California State University, Los Angeles: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission 2024-25, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

California State University, Los Angeles: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission 2024-25, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1947established year
28531enrollment
ACS WASC
Public
Partner [8 Courses]
7.8/10

California State University, Los Angeles is a public university in USA, established in 1947. The university is home to more than 27,000 students incuding over 500 international students. Indian students constitute the largest international student body in Cal State University, LA. International students can pursue over 100 programs at California State University, Los Angeles. This includes in 58 undergraduate degrees, 55 graduate degrees, and 4 doctoral programs through 8 academic schools.

To secure admission to California State University Los Angeles, students require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) for the undergraduate program. Graduate applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 (77-85%) in undergraduate program. The average tuition fee at Cal State LA is 17,720​ USD (14.75 lakhs INR) per year across various academic levels. Students reportedly secure an average salary of 76,000 USD per annum (62.61 lakhs INR), demonstrating a high return on investment.

Planning to study abroad with scholarships? Check out the top fully-funded master’s scholarships for you:

California State University Los Angeles Campus

California State University LA is in the urban setting of Los Angeles. The vibrant university campus is a large community of 27,000 students. There is a CARE team on California State University Los Angeles campus for the safety of the students, faculty, and staff.

How is the student life in California State University Los Angeles?

  • The Cal State Univesity campus exhibits cultural centers, resource centers, health and wellness centers, art galleries and complexes, food pantry, and CalFresh.
  • Students get athletic facilities like university gym, tracks & field, tennis complex among others.
  • The camp is equipped with proper facilities for intramural sports like basketball, soccer, softball, table tennis, volleyball, dodgeball, esports, and, flag football.
  • California State University offers apartment-style residences for full-time students living on campus. The residences are within walking distance from all campus facilities like classrooms, libraries, sports complexes, etc. To apply for housing in USA, students have to fill up an online form and pay USD 340 during submission.

California State University Los Angeles Degrees

The California State University LA offers more than 100 courses, which include undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and certificate programs. Students can pursue 58 undergraduate degrees, 55 graduate degrees, and 4 doctoral programs at Cal State LA through its 8 academic schools.

California State University Los Angeles Admissions

The procedure of admission to California State University, Los Angeles is mostly same for international and domestic students with a few extra steps. Details of admission to Cal State Los Angeles are provided below:

What are the PG admission requirements in California State University Los Angeles?

Category PG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Cal State Apply
Application Fees 70 USD (5,845 INR)
Academic Requirements 4 year bachelor’s degree
GPA or aggregate 2.5 to 3.0 (77-85%)
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.0 | PTE: 53 | Duolingo: 105
Standardized Test Scores GMAT: 500 | GRE: 300
SOP/ LORs 2 LORs | Statement of Purpose
Additional Requirements Work Experience

What are the UG admission requirements in California State University Los Angeles?

Category UG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Cal State Apply
Application Fees 70 USD (5,845 INR)
Academic Requirements High school transcripts
GPA or aggregate 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%)
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 5.5 | PTE: 44 | Duolingo: 95
Standardized Test Scores SAT: 830-1060 | ACT: 15-21

California State University Los Angeles Cost of Attendance

Tuition fees for international students at California State University Los Angeles depend on the program. The expenses can vary for students who live on campus, off-campus, or commute. The average cost of attendance for an international student is provided below:

How much is the tuition fee in California State University Los Angeles?

Period of Time Cost (USD)  Cost (INR) 
Semester (12 Units) 8,860 (Base Fee + per unit cost) 7.37 lakhs
Academic Year 17,720 14.75 lakhs
Potential Cost of Three Year Program 53,160 44.26 lakhs

How much is the cost of living in USA?

The average cost of living in USA for international students at California State University Los Angeles is provided below:

Expenses Annual Cost (USD)  Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR)
Books and Supplies 1,253 1.03 lakhs 
Room and Board 17,998 to 19,392 14.83 to 15.98 lakhs
Personal Expenses 2,923 to 4,064 2.40 to 3.34 lakhs
Transportation 1,710 to 2,212 1.40 to 1.82 lakhs

California State University Los Angeles Cost Comparison

University Tuition Fees (USD) Equivalent Tuition Fees for Indians (INR)
California State University, Los Angeles 17,720 14.75 lakhs
Arizona State University 10,978 to 12,104 9 to 10 lakhs
Cleveland State University 12,200 to 29,486 10.03 to 24.24 lakhs

California State University Los Angeles Scholarships

The university awards scholarship to all the students who are currently enrolled in any full-time program. The online application for the scholarship is available on the Cal State University LA Scholarships application site. Following are some California State University Los Angeles scholarships for international students:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Award Amount
President's Scholars Incoming international freshman with 3.75 high school GPA | Combined SAT Reasoning Test score of at least 1270 or ACT composite score of 27 2,500 to 6,800 USD
Honors College Scholars Meritorious honors college freshmen Variable amount of multi-year scholarships
Edison Scholars Program Meritorious students pursuing STEM programs Variable

Check out the list of some popular scholarships for Indian students in USA:

Scholarships to study in USA

California State University Los Angeles Work Study Program

Work study options are available both on and off campus at California State University Los Angeles. While classes are in session, students may work up to 20 hours per week. If you work on campus as a student, you will likely work for your school. If you work off campus or pursue part-time jobs in USA, your employer is usually a private nonprofit or a government agency, and the job you do must be in the public interest.

California State University Los Angeles Placements

The Career Development Centre of California State University, LA, offers placement support to students through CV writing, interview preparation, internships, on-campus jobs, workshops, and more. The College of Business and Economics has seen excellent placement through the years and some of the notable recruiters have been NASA, Nike, JPL, Tesla, Sherwin Williams, Insomniac, CBRE, etc. 

Cal State LA graduates reportedly secure 76,000 USD (62.61 lakhs INR) per annum as average salary. Following are some of the popular jobs in USA pursued by Cal State LA graduates and their respective salaries:

Job Profile Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Salary in INR
Human Resources (HR) Manager 97,100 80.74 lakhs
Project Engineer 70,700 58.25 lakhs
Software Engineer 75,000 61.79 lakhs
Staff Accountant 55,000 45.32 lakhs
Software Developer 80,000 65.91 lakhs
Mechanical Engineer 69,500 56.27 lakhs

California State University Los Angeles Alumni

With more than 245,000 alumni spread around the globe, California State University offers its services to all its alumni. From conducting alumni mentoring programs, to volunteer programs, and alumni awards night the university takes special care of its alumni.

California State University Los Angeles Notable Alumni

Alumni Name Designation Achievements
John D Peterson Entrepreneur Founder and CEO of Peterson Winery
Joseph Wambaugh Author, Former Police Officer Acclaimed author in Crime fiction genre. Known for "The New Centurions" and "The Choirboys."
Kara Brock Television Journalist Emmy Award-winning television journalist and anchor
Samuel T. Durrance NASA Astronaut Flew on two Space Shuttle missions, STS-35 and STS-67
Alan J. Fohrer Business Executive Former CEO of Southern California Edison, a major electric utility company

California State University or Cal State LA offers undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and certificate programs in fields like Business, Arts, Education, Engineering, Science, Nursing, etc. The 8 academic colleges of Cal State LA offering more than 100 courses are recognized for their outstanding faculties and researchers.

FAQs

Ques. Is California State University, LA good?

Ans. California State University is a recognized public university in USA. The university ranks at #1 in USA for the upward mobility of its students. The university is highly known for its research activities. Cal State has received 7 million USD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade its Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility. The university has also received 2.5 million USD in grant from The U.S. Department of Education to help professionals in teaching orientation and mobility to school-aged children with visual impairments.


Ques. How to apply for admission at California State University, LA?

Ans. Candidates have to apply online for admission through Cal State Application Portal with all the relevant documents within the deadlines. The admission requirements in undergraduate and graduate levels are as follows:

Category PG Admission Requirements UG Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements 4 year bachelor’s degree High school transcripts
GPA or aggregate 2.5 to 3.0 (77-85%) 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%)
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.0 | PTE: 53 | Duolingo: 105 TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 5.5 | PTE: 44 | Duolingo: 95
Standardized Test Scores GMAT: 500 | GRE: 300 SAT: 830-1060 | ACT: 15-21
SOP/ LORs 2 LORs | Statement of Purpose 2 LORs | Statement of Purpose
Additional Requirements Work Experience -

.


Ques. Is it hard to get into California State University Los Angeles?

Ans. No, it is not difficult to get into California State University Los Angeles. The university has an acceptance rate of 91%, reflecting a lightly selective admission policy. Applicants who meet the university's requirements and criteria have a good chance of being accepted. The university is home to 24,673 students including 547 international students. India is the highest contributor of international students in Cal State LA, with 208 students..


Ques. Is financial aid available for international students at California State University, LA?

Ans. Yes, full-time international students are eligible for scholarships at Cal State LA. The scholarships at Cal State LA are majorly merit based with variable and renewable award amounts.


Ques. Is GRE required for California State University Los Angeles?

Ans. Yes, a GRE score should be preferably included for your graduate application to be reviewed by California State University Los Angeles. A GRE score of 300 or higher or a GMAT score of 500 or higher is required for admission to the graduate courses in Cal State Los Angeles.


Ques. What GPA is needed for admission at California State University, Los Angeles?

Ans. International undergraduate students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (85%) on a scale of 4.0 for admission to California State University Los Angeles. Honors applicants require a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (90%). Graduate applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 (77-85%) on a scale of 4.0 to secure admission.


Ques. What is the average salary of California State University, Los Angeles graduates?

Ans. The average salary of a California State University (LA) graduates is 76,000 USD (62.61 lakhs INR) per annum. The average salary of Cal State graduates according to their chosen professions are as follows:

Job Profile Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Salary in INR
Human Resources (HR) Manager 97,100 80.74 lakhs
Project Engineer 70,700 58.25 lakhs
Software Engineer 75,000 61.79 lakhs
Staff Accountant 55,000 45.32 lakhs
Software Developer 80,000 65.91 lakhs
Mechanical Engineer 69,500 56.27 lakhs

Ques. Where do California State University, Los Angeles graduates work?

Ans. Cal State LA graduates are employed across world leading companies like Nike, NASA, Tesla, Sherwin Williams, Insomniac, and CBRE among others. These graduates reportedly secure average annual salary of up to 100,000 USD. For an Indian, this cost is equivalent to 83.44 lakhs INR.

California State University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams ScoreAction
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 21,284 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53
  • Duolingo: 105
M.B.A
2 years
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 21,284 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53
  • GMAT: 500
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 21,284 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53
  • GMAT: 550
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 19,760 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 21,284 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Mar 2025)
Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 21,284 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6
  • PTE: 53

Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science

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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6|PTE53|Duolingo105
Important Date: 31 Mar, 2025
USD 21,284 /Yr
20 Students Applied
12 Students Admitted

Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Business Analytics

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On Campus
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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6|PTE53|GMAT550
Important Date: 31 Mar, 2025
USD 21,284 /Yr

Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6|PTE53
Important Date: 31 Mar, 2025
USD 21,284 /Yr
8 Students Applied
6 Students Admitted

Master of Science [M.S] Civil Engineering

2 years
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Ranked #671 out of 750 by RUR Global Ranking 2020
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6|PTE53
Important Date: 31 Mar, 2025
USD 21,284 /Yr
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California State University comparison

University NameCalifornia State UniversityUniversity of CaliforniaCalifornia State UniversityUniversity of California
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 108.4 Out of 104.1 Out of 107.8 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #1401 QS World University 2025
  • #1401 QS World University 2024
  • #1201 QS World University 2023
  • #12 QS World University 2025
  • #3 QS World University 2024
  • #9 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #105 US News 2024
  • #1565 US News 2023
  • #1565 US News 2022
  • #42 QS World University 2025
  • #15 US News 2024
  • #18 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength
  • #671 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020
  • #3 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #3 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #18 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2021
  • #16 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #14 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #14 for Law by US News 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 74
  • PG Programs - 69
  • UG Programs- 31
  • PG Programs - 46
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 117
  • PG Programs - 63
  • Doctorate Programs -2
  • UG Programs- 23
  • PG Programs - 43
  • Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate46.0 %16.4 %33.8 %11.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 16862 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 18296 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 30822 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 41196 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 5721 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 57578 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 12298 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 9130 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 28934 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 42993 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 26544 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 34584 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

California State University Ranking

20252024202320222021202020192017

QS World University logo

Overall 1401 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#101 out of 192 in USA 2025

Nearest Ranked Colleges

California State University Ratings

Based on 4 Students Rating

7.8 out of 10
8.3/10Academic
8.0/10Accommodation
8.0/10Faculty
7.5/10Infrastructure
8.0/10Placement
9.3/10Social Life

California State University Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Engineering (1)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (1)
Career (2)
Course (2)
Experience (2)
Faculty (2)
Health (2)
Semester (2)
System (2)
Culture (1)
Curriculum (1)
Discussion (1)
Foremost (1)
Future (1)
Mandatory (1)
Sociology (1)
Teacher (1)

4 Reviews Found

Overview:

I was sure I wanted this course and had a good review from senior’s about the professors and also the course were also offered which I was interested in. Also the fees is not High so that’s a good plus as well.

Fees:

The fees is pretty cheap compared to other universities in California, per unit fees is around $3000 which also includes all the fees for one course , so it would be around $9000 a semester if you take 3 courses. Which is not much compared to other colleges.

academic: 7/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 5/10

J
8.5 /10

Overview:

I was in between CSULA and CSUF however I chose CSULA primarily because they emailed me to sign up for the honors college. Once I got accepted they offered me a scholarship which primarily swayed me into choosing LA over Fullerton.

Fees:

I'm guessing this means tuition. It's fairly low compared to UCs and actually, prefer it. It's about 3,400 per semester which includes any fees imaginable. Included are fees for the ASI and any fees for use of the health departments included such as the dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, etc. Book is another fee but many teachers so far tend to not require them.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

C
7.7 /10

Overview:

At the beginning of my career as a college student at West Los Angeles college, I decided to major in psychology. I decided to have psychology as my major because I became passionate as to why some individuals act a certain way.

Fees:

The fees consisted of mainly student fees that break down into health fees, and many others. But it shouldn?t de this way because not everything has to get taxed.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 9/10

B
9.2 /10

Overview:

The university was convenient for me because of my major desired (sociology) and the location of the school as well as its reputation. I was happy with my decision to attend the university that I did.

Fees:

The fees were based on the semester system. And given 3 payment options. As well as available financial aid.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 10/10

California State University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Collegedunia $150 Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$150Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Bhajan Lal ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Generation Google Scholarship Canada & USAScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Scholarships in GeorgiaScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

California State University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

California State University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL9080100-
IELTS6.867.5-
Undergraduate
SAT985890108095
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing495450540-
Mathematics490440540-
ACT18152041
Check Detailed Score
English171420-
Mathematics191621-
Graduate
GRE309.3---

Attendance Cost

$29,001

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$29,001 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$30,525 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,948 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$13,356 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$2,903 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$14,502 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$2,974 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$2,964 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$3,015 / Year

California State University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program wise accreditation
Arts Programs
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Clinical Science Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing Programs
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Programs
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
23980814315837267

California State University Campus Location


+1-323-343-3000
Telephone
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032
Address

Comments


18 Comments
P
prashant jaishi
I am from Nepal I want to get admission in California state university,los Angeles
K
Karan Gupta

California State University Los Angeles requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA for admissions to undergraduate programs and a GPA between 2.5-3.0 for graduate admissions along with other admission requirements. You can check here for more information regarding admission to the university.

T
tembi brian fokam
For the English test I have but Duolingo test score
K
Karan Gupta

California State University does accept Duolingo test scores. The minimum requirement for PG is 105 and for UG is 95.

O
ogbonna prosper

I want to apply to this school.

L
Lagan Kapoor

California State University, Los Angeles offers various programs. However, you can explore the California State University, Los Angeles courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.

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