate$57k earnings$24k typical debt
Los Angeles Harbor College36% graduate$41k earnings

Graduation: first-time, full-time students within 6 years (4-year colleges) or 3 years (2-year). Earnings: median, 10 years after starting, for students who got federal aid. *Reported for all the campuses that file together: UEI College-Gardena (5); Universal Technical Institute-Southern California (6); Homestead Schools (2); North-West College-Long Beach (4); Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology (2); The Chicago School at Los Angeles (8).

Majors

What students study in Carson

Share of bachelor’s and associate degrees by field at California State University-Dominguez Hills, weighted by undergraduates; then the biggest programs.

Business 19%Psychology 15%Health professions 11%Social sciences 7%Education 7%Visual & performing arts 6%Everything else 35%

Biggest programs

Business Administration, Management and Operations547 graduates a year
$64k4 yrs out
Psychology, General538 graduates a year
$53k4 yrs out
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods239 graduates a year
$45k4 yrs out
Sociology224 graduates a year
$55k4 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing185 graduates a year
$119k4 yrs out
Criminal Justice and Corrections172 graduates a year
$58k4 yrs out
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities161 graduates a year
$62k4 yrs out
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness119 graduates a year
$51k4 yrs out

College Scorecard: degree shares (PCIP; each college’s six largest fields are kept, the rest count as everything else) and the field-of-study file, median earnings 4 years after graduating.

Questions about college in Carson

Is Carson a college town?

No. About 6 of every 100 Carson residents are enrolled in college (Census, 2020–24), below California (8). The largest campus in the city, California State University-Dominguez Hills, has 13,167 students on campus.

What colleges are in Carson?

California State University-Dominguez Hills is inside the city. Compton College is 3.5 miles from the center, in Compton, and UEI College-Gardena is 4.2 miles from the center, in Los Angeles.

What is the closest community college to Carson, and what does it cost?

Compton College in Compton, 3.5 miles away. Tuition and fees are $1,142 a year for California residents; the federal net price, $12,647, counts housing and food at full cost.

How much does California State University-Dominguez Hills cost if we live in California?

Tuition and fees are $7,449 a year in-state and $20,049 from out of state. After grants, families on federal aid paid an average of $7,303 (under $30,000 income) to $18,947 (over $110,000), housing and food included.

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Colleges: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS (Scorecard 06/10/2026 · IPEDS 2024 · fall 2023 enrollment). “On campus” is fall enrollment minus students who study only online. Distances are straight-line from the center of Carson. Residents in college, age, rent and poverty (including poverty without college students, table B14006): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–24. Colleges are described, not graded; the College town label marks towns where 15% or more of residents are enrolled. How TownRatings describes colleges →