At $4,113/yr net price, California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn $59,211/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,211/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,113 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,211/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,211/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,855/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,231/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,373/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,813/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,599/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,421 | $34,322 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $104,192 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $103,746 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $87,548 | $12,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | $24,750 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $74,367 | $20,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $66,461 | $40,301 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $61,516 | $29,334 |
The Risk Factor
52.6% of students at California State University-Los Angeles graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California State University-Los Angeles offers strong financial value with an strongly low net price of $4,113 annually and modest debt loads. Your return on investment here depends heavily on your major choice, with top-earning programs delivering salaries that dwarf the school's affordability.
Business Administration graduates earn $106,421 annually, making the higher debt load of $34,322 worthwhile given the LA metro area's corporate opportunities. Computer Science delivers similar returns at $104,192 with lower debt burdens. Nursing programs perform well across two tracks, with the higher-earning option at $103,746 requiring only $20,500 in debt. Electrical Engineering graduates earn $82,440, though you'll carry $24,750 in debt.
The school's 52.6% graduation rate creates financial risk if you don't complete your degree. Your retention rate after freshman year sits at 72.9%, suggesting academic support may be inconsistent. This matters more at Cal State LA than expensive private schools because incomplete degrees waste years of potential earning time.
You're a strong financial fit here if you're pursuing high-demand technical fields or business and can handle the larger class sizes and limited individual attention. The Los Angeles job market rewards Cal State LA's STEM and business graduates well. Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or plan to study lower-earning liberal arts fields where the networking benefits of more expensive universities justify their costs.
With 66% of students receiving financial aid, most pay even less than the stated net price. Focus on graduating within four years to maximize your investment return, as the school's affordability loses its advantage if you extend your time to degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Los Angeles worth the cost?
Cal State LA offers strong value with a net price of just $4,113 per year and median debt of only $13,000. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Los Angeles?
Business administration leads at $106,421 in 10-year earnings, followed by computer science at $104,192 and nursing at $103,746. These programs offer solid returns given the low cost of attendance.
How much debt do California State University-Los Angeles graduates have?
The median debt is $13,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load makes Cal State LA accessible for students from lower-income families.
What is the job market like for California State University-Los Angeles graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $59,211 after 10 years, which is decent for the LA market but not exceptional. The school's high acceptance rate of 87% means less selectivity, which can affect employer perceptions in competitive fields.