About Pasadena

Local Colleges and Universities

University of Southern California

USC is 15 miles south of Pasadena. Located in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, the University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. For more information go to http://www.usc.edu

University of California Los Angeles

UCLA is located 26 miles west of Pasadena. UCLA's primary purpose as a public research university is the creation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. To fulfill this mission, UCLA is committed to academic freedom in its fullest terms: we value open access to information, free and lively debate conducted with mutual respect for individuals, and freedom from intolerance. In all of our pursuits, we strive at once for excellence and diversity, recognizing that openness and inclusion produce true quality. For more information go to http://www.UCLA.edu

California State University Northridge

CSUN is located 31 miles west of Pasadena. California State University, Northridge exists to enable students to realize their educational goals. The University’s first priority is to promote the welfare and intellectual progress of students. To fulfill this mission, we design programs and activities to help students develop the academic competencies, professional skills, critical and creative abilities, and ethical values of learned persons who live in a democratic society, an interdependent world, and a technological age; we seek to foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines, and we believe in the following values. For more information go to http://www.csun.edu/

California State University Los Angeles

Cal State LA is located 17 miles south of Pasadena. As a member of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal State LA offers excellent and innovative educational opportunities to an urban student population that reflects the diversity of the Los Angeles basin. For more information go to http://www.calstatela.edu/

Occidental College

OXY is located 5 miles west in Eagle Rock. The mission of Occidental College is to provide a gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational experience of the highest quality -- one that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and pluralistic world. The distinctive interdisciplinary and multicultural focus of the College's academic program seeks to foster both the fulfillment of individual aspirations and a deeply rooted commitment to the public good. For more information go to http://www.oxy.edu/

Pasadena City College

PCC is located in teh center of town. The mission of Pasadena City College is successful student learning. The College provides high-quality, academically rigorous instruction in a comprehensive transfer and vocational curriculum, as well as learning activities designed to improve the economic condition and quality of life of the diverse communities within the College service area. For more information go to http://www.pasadena.edu

Glendale Community College

GCC is located 7 miles west of Pasadena off the 2fwy. Glendale Community College welcomes students of all diverse backgrounds, goals, ages, abilities, and learning styles. As an institution of higher education, we are committed to student learning and success. Using personal interaction, dynamic and rigorous instruction, and innovative technologies, we foster the development of critical thinking and lifelong learning. We provide students with the opportunity and support to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their educational, career, and personal goals. Our commitment is to prepare students for their many evolving roles in and responsibilities to our community, our state, and our society. For more information go to http://www.glendale.edu

Art Center College of Design

Art Center is located in two areas of Pasadena. A leader in art and design education for 80 years, Art Center College of Design offers a rigorous and trans-disciplinary curriculum, a faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry and a commitment to socially responsible design. Our students challenge boundaries and take risks, preparing them to realize success and fulfillment in the world of art and design—and beyond. For more information go to http://www.artcenter.edu