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California State University, Los Angeles SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.25

Acceptance Rate91.3%

The key number here is not a test score: Cal State LA is test-free and admits most applicants, with an average entering GPA around 3.25. Focus on keeping your grades steady, completing requirements carefully, and weighing the low in-state cost against outcomes like 72% freshman retention and 53% six-year graduation.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

California State University, Los Angeles facts and stats

Quick Facts

California State University, Los Angeles enrolls 19,354 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Cal State LA has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 53% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. Cal State LA is test-free for admissions.

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Location

Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment19,354

Freshman Retention72%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio22:1

Graduation Rate53%

Test PolicyTest-free

How does your GPA compare at Cal State LA?

Key California State University, Los Angeles application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

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Early Action

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Early Decision

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Priority Deadline

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Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Cal State LA is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used in admissions and you do not need to plan a testing timeline for this school. Any retakes or superscoring strategy only matters for other colleges on your list that still consider test scores.

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What you'll actually pay

Cal State LA’s in-state tuition is $6,084, while out-of-state tuition is $18,684. About 89% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $6,655. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

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In-State Tuition$6,084

Room and Board$19,695

Average Merit Award$6,655

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid89%

Average Aid Package$16,553

Average Debt at Grad$14,595

For out-of-state students, tuition at Cal State LA is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084; room and board adds $19,695. Financial aid is common, with 89% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $16,553. Merit awards average $6,655 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $14,595.

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