California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles maintains open access admission with a 91.9% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers. This places Cal State LA well above the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, reflecting the institution's commitment to educational access rather than selectivity-based prestige. The high acceptance rate positions Cal State LA as accessible to students across academic preparation levels, particularly supporting first-generation and transfer students who comprise significant portions of the student body.

For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that meeting basic eligibility requirements typically results in acceptance. Students should focus on academic preparation for success rather than admission competition. The open access model aligns with Cal State LA's mission as a public institution serving the diverse Los Angeles metropolitan area. This accessibility creates opportunities for students who might not qualify for more selective institutions while still delivering strong post-graduation outcomes, as demonstrated by the institution's top-25 ranking for earnings beyond expectations nationally.

California State University-Los Angeles maintains exceptional affordability through controlled published costs and substantial financial aid. The published cost of attendance totals $17,153 annually, including $6,813 in in-state tuition, $18,658 for room and board, and $1,011 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $4,113 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,040 from the sticker price. This 76% reduction from published costs reflects the institution's commitment to accessibility and the effectiveness of federal and state financial aid programs for the predominantly lower-income student population.

Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $2,855 for families earning under $30,000 to $14,599 for those earning over $110,000. At $4,113, the average net price sits $11,477 below the peer median of $15,590, placing Cal State LA among the most affordable public institutions nationally. The substantial aid targeting creates particularly strong value for lower-income families while remaining accessible to middle-class students. This cost structure supports the institution's role as a Mobility Engine, enabling access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Cal State LA graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong outcomes relative to institutional peer groups. Median earnings increase from $45,702 six years after enrollment to $51,588 at eight years and $59,211 at ten years, representing 29.6% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 5,810 graduates, providing strong confidence in reported figures across the institution's diverse program portfolio.

The institution generates $11,376 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Cal State LA in the 87.1st percentile for value-added performance. Lower-income graduates earn $48,600, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for Pell-eligible students. Earnings distribution spans from $36,906 at the 25th percentile to $83,961 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and varied career trajectories. Approximately 25.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Cal State LA offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #26 nationally and #15 in California, producing 171 graduates with median earnings of $103,598 and an exceptional value score of 90.9.

Business Administration and Management represents the institution's largest program, graduating 1,131 students with median earnings of $54,478 and ranking #105 nationally. Forensic Social Work ranks #16 nationally and #5 in California with a value score of 92.2, graduating 224 students who earn $50,567.

Applied/Public Sociology ranks #39 nationally with strong value performance, graduating 452 students earning $45,937. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #41 nationally and #4 in California, demonstrating the institution's strength in professional and continuing education pathways.