Cal State LA vs. Golden Gate University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA with Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Los Angeles is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (23,163 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Golden Gate University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Los Angeles is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Los Angeles 21:1; Golden Gate University 7:1.

Cal State LA vs. Golden Gate University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State LA or Golden Gate University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 33% lower than at California State University Los Angeles ($13,200 vs. $19,696).
• Golden Gate University is 332.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State LA (about $23,828 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $7,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.8% higher at Golden Gate University than at California State University Los Angeles (about $11,228 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $19,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Los Angeles than at Golden Gate University (94% vs. 0%).

Cal State LA vs. Golden Gate University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State LA or Golden Gate University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Golden Gate University and Cal State LA.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Los Angeles 870/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Los Angeles 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State LA - Test-free; Golden Gate University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State LA Jan 19, 2027.

Cal State LA vs. Golden Gate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State LA and Golden Gate University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $29,500 more per year than Cal State LA graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Los Angeles graduates have a $16,919 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($12,920 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Cal State LA graduates have an estimated $175 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($133 vs. $308).
• More Golden Gate University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State LA students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.