Is California State University-Los Angeles worth it?

Los Angeles, CA · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $3,967 a year after aid, graduate with $13,000 in federal debt, and earn $45,702 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $139, with a debt break-even of about 2.8 years.

Net price / year

$3,967

Admission rate

91%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$13,000

Earnings (6 yr)

$45,702

Earnings (10 yr)

$59,211

Est. monthly loan payment

$139

Loan-to-income ratio

28%

Debt break-even

2.8 years

How California State University-Los Angeles compares

MetricCalifornia State University-Los AngelesCaliforniaNational
Net price$3,967$18,742$16,642
Median debt$13,000$10,028$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$45,702$33,633$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend California State University-Los Angeles?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $3,967 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do California State University-Los Angeles graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at California State University-Los Angeles leave with a median federal debt of $13,000, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $45,702, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

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

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is California State University-Los Angeles worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 2.8 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

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