Are you considering attending college in Los Angeles? Here's a breakdown of L.A.'s seven most well known colleges and universities. WARNING: If you have fantasies of living at the beach, only two of these schools are actually within walking distance of the ocean. Still, Los Angeles is a vibrant community, and the beach is rarely more than 45 minutes away.

American Film Institute

The American Film Institute, or AFI as it's called by those in the know, is probably the most famous conservatory-style film production program in the industry. Founded in 1967 with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, AFI offers master of fine arts programs in cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design and screenwriting, as well as a number of shorter-term workshops and seminars. AFI is highly competitive, with just 28 students accepted per discipline per year in cinematography, directing, producing and screenwriting, and just 14 students accepted per discipline per year in editing and production design. Tuition is approximately $33,000 per year, and students may spend up to an additional $3,000 in school materials. There is no on-campus housing at AFI. The school is located about two miles from L.A.'s Griffith Park. www.afi.com

California State University, Los Angeles

Cal State L.A. is one of 23 campuses of the California State University System and has approximately 20,500 students in six different "colleges": arts and letters; business and economics; education; engineering, computer science and technology; health and human services; and natural and social sciences. Cal State L.A. offers degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels, as well as a number of certifications. Undergraduate students may enter at the freshman level, but the school also accepts a significant number of transfer students from the L.A. community college system. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $3,100 for undergraduates and $3,700 for graduate students. Tuition for out-of-state students is approximately $11,200 for undergraduates and $9,500 for graduate students. While there is limited on-campus housing, Cal State L.A. is primarily a commuter school, with the overwhelming majority of students living in private accommodation. The campus is located on the eastern boarder of Los Angeles. www.calstatela.edu

Los Angeles City College

L.A. City College, the city's main community college, is located on 49 acres between Hollywood and Downtown L.A.

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