ACCEPTANCE RATE
91.9%
More selective than 13% of listed universities.
California State University, Los Angeles, is a prominent public university located in the heart of Los Angeles, devoted to student success and community engagement.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is a distinguished public institution founded in 1947. Situated in a vibrant urban setting, it serves over 25,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across more than 100 undergraduate and graduate disciplines, including doctoral programs. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal State LA emphasizes diversity and inclusion, striving to support the success of all students.
The campus is characterized by a commitment to engagement, service, and the public good, which is evident in its outstanding ranking for upward mobility—recognized as the number one institution in the nation for helping students improve their economic prospects. Cal State LA fosters a vibrant student life with over 100 student organizations, enriching activities, and athletic events, all while providing valuable hands-on learning experiences. The surrounding area of Los Angeles offers a rich cultural backdrop, ensuring that students have abundant opportunities for connection and exploration outside the classroom.
GETTING IN
California State University, Los Angeles, has an acceptance rate of 91.9%, welcoming a diverse student population of around 32,748 applicants. The university is committed to providing educational opportunities for a wide range of prospective students.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
91.9%
More selective than 13% of listed universities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Undergraduate application fee $70.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$6,818/yr
Out-of-state: $6,818/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$4,551/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $11,682.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Cal State LA is known for its comprehensive academic offerings, including over 100 undergraduate programs and multiple graduate-level and doctoral programs. The university emphasizes engaged teaching and public service, preparing students to meet the challenges of today's world.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
19:1
25.3% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
53%
▲ 7 pts since 2016
First-year retention
73%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
68
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University-controlled housing capacity
2,483
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 175 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$59,211
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
90%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
80.7%
80.7% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Where students live around California State University, Los Angeles — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with California State University, Los Angeles.