Students at California State University-Los Angeles benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that significantly exceed expectations for graduates of similar institutions.
The university delivers one of the strongest value propositions in public higher education, particularly for first-generation and low-income students seeking reliable pathways to economic mobility.
California State University-Los Angeles delivers exceptional value as one of the nation's premier mobility engines, combining broad access with strong long-term outcomes. Azimuth ranks Cal State LA among the top public universities nationwide for overall value, reflecting its ability to serve diverse student populations while consistently producing graduates who earn solid middle-class incomes. With 66% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 61% being first-generation college students, the university opens its doors widely while maintaining strong academic standards.
What makes Cal State LA particularly compelling is how effectively it converts access into upward mobility. Graduates earn a median of $59,211 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations that significantly outperform similar institutions nationwide. This performance places Cal State LA in the coveted "Mobility Engine" category, institutions that combine high access with strong outcomes for students from all backgrounds.
As a large public university in Los Angeles, Cal State LA offers the scale and resources of a major metropolitan institution while maintaining affordability that makes higher education accessible to working families. The combination of extremely low net prices for low-income students, manageable debt levels, and strong career outcomes creates one of the most compelling value propositions in California public higher education.
California State University-Los Angeles offers a practical mix of programs designed to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Business Administration dominates with 1,131 graduates earning around $39,513 early in their careers, representing both the university's largest program and its highest aggregate economic impact. The program's scale reflects strong employer demand and the university's reputation for producing work-ready business professionals.
Nursing exemplifies Cal State LA's strength in high-demand professional fields, with 171 graduates achieving median earnings of $87,548, among the highest of any program at the university. This performance reflects both the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Los Angeles and the university's effective preparation of students for immediate career success. Applied Sociology, with 452 graduates, demonstrates the breadth of Cal State LA's offerings while preparing students for careers in social services, education, and community organizations.
The university's program mix reflects its mission as a comprehensive public institution serving the diverse needs of Los Angeles. From business and healthcare to social sciences and STEM fields like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cal State LA provides pathways into careers that support middle-class lifestyles while remaining accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The combination of practical curriculum, strong employer relationships, and urban location creates opportunities for students to build careers that provide long-term economic stability.
California State University-Los Angeles graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,211, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of over $11,000 compared with similar students at other institutions nationwide. This substantial earnings advantage reflects Cal State LA's effectiveness in preparing students for careers that provide meaningful economic mobility and financial stability.
The university's program portfolio drives these strong outcomes through a mix of practical, career-focused majors. Business Administration leads with 1,131 graduates earning around $39,513 early in their careers, representing the highest aggregate return among all programs. Nursing stands out for individual earning power, with 171 graduates achieving median earnings of $87,548, demonstrating the university's strength in high-demand healthcare fields. Applied Sociology, with 452 graduates, shows the breadth of Cal State LA's offerings, while programs like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provide pathways into research and graduate study.
The university's location in Los Angeles provides graduates access to one of the nation's most diverse job markets, from entertainment and technology to healthcare and business services. This geographic advantage, combined with Cal State LA's practical curriculum and strong employer relationships, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and achieve financial outcomes that support long-term economic stability.
California State University-Los Angeles stands out as one of the most affordable options in American higher education, particularly for students from low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay just $2,855 per year in net price, placing the university in the top tier nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $5,373, while even high-income families pay $14,599, creating predictable and manageable pricing across all income levels.
The university's commitment to affordability extends beyond sticker price to actual debt burden. Typical graduates leave with $13,000 in federal student loan debt, a remarkably low figure for a four-year degree that positions students for median earnings near $60,000. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,553, reflecting the university's success in keeping family debt obligations modest while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
What makes Cal State LA particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. With strong post-graduation earnings and minimal debt loads, graduates can comfortably manage repayment while building wealth over time. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that students successfully transition from college to career without financial distress, creating a model of affordable higher education that actually works for working families.
California State University-Los Angeles Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
