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Head-to-head · 2026

California State University-Los Angeles vs Modesto Junior College

Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for California State University-Los Angeles, 2 for Modesto Junior 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 Modesto Junior College
ROI score 37.31 37.59
Avg net price $3,967 $2,818
Median earnings (10y) $59,211 $42,368
Acceptance rate 91.3% Open / not reported
Graduation rate 53% 29.6%
Median debt $13,000
Enrollment 19,562 15,109
Ownership Public Public
Avg SAT
Wins 2 2

Value readout

Where each school has the edge

California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,149 more per year than Modesto Junior College ($3,967 vs $2,818). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $16,843 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $42,368). On EduGradify's model that puts Modesto Junior College ahead on projected ROI (37.59 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).

The more affordable option (Modesto Junior 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; Modesto Junior College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.

Frequently asked

California State University-Los Angeles vs Modesto Junior College, answered

4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.

Is California State University-Los Angeles or Modesto Junior College the better value?

Modesto Junior College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (37.59 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.

Which school costs less after aid?

Modesto Junior College is cheaper — average net price $2,818 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,149 adds up to about $4,596 over four years.

Which school reports higher earnings?

California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $42,368 at Modesto Junior College. The annual gap in the federal data is $16,843.

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; Modesto Junior College reports A+.