
California State University - Los Angeles (CSULA) is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system. The entire CSU system represents more than 400,000 students and more than 40,000 faculty and staff members, offering hundreds of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, making it one of the largest university systems in the United States.
CSULA provides high-quality degree programs at the bachelor's and master's degree levels in more than 60 subject areas. CSULA has many nationally recognized programs, including business, science, engineering, criminal justice, nursing, the arts, education and the humanities. Professors at CSULA are recognized leaders in their field and are noted for being highly accessible to students.
History
California State University - Los Angeles was founded in 1947. The university's first engineering student graduated in 1953. Its Computer Science department was formed in 2001.
Academics
The academic calendar for Cal State LA operates year round on the quarter system. It has four quarters that run for 11 weeks.
Colleges and Schools
Cal State LA has six academic colleges that include 50 departments and divisions.
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Business and Economics
- Charter College of Education
- College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Natural and Social Sciences
Student Life
The California State Student Association (CSSA) keeps students at all CSU campuses informed on the system wide topics that matter to them. Students at the Cal State LA campus can find out more information about the latest news that affects them through their CSSA office. Students seeking more involvement beyond the classroom may join one of the many student clubs and organizations available on the CSULA campus.
One of the benefits of attending a CSU campus is that many of the student services and resources are provided system wide. If a student at one campus cannot find what they need on their campus, they have online access to "systemwide" Information Technology, Library Services, Student Newspapers, Alumni Relations, and more.
Other student services at the Cal State LA campus include a career development center, tutorial center, writing center, testing center, health center, and children's center, cross cultural centers, a student union, on campus housing and dining, and much more.
Traditions
Each of the 23 CSU campuses has its own school colors and mascot. The traditional school colors for Cal State Los Angeles are black, white and gold. The CSULA mascot is the golden eagle, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Cal State LA "Golden Eagles."
Athletics
The Cal State "Golden Eagles" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Track and Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
California State University - Los Angeles is just one of the 23 campuses in the CSU system. The other university campuses are:
- California State University Bakersfield
- California State University Channel Islands
- California State University Chico
- California State University Dominguez Hills
- California State University East Bay
- California State University Fresno
- California State University Fullerton
- Humboldt State University
- California State University Long Beach
- California Maritime Academy
- California State University Monterey Bay
- California State University Northridge
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- California State University Sacramento
- California State University San Bernardino
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- California State University San Marcos
- Sonoma State University
- California State University Stanislaus
Community Life
The CSU Los Angeles campus is located just minutes from the metro center of Los Angeles and at the intersection of two freeways. It is easy to reach, and near many points of interest - from the beaches to the mountains, museums and concert venues, theme parks and sports arenas.
California State University students are known for contributing their time and valuable resources to the communities around their campuses through service and leadership initiatives. CSULA students may earn academic credit for community service activities that include social services, education, safety, and crime prevention. National programs, such as AmeriCorps and Serve America, allow CSU students to serve communities further afield.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admissions information below may give an overview of the candidates California State University – Los Angeles accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at California State University – Los Angeles is around 28,000 students. The student body is made up of 85% undergraduate students and 14% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $3,200. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $55 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range estimates:
- State Residents: $5,500-$6,600
- Out-of-State: $17,000-$19,960
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 87% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 84% | $10,366 |
Receiving Student Loans | 21% | $3,747 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, California State University – Los Angeles may provide services to students including:- Online classes
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Work study style employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
California State University – Los Angeles has an overall graduation rate which is around 36%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 7% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 15% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 14% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Dietetics Program
- Coordinated Dietetics Program
- Music Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
California State University – Los Angeles is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division II (without football) classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (California Collegiate Athletic Assoc)
- Basketball (California Collegiate Athletic Assoc)
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field, Indoor
- Track and Field, Outdoor
- Track and Field, X-Country
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by California State University – Los Angeles by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Food Technology and Processing (B)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, M)
- Biochemistry (B)
- Microbiology (B)
- Biotechnology
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, C, M)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (C)
- Accounting (C, M)
Communication Technology
- Graphic Communications (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Radio and Television (B)
- Communications (B, M)
- Journalism (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (B, C, M)
- Computer Science (B, M)
- Information Science
Education
- Early Childhood Education (B, C, M)
- Guidance Counselor (C, M)
- Education (C, M)
- Special Education (C, D, M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- Technology Teacher Education Teacher Education (B, M)
- ESL (C, M)
- Computer Teacher Education (C)
- Trade and Industrial Teacher Education (B)
- Education, Teaching of Individuals with Autism
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, M)
- Engineering (B)
Engineering Technology
English Language and Literature
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Latin American Studies (B, M)
- Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American Studies (B, M)
- United States Studies (B)
- African-American Black Studies (B)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences (B)
Foreign Languages and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B, C, M)
- Public Health (B)
- Communication Disorders (B, M)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling (B)
- Dietetics (B, C, M)
- Healthcare Administration (M)
- Health Services (B)
History
- History (B, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Gerontology (C)
- Natural Sciences (B)
- Intercultural, Multicultural and Diversity Studies (B)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B, C)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, M)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, M)
- Public Administration (M)
- Youth Services and Administration (C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (B, M)
- Fire Services Administration (B)
- Forensic Science (M)
Social Sciences
- Sociology (B, M)
- Political Science (B, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Economics (B, M)
- Geography (B, C, M)
- Social Science (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Music Performance (B, M)
- Visual and Performing Arts (M)
- Music (B)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (M)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to California State University – Los Angeles.
- California State University - Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA (14 miles away)
- California State University - Long Beach in Long Beach, CA (20 miles away)
- California State Polytechnic University - Pomona in Pomona, CA (20 miles away)
- California State University - Fullerton in Fullerton, CA (21 miles away)
- California State University - Northridge in Northridge, CA (24 miles away)
See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below: