Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs Hartnell College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for California State University-Los Angeles, 2 for Hartnell College — even split.
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 | Hartnell College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 54.34 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $2,039 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $44,316 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 40% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | — |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 9,453 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,928 more per year than Hartnell College ($3,967 vs $2,039). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $14,895 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $44,316). On EduGradify's model that puts Hartnell College ahead on projected ROI (54.34 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Hartnell College) 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; Hartnell College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs Hartnell College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or Hartnell College the better value?
Hartnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (54.34 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Hartnell College is cheaper — average net price $2,039 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,928 adds up to about $7,712 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $44,316 at Hartnell College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,895.
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; Hartnell College reports A+.