Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
California State University-Los Angeles logo

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA·Public·21,478 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 66% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

92%
Accept
21,478
Students
$4,113
Net Price
53%
Grad Rate
$49,900
Earnings
10 yr
$11,966
Debt

About This School

California State University-Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California with approximately 21,478 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-Los Angeles has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 92%. The average net price after financial aid is $4,113 per year. The graduation rate is 53%, and the typical graduate earns $49,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is part of the California State University system. Cal State LA offers 142 bachelor's degree programs, 122 master's degree programs, and 4 doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy in special education, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Audiology. It also offers 22 teaching credentials.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $4,113/year average net cost and a median debt of under $12,000 at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable — a real advantage for budget-conscious students in the LA area. However, the 53% graduation rate is a concern worth taking seriously, meaning roughly half of students who start don't finish, so you'll want to think honestly about the support systems and personal commitment you're bringing. Worth considering if you're cost-focused, want access to a large urban campus with 142 bachelor's programs, and have a clear plan for staying on track.

Founded
1947
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Social Sciences10%
Health Professions9%
Education8%
Psychology7%
Communications7%
Computer Science5%
Engineering4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Billie Jean KingHelen HuntCarlos MenciaTommy Lister Jr.Edward James OlmosOctavia E. ButlerRobert VaughnMaxine WatersMal WhitfieldAlfonso RibeiroBilly BartyTelma Hopkins

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,813
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,698
Avg Net Price
$4,113
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants66%
Median debt at graduation$11,966

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
53%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,966
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,966
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White4%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino77%
Asian10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (21,478 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-Los Angeles

5151 State University Dr

Los Angeles, CA 90032-8506

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.