UCLA buys Marymount California University property in Palos Verdes Peninsula to ease crowding

UCLA has purchased two new sites in Rancho Palos Verdes and San Pedro in an effort to address campus crowding and increasing student demand.

The two sites belonged to Marymount California University, a private Catholic college that shuttered in August 2022. MCU cited declining enrollment and rising costs as the reasons for closing.

The $80 million purchase marks the largest land acquisition in UCLA history. Officials say the sites can accommodate around 1,000 students and potentially house at least half of those students.

The MCU site includes a 24.5-acre main campus in Rancho Palos Verdes and an 11-acre residential site in San Pedro.

“As demand for our academic offerings continues to grow, this acquisition will allow us to expand student access in line with UC’s 2030 goals, strengthen our connections to the greater L.A. region, and deepen our institution’s research and public service impact,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.