Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs Imperial Valley College
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $1,115 at Imperial Valley College), ROI score (37.31 vs 77.33), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $34,487), and admissions context (91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles; Open / not reported at Imperial Valley College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Imperial Valley College 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 | Imperial Valley College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 77.33 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $1,115 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $34,487 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 44.6% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | — |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 7,652 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $2,852 more per year than Imperial Valley College ($3,967 vs $1,115). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $24,724 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $34,487). On EduGradify's model that puts Imperial Valley College ahead on projected ROI (77.33 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Imperial Valley 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; Imperial Valley College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs Imperial Valley College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or Imperial Valley College the better value?
Imperial Valley College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (77.33 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Imperial Valley College is cheaper — average net price $1,115 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $2,852 adds up to about $11,408 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $34,487 at Imperial Valley College. The annual gap in the federal data is $24,724.
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; Imperial Valley College reports A+.