California State University-Los Angeles
About California State University-Los Angeles
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cal State LA is a public university in Los Angeles, California. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and serves a diverse student body with programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and criminal justice. The campus is located near downtown LA.
Founded
1947
Location
Los Angeles, California
Students
23,139
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
91.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
53%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,160
Out-of-state: $19,760
Avg Net Price
$3,967
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$59,211
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
California State University-Los Angeles accepts the majority of applicants at 91.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.9%
4-Year Grad
11%
6-Year Grad
52%
Teaching Quality
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
41.6%
$/Student
$9.0K
Class Size
Large
The 11% graduation rate is below average, but 71.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,160
In-State
$19,760
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,696
Books & Supplies
$1,054
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,403
After Financial Aid
$3,967
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,877
Receive Grants
66.3%
Take Loans
17.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $18,403/yr for in-state students, including $19,696 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $3,967. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,760.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Los Angeles fund their education.
While in School
66.3%
Get Grants
Free money
17.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,032
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$138/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Los Angeles.
Gender
55.7%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
19,562
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,577
Graduates
61.5%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
23.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 61.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
19,562
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Los Angeles fields 10 varsity teams with 380 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
380
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
185
Men
195
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Los Angelesearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,211
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42K
896 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
412 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$31K
402 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$34K
394 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
367 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$37K
279 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Los Angeles
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Los Angeles?▾
How much does California State University-Los Angeles cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Los Angeles?▾
How much do California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.