Cal State LA vs. South Texas College

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA with South Texas College in McAllen, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

South Texas College is larger than Cal State LA based on total student enrollment (27,431 students vs. 23,163 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); South Texas College is in McAllen, TX (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Los Angeles is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Texas College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Los Angeles 21:1; South Texas College 22:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Texas College are 56.1% lower than at California State University Los Angeles ($8,638 vs. $19,696).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.3% higher at Cal State LA than at South Texas College (about $12,140 more per year; $19,760 vs. $7,620).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Los Angeles than at South Texas College (94% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Los Angeles students is 83.2% larger than aid received by South Texas College students ($13,824 vs. $7,547).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Cal State LA, open admission at South Texas College.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State LA Jan 19, 2027; South Texas College Jun 18, 2027.

Loans and repayment

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.