Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs College of San Mateo
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for California State University-Los Angeles, 3 for College of San Mateo — College of San Mateo has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | California State University-Los Angeles | College of San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 252.67 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $536 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $54,172 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% | 60.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $13,000 ✓ | $14,695 |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 7,977 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $3,431 more per year than College of San Mateo ($3,967 vs $536). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $5,039 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $54,172). On EduGradify's model that puts College of San Mateo ahead on projected ROI (252.67 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of San Mateo) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, California State University-Los Angeles reports 91.3% acceptance; College of San Mateo does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs College of San Mateo, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or College of San Mateo the better value?
College of San Mateo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (252.67 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of San Mateo is cheaper — average net price $536 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $3,431 adds up to about $13,724 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $54,172 at College of San Mateo. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,039.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. California State University-Los Angeles reports a A+ value grade; College of San Mateo reports A+.