California State University-Los Angeles is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is 86.94%. This means that 87 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is California State University-Los Angeles Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as Cal State LA is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
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. A minimum GPA of 2.91 is required.
Can I Get Into Cal State LA Without SAT Or ACT?: California State University-Los Angeles does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
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.
California State University-Los Angeles 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 (0 SAT) 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 0, 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.
California State University-Los Angeles SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 965 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 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 0 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 0 SAT?
With a 0 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: 17010. 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: 5385
How can I get a scholarship?
66.25% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 18.83 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 Cal State LA 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 than the requirements of California State University-Los Angeles, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 939 | 22 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 952 | 17 |
| Boise Bible College | Boise Bible College, ID | 950 | NA |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Lewis-Clark State College, ID | 940 | NA |
| Governors State University | Governors State University, IL | 945 | NA |
| Grambling State University | Grambling State University, LA | 938 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Southern University and A & M College, LA | 940 | 17 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | Southern University at New Orleans, LA | 950 | 17 |
| Coppin State University | Coppin State University, MD | 940 | 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 for California State University-Los Angeles, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 963 | 18 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 960 | NA |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 966 | 19 |
| Warner University | Warner University, FL | 968 | 19 |
| Clark Atlanta University | Clark Atlanta University, GA | 974 | 18 |
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 | 1021 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
| Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
| 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 for California State University-Los Angeles?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $17010 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at California State University-Los Angeles?
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 for California State University-Los Angeles?
Answer: The acceptance rate of California State University-Los Angeles is 86.94 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 at California State University-Los Angeles?
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 to California State University-Los Angeles?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.01, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at California State University-Los Angeles with a 3.01 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.01 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
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 for California State University-Los Angeles?
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 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to California State University-Los Angeles from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to California State University-Los Angeles each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at California State University-Los Angeles?
Answer: The campus culture at California State University-Los Angeles is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into California State University-Los Angeles?
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 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.