California State University-Los Angeles

86.9%Acceptance

$6,813Tuition

21,478Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,211Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA serves as the academic heart of East Los Angeles, drawing 21,478 students to its urban campus in one of America's largest cities. The university has built its reputation as a gateway to the professions for first-generation college students and working families throughout Southern California. With an 87% acceptance rate, the school opens doors for students who might not find opportunities elsewhere while maintaining serious academic standards across its full programs.

The financial equation here works in students' favor. Average net price sits at just $4,113, making this one of California's most affordable university options. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $59,211, creating a strong return on investment. Students typically graduate with $13,000 in debt, keeping monthly loan payments manageable at $138. Two-thirds of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families.

The student body tells the story of modern Los Angeles. Hispanic students make up 77% of enrollment, while 99% come from California. With 19 students per faculty member, classes stay reasonably sized despite the university's scale. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work while attending school, taking longer but ultimately succeeding in their educational goals.

Academics & Faculty

Cal State LA operates as a full public university serving one of the nation's most diverse student populations, with 77% Hispanic enrollment making it a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. The university offers practical, career-focused programs that reflect Los Angeles's economic needs, particularly in business, education, criminal justice, and health sciences. Students work with faculty at a 19:1 ratio, which provides reasonable access to professors despite the large 21,478 enrollment. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face, as most juggle jobs alongside their studies. The school emphasizes applied learning and community engagement, preparing graduates for middle-class careers with median earnings reaching $59,211 ten years after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.6%
Retention Rate: 72.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,211
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$106,421
Computer Science.	Master	$104,192
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$103,746
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$87,548
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$82,440
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$74,367
Civil Engineering.	Master	$70,456
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$66,461
Mathematics.	Master	$63,005
Public Administration.	Master	$61,516

View all 160 programs →

Campus Life

Cal State LA sits on a hilltop campus in the diverse Eastside neighborhoods of Los Angeles, just five miles from downtown. With housing capacity for only 2,483 students out of 21,478 total enrollment, most Golden Eagles commute from across the sprawling metro area. The concrete campus offers sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains and LA's skyline. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats, as Southern California's Mediterranean climate means year-round outdoor study sessions and campus events.

The student body reflects LA's diversity, with 77.16% Hispanic enrollment making this one of the nation's top Hispanic-serving institutions. Many students work part-time while attending classes, contributing to the 19:1 student-faculty ratio feeling manageable despite the large enrollment. Weekends often mean heading to nearby attractions like Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory, or the beaches of Santa Monica. The commuter culture means campus life centers around academic programs and student organizations during weekdays, with 14 varsity sports teams competing as NCAA Division II Golden Eagles providing school spirit focal points.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,483 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

69 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Motor Vehicle Theft	25	0
Stalking	7	5
Burglary	9	1
Dating Violence	5	3
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Domestic Violence	3	1
Fondling	2	1
Rape	1	1
Arson	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–68°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 15.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Cal State LA serves primarily Hispanic students who represent over three-quarters of the campus population. Nearly all students come from California, reflecting the university's deep roots in the local community. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, making this a vital pathway for first-generation college students from working-class families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, typical of full universities that emphasize education, health sciences, and social work programs. The Golden Eagles have built their reputation as an access-oriented institution that transforms lives in East LA's diverse neighborhoods.

Men: 43.3%
Women: 56.7%
White: 4.1%
Black: 4.0%
Hispanic: 77.2%
Asian: 10.1%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 66.1%

Location

Cal State LA sits in the heart of Los Angeles, serving over 21,000 students in one of America's largest metropolitan areas. The university is just five miles east of downtown LA, putting students at the center of the nation's second-largest city. The campus occupies 175 acres in an urban setting where students can access internships, jobs, and cultural opportunities across the sprawling LA basin. Nearly 99% of students come from California, reflecting the school's role as a local pipeline for the diverse communities of East LA and the San Gabriel Valley. The location offers proximity to beaches, mountains, and desert within a two-hour drive. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State LA with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90032-8506

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,211
Median Earnings (5 years): $59,715
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Los Angeles?

Cal State LA accepts 86.94% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for qualified students. The university serves as an important gateway to higher education for first-generation college students and working adults in the greater Los Angeles area.

How much does California State University-Los Angeles cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,113 annually, with 66.05% receiving financial aid. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $2,855, reflecting the university's commitment to affordability for low-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-Los Angeles?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 19:1 across the university's 21,478 enrolled students. Cal State LA operates on a semester system and focuses on providing practical, career-oriented education in fields like business, engineering, and criminal justice.

What are the graduation rates at California State University-Los Angeles?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 52.60%, while graduates earn a median salary of $59,211 ten years after enrollment. The university particularly excels at serving Hispanic students, who make up 77.16% of the student body, many of whom are first-generation college students balancing work and family responsibilities.

Where is California State University-Los Angeles located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in the diverse Alhambra area of Los Angeles, with housing capacity for 2,483 students out of the total enrollment. As a commuter-focused institution, 99.03% of students are California residents, and the Golden Eagles compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports.

Does California State University-Los Angeles serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 77.16% Hispanic, making it one of the nation's leading Hispanic-serving institutions. With 56.70% women and a median debt load of just $13,000, Cal State LA has built a reputation for providing accessible education to underrepresented communities in Los Angeles.