California State University-Los Angeles
California State University-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA ranked #251 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 21,478 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.9% first-year retention, and 52.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $4,113, about $12,885 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 177.8%, roughly 92.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,702. That's about $2,014 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is California State University-Los Angeles Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California State University-Los Angeles graduates 52.6% of students within six years and keeps 72.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California State University-Los Angeles's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,813 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,011 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,658 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,858 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $17,153 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 66.0% of California State University-Los Angeles students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $2,855 annually, while high-income families pay $14,599. Use California State University-Los Angeles's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,813/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,599/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,702
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,702
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,966
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 58.2%
- Employment Rate 90.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California State University-Los Angeles graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California State University-Los Angeles vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California State University-Los Angeles's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California State University-Los Angeles's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 177.8% return on investment, California State University-Los Angeles delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $45,702 median—+5% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 21,478
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.9%
- Graduation Rate 52.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into California State University-Los Angeles
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California State University-Los Angeles requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.9%, California State University-Los Angeles is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.9% acceptance rate, California State University-Los Angeles is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California State University-Los Angeles undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Sociology, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 18.7%
- Sociology 7.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.4%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.4%
See more majors
- Social Work 3.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $120,317
- 2. Computer Science $100,735
- 3. Civil Engineering $99,644
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $96,348
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $94,122
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $69,513
- 7. Fire Protection $68,683
- 8. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $66,319
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $64,019
- 10. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $63,884
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $142,334
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $132,333
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $129,508
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $108,577
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $102,715
- 6. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $102,242
- 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $94,553
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $88,315
- 9. Social Work (Master's Degree) $88,174
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $85,836
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $120,317—88% more than Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($63,884). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $142,334 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California State University-Los Angeles. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 1,131 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 452 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 385 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 347 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 307 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (58 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Work
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Nutrition Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- History
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Fire Protection
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Natural Sciences
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Food Science and Technology
- Geography and Cartography
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Graphic Communications
- Area Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Journalism
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online Master's Degrees (54 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Education, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Science
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Public Administration
- Economics
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Anthropology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Music
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Area Studies
- Security Science and Technology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Psychology, General
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Geography and Cartography
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Engineering, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Materials Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (22 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Education, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biotechnology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Real Estate
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Gerontology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 21,478
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.3%
- Female Students 56.7%
- Caucasian 4.1%
- Asian 10.1%
- Hispanic 77.2%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 66.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California State University-Los Angeles's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California State University-Los Angeles's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Los Angeles has a diverse student body, with 4.1% identifying as White. 66.0% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California State University-Los Angeles achieves an impressive 177.8% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #251 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $45,702 median earnings while paying just $4,113 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 52.6% six-year graduation rate and 72.9% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why California State University-Los Angeles Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies California State University-Los Angeles as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: California State University-Los Angeles's 177.8% ROI stems from balancing $45,702 median post-graduation earnings against $4,113 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 177.8% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a A- grade and #251 ranking, California State University-Los Angeles represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 52.6% six-year graduation rate sits 9.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.9% first-year retention is 3.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 177.8% return on investment is 92.5 points above the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,702 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $4,113 is roughly $15,796 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.0% employment rate within three years sits 21.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
California State University-Los Angeles is a public university based in Los Angeles, CA and earns a A- overall grade. It appears at #251 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support C+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 72.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 52.6% finish within six years. The reported ROI is 177.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $4,113 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $17,153.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,040 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,966 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 66.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,702 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 5% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 90.0% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 177.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California State University-Los Angeles admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90032-8506
- Website www.calstatela.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$55.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.7%