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University of California-Los Angeles vs California State University-Los Angeles: which has better ROI?

Public, Los Angeles CA · vs · Public, Los Angeles CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of California-Los Angeles has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,192 in 1.5 years versus 1.5 years at California State University-Los Angeles, on median earnings of $82,511 vs $59,211 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Los Angeles
Net price / yr$12,548$3,967
Total net cost$50,192$15,868
Median earnings, 10 yrs$82,511$59,211
Median debt$14,000$13,000
Payback1.5 yrs1.5 yrs
20-year net return$632,828$201,152

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles?

California State University-Los Angeles, at $3,967 a year after aid versus $12,548 — a gap of $8,581 a year, or $34,324 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn more?

University of California-Los Angeles graduates report a median $82,511 ten years after entry, $23,300 more than the $59,211 at California State University-Los Angeles. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles?

California State University-Los Angeles: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

93% of students finish at University of California-Los Angeles, against 53% at California State University-Los Angeles. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of California-Los Angeles vs California State University-Los Angeles: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles a better value?
University of California-Los Angeles. It clears its $50,192 net cost in about 1.5 years versus 1.5 years at California State University-Los Angeles, on median earnings of $82,511 vs $59,211 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles?
California State University-Los Angeles: $3,967/yr net price after aid versus $12,548/yr at University of California-Los Angeles — a difference of $8,581 a year, or about $34,324 over four years.
Do University of California-Los Angeles or California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn a median $82,511 ten years after entry, versus $59,211 at California State University-Los Angeles — a $23,300 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.