Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs College of San Mateo
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $536 at College of San Mateo), ROI score (37.31 vs 252.67), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $54,172), and admissions context (91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles; Open / not reported at College of San Mateo) using federal College Scorecard data. College of San Mateo has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of San Mateo leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| 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 | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 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+.