Overview
California State University-Los Angeles is a accessible public four-year institution in Los Angeles, California. The school accepts 86.9% of applicants and enrolls 21,478 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.9%
- Total Enrollment
- 21,478
Admission Guide
California State University-Los Angeles operates on a straightforward admissions process through the Cal State Apply system, with applications due November 30 for fall admission. You'll need to submit your high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (though these requirements have been suspended through 2025), and complete the A-G subject requirements that include four years of English, three years of math, and specific science and social studies courses.
The nursing program requires separate application materials and maintains much higher admission standards than the university overall. Engineering programs also draw more competitive applicant pools, particularly civil and electrical engineering. Apply early to these programs since they fill quickly and may close to new applications before the general deadline.
Cal State LA operates primarily as a commuter campus with limited on-campus housing. The university houses about 1,000 students in residence halls and University-Times apartments, so submit housing applications immediately after admission if you want to live on campus. Most students commute from throughout Los Angeles County.
New student orientation occurs during summer months and covers course registration, campus resources, and academic planning. You'll register for classes during orientation, so research your major requirements beforehand. The campus sits in the diverse Alhambra area with easy access to downtown Los Angeles via Metro Gold Line.
Financial aid processing moves quickly here since most students qualify for significant state and federal aid. Submit your FAFSA by March 2 for priority consideration for grants and work-study positions. The university offers payment plans if you need to spread costs across the semester.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $4,113/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $6,813
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,698
- Students Receiving Aid
- 66%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,211/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 72.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for California State University-Los Angeles?
Cal State LA uses rolling admissions with priority deadlines of November 30 for fall semester and August 31 for spring semester. Applications submitted after these dates are considered on a space-available basis.
Does California State University-Los Angeles require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Cal State LA is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose to submit test scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.
What GPA do you need to transfer to California State University-Los Angeles?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from previous college coursework to be eligible for Cal State LA. Students with 60 or more transferable semester units must also complete specific general education requirements.
Does California State University-Los Angeles offer early admission or early action?
Cal State LA does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through the standard CSU application system with the same deadlines and review process.