UCLA buys 2 new sites, will expand enrollment

UCLA is buying two properties from Marymount California University in San Pedro and Rancho Palos Verdes, the university announced Tuesday.

By acquiring the new sites, UCLA estimates it will be able to add about 1,000 additional students. The new students could help UCLA meet soaring demand from prospective students.

“UCLA has been a crucial nexus of education, research and public service within Los Angeles for more than 100 years,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a statement. “As demand for our academic offerings continues to grow, this acquisition will allow us to expand student access.”

Marymount California University closed earlier this year because of rising costs and declining enrollment. The university’s president, Brian Marcotte, said in a statement that the university chose to sell to UCLA because of its “long track record of educational excellence.”