Cal State LA vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the People is larger than Cal State LA based on total student enrollment (41,961 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); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Los Angeles is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Los Angeles 21:1; University of the People 28:1.

Cal State LA vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State LA or University of the People? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the People than Cal State LA ($1,575 vs. $4,460).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 89.8% lower than at California State University Los Angeles ($2,001 vs. $19,696).
• California State University Los Angeles is 411.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $5,760 more per year; $7,160.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,311.4% higher at Cal State LA than at University of the People (about $18,360 more per year; $19,760.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Los Angeles than at University of the People (94% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Los Angeles students is 1,247.4% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($13,824 vs. $1,026).

Cal State LA vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State LA or University of the People? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of the People and Cal State LA.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Los Angeles 870/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Los Angeles 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State LA - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State LA Jan 19, 2027.

Cal State LA vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State LA and University of the People? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.