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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $18,403 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,760 |
| Room and Board | $19,696 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,054 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,436 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $3,967 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,877 |
| $30–48k | $2,974 |
| $48–75k | $5,002 |
| $75–110k | $7,355 |
| $110k+ | $13,578 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Cal State LA graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt totals just $13,000, substantially below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking at the 88th percentile nationally for low debt levels.
The debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $19,812 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with modest borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 falls well within manageable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate roughly 22% of their first-year earnings to debt service under standard repayment terms. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,553 with monthly payments of $165, though family income context determines actual burden levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State University-Los Angeles delivers exceptional return on investment through the combination of controlled costs, low debt, and strong relative earnings performance. The institution generates $11,376 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 87.1st percentile nationally, while maintaining debt levels $7,000 below peer medians.
This combination creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, indicating sustainable repayment relative to graduate incomes. Compared to peer institutions with median earnings of $60,543 and debt of $20,000, Cal State LA delivers nearly identical earnings outcomes ($59,211) with substantially better affordability. The modest earnings difference of $1,332 is more than offset by the $7,000 debt advantage, creating superior long-term financial outcomes.
For students prioritizing economic mobility over prestige, Cal State LA offers exceptional value through manageable debt, affordable access, and meaningful earnings growth relative to student backgrounds. This investment profile particularly benefits first-generation and lower-income students seeking to build long-term wealth through higher education.
Cal State LA's financial aid effectiveness reflects both institutional commitment and the high need levels of enrolled students. With 66.0% Pell-eligible enrollment compared to national averages around 35%, the institution serves a predominantly lower-income population that qualifies for substantial federal aid.
The $13,040 average financial aid savings represents 76% coverage of published costs, indicating comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal grants, state aid, and institutional support. The aid distribution creates meaningful affordability across income levels while concentrating resources on those with greatest need. Families earning under $48,000 pay less than $3,300 annually, making college accessible for working-class families in the expensive Los Angeles market.
The progressive aid structure supports the institution's access mission while ensuring that middle-income families also receive meaningful cost relief. This financial aid effectiveness contributes directly to Cal State LA's exceptional affordability ranking at the 97.6th percentile nationally.
Combined with earnings beyond expectations of $11,376, the controlled debt levels create favorable conditions for economic mobility. The low debt burden particularly benefits first-generation students who may lack family financial resources, enabling them to build wealth rather than service excessive educational debt.
