About California State University-Dominguez Hills
Cal State Dominguez Hills serves as a gateway to higher education for working-class families in the South Bay. The campus enrolls 12,642 students in Carson, just minutes from both downtown LA and the beach. This public university has built its reputation as an access-focused institution that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly 72% of students are Hispanic, making it one of the most Latino-serving universities in California. The acceptance rate of 89% reflects the school's commitment to providing opportunities for first-generation college students.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about affordability. Students pay an average net price of just $3,659 after financial aid, with low-income families paying even less at $2,624. That modest investment leads to median earnings of $57,162 ten years after graduation. Graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $13,807, resulting in monthly loan payments of only $146. Over 61% of students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the university's role in serving economically disadvantaged populations.
The Toros compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 205 student-athletes. The student body is predominantly female at 60%, and nearly all students are California residents. While the four-year graduation rate of 47% reflects the challenges many working students face, the employment rate of 93% shows strong job market outcomes.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about affordability. Students pay an average net price of just $3,659 after financial aid, with low-income families paying even less at $2,624. That modest investment leads to median earnings of $57,162 ten years after graduation. Graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $13,807, resulting in monthly loan payments of only $146. Over 61% of students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the university's role in serving economically disadvantaged populations.
The Toros compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 205 student-athletes. The student body is predominantly female at 60%, and nearly all students are California residents. While the four-year graduation rate of 47% reflects the challenges many working students face, the employment rate of 93% shows strong job market outcomes.
Academics & Faculty
California State University-Dominguez Hills serves as an accessible gateway to higher education with an 89% acceptance rate that welcomes diverse learners. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences, with many students pursuing careers in teaching and healthcare. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students receive reasonable attention from professors, though the 47% graduation rate suggests many face challenges completing their degrees. The school excels at serving first-generation college students, with 61% receiving Pell Grants. Academic support varies by program, but the university's commitment to affordability makes it a practical choice for working students balancing education with other responsibilities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.9%
- Retention Rate
- 65.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,162
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $117,274 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $110,878 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $93,875 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $86,867 |
| Education, General. | Master | $74,576 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $69,757 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $67,324 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,320 |
| Social Work. | Master | $60,096 |
Campus Life
CSU Dominguez Hills sits in Carson, just 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this mild Southern California climate. Only about 9% of the 12,642 students live in the limited on-campus housing, so this feels like a commuter campus where most students drive home after classes.
The student body is 71.65% Hispanic and 99.51% in-state, creating a tight-knit community that reflects the diverse neighborhoods of South LA. With women making up 60.06% of enrollment, the campus has a female-majority student body. Weekend life often revolves around LA's attractions rather than campus events. Students frequently head to nearby beaches, explore downtown LA's cultural scene, or visit family in the surrounding communities. The Toros compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 205 total athletes, but school spirit tends to be more subdued than at residential campuses. Many students work part-time jobs to help with expenses, contributing to the commuter school atmosphere where campus empties out in the evenings.
The student body is 71.65% Hispanic and 99.51% in-state, creating a tight-knit community that reflects the diverse neighborhoods of South LA. With women making up 60.06% of enrollment, the campus has a female-majority student body. Weekend life often revolves around LA's attractions rather than campus events. Students frequently head to nearby beaches, explore downtown LA's cultural scene, or visit family in the surrounding communities. The Toros compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 205 total athletes, but school spirit tends to be more subdued than at residential campuses. Many students work part-time jobs to help with expenses, contributing to the commuter school atmosphere where campus empties out in the evenings.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,167 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
61 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Cal State Dominguez Hills serves primarily Hispanic students who represent over 70% of the student body. Nearly all students come from California, reflecting the university's strong ties to the diverse communities of South Los Angeles and the South Bay. About 60% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school fulfills its mission as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, drawn to the university's well-regarded programs in nursing, education, and social work that traditionally attract female students.
- Men
- 39.9%
- Women
- 60.1%
- White
- 4.2%
- Black
- 12.0%
- Hispanic
- 71.7%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 99.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 61.0%
Location
Cal State Dominguez Hills sits in Carson, California, about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a diverse student body where 71.65% identify as Hispanic and 99.51% come from in-state. Carson blends suburban neighborhoods with industrial areas, offering students access to both LA's cultural attractions and South Bay beaches. The small city setting provides a more intimate college experience than massive urban campuses while keeping students connected to one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. With 12,642 enrolled students, the university maintains strong ties to the surrounding working-class communities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State Dominguez Hills with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Carson, California 90747-0005
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,162
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,700
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,807
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
Cal State Dominguez Hills accepts 89.13% of applicants, making it an accessible option for most students. The university serves as a gateway to higher education for the diverse communities of South Los Angeles and the South Bay region.
How much does California State University-Dominguez Hills cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,659 after financial aid, with 61.04% receiving some form of financial assistance. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,624 on average, making this one of the most affordable four-year universities in California.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 12,642 enrolled students. Known for hands-on learning and practical programs, the school emphasizes career preparation in fields like business, nursing, and public administration.
What are the graduation rates at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 46.90%, while graduates earn a median salary of $57,162 ten years after enrollment. The university has built a reputation for serving first-generation college students and working adults who balance education with other responsibilities.
Where is California State University-Dominguez Hills located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Carson, California, with housing for 1,167 students in a city-small setting. The Toros compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 10 varsity sports and 205 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community.
Does California State University-Dominguez Hills serve a diverse student population?
Hispanic students make up 71.65% of enrollment, with women comprising 60.06% of the student body. The university has established itself as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the demographics of the greater Los Angeles area it serves.
Similar Schools
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California
California State University-Chico
Chico, California
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, California
University of California-Merced
Merced, California
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California