University of San Diego vs California State University-Los Angeles

San Diego, CA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location San Diego, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,671 19,562
Acceptance Rate 52.4% 91.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $59,486 $7,160
Out-of-State Tuition $59,486 $19,760
Avg Net Price $30,365 $3,967
Median Debt at Graduation $22,940 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 82.7% 52.8%
Retention Rate 91.4% 71.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,995 $45,702
Median Earnings (10 yr) $86,522 $59,211
Loan Repayment Rate 156100.0% 569900.0%

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

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University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of San Diego and California State University-Los Angeles compare?
University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) has an acceptance rate of 52.4%, in-state tuition of $59,486, and median 10-year earnings of $86,522. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of San Diego or California State University-Los Angeles?
University of San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $86,522 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of San Diego or California State University-Los Angeles?
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 $30,365.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of San Diego has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 82.7% 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