Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs San Diego Christian College
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $992 at San Diego Christian College), ROI score (37.31 vs 125.42), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $49,766), and admissions selectivity (91.3% acceptance at California State University-Los Angeles; 30.8% at San Diego Christian College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. San Diego Christian 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 | San Diego Christian College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 125.42 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $992 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $49,766 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | 30.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 19.7% |
| Median debt | $13,000 ✓ | $24,941 |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 87 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $2,975 more per year than San Diego Christian College ($3,967 vs $992). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $9,445 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $49,766). On EduGradify's model that puts San Diego Christian College ahead on projected ROI (125.42 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (San Diego Christian College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, California State University-Los Angeles is accessible at 91.3% acceptance versus 30.8% (selective) at San Diego Christian College.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs San Diego Christian College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or San Diego Christian College the better value?
San Diego Christian College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (125.42 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
San Diego Christian College is cheaper — average net price $992 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $2,975 adds up to about $11,900 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $49,766 at San Diego Christian College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,445.
Which school is harder to get into?
San Diego Christian College is more selective at 30.8% acceptance vs 91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles.
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; San Diego Christian College reports A+.