California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 91.93%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
California State University-Los Angeles Admission Requirements
Cal State LA GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Cal State LA is 3.31. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.01 and 3.31, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Cal State LA GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Cal State LA utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.31, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.31 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.11 – 3.30 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.91 – 3.10 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.90 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Cal State LA, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
California State University-Los Angeles Average SAT Score: 965
The average SAT score of the admitted students at California State University-Los Angeles is 965 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 965 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (995 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. California State University-Los Angeles allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 925, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Cal State LA. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 965 | 925 | 995 |
It means that if you have scored less than 925 then you are below most of the admitted students at Cal State LA and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 995 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950
Can I get into California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) with a 1000 SAT?
With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) are good but the admission staff at Cal State LA tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Cal State LA Profile
Name: California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Type: Public
Zip: 90032-8506
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from Cal State LA Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University-Los Angeles is USD: 17153. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California State University-Los Angeles is USD: 4113
How can I get a scholarship?
66.05% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 20.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Cal State LA and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University-Los Angeles, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Cal State LA as your choice in the form.
How much a Cal State LA Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 59211. An average Cal State LA graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than California State University-Los Angeles. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Warner University, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Upper Iowa University | Upper Iowa University, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baker University, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling State University, LA | 955 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Southern University and A & M College, LA | 938 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 935 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as California State University-Los Angeles. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 973 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | University of Hawaii-West Oahu, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, IN | 966 | 17 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Union Commonwealth University, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling State University, LA | 955 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than California State University-Los Angeles. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Air Transportation
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Frequently Asked Questions About California State University-Los Angeles Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59211 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $17153 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of California State University-Los Angeles is 91.93 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.31. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.01, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.01, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.01 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.91 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to California State University-Los Angeles if my GPA is below 2.91
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.31, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to California State University-Los Angeles is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 965 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 925-995
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by California State University-Los Angeles.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.