California State University-Los Angeles vs Harvard University

Los Angeles, CA — Cambridge, MA

Metric
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Location Los Angeles, CA Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 19,562 7,601
Acceptance Rate 91.3% 3.6%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $7,160 $61,676
Out-of-State Tuition $19,760 $61,676
Avg Net Price $3,967 $19,066
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 52.8% 97.5%
Retention Rate 71.9% 98.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $45,702 $99,572
Median Earnings (10 yr) $59,211 $101,817
Loan Repayment Rate 569900.0% 42000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Los Angeles and Harvard University compare?
California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, in-state tuition of $61,676, and median 10-year earnings of $101,817.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Los Angeles or Harvard University?
Harvard University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $101,817 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Los Angeles or Harvard University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $19,066.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 97.5% vs 52.8%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025