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
Cal State LA gives you one of the cheapest paths to a bachelor's degree in California. A net price near $4,100 a year and median debt of just $13,000 mean you can finish without the loan burden that sinks graduates elsewhere. Median earnings of about $59,000 ten years out clear that debt easily, so the basic math works in your favor.
Your major decides how well it pays off. Nursing is the clear winner here, with graduates earning close to $88,000 while carrying less debt than the engineering majors. Civil and electrical engineering land in the low $60,000s and high $50,000s, solid returns for a degree this cheap. Mechanical engineering and computer science lag, both under $51,000 despite similar debt loads, which is weak for engineering and tech fields in the expensive LA job market. If you're paying to study computer science elsewhere, these numbers should give you pause.
The real risk is finishing at all. A 53% graduation rate and 73% retention mean a meaningful share of you leave without the degree that makes the low debt worthwhile. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it happens here more than at schools with higher completion.
The net price tiers stay affordable across incomes. Under $30,000 you pay about $2,855. even families over $110,000 pay under $15,000. That flat structure makes this a strong deal for lower-income families and a reasonable one even if you're not.
This school fits you if you want nursing or civil engineering and need to keep costs down. If you're set on computer science or mechanical engineering and can attend a school with stronger salary outcomes, look elsewhere. Either way, only enroll if you're confident you'll graduate.
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.