Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs Irvine Valley College
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $2,090 at Irvine Valley College), ROI score (37.31 vs 58.80), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $49,156), and admissions context (91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles; Open / not reported at Irvine Valley College) using federal College Scorecard data. Irvine Valley College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Irvine 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 | Irvine Valley College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 58.80 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $2,090 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $49,156 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% | 57.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $6,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 10,286 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,877 more per year than Irvine Valley College ($3,967 vs $2,090). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $10,055 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $49,156). On EduGradify's model that puts Irvine Valley College ahead on projected ROI (58.80 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Irvine 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; Irvine Valley College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs Irvine Valley College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or Irvine Valley College the better value?
Irvine Valley College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (58.80 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Irvine Valley College is cheaper — average net price $2,090 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,877 adds up to about $7,508 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $49,156 at Irvine Valley College. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,055.
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; Irvine Valley College reports A+.