Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs San Joaquin Delta College
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $2,407 at San Joaquin Delta College), ROI score (37.31 vs 44.88), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $43,212), and admissions context (91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles; Open / not reported at San Joaquin Delta College) using federal College Scorecard data. San Joaquin Delta College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. San Joaquin Delta 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 Joaquin Delta College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 44.88 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $2,407 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $43,212 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 34.5% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $7,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 15,781 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,560 more per year than San Joaquin Delta College ($3,967 vs $2,407). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $15,999 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $43,212). On EduGradify's model that puts San Joaquin Delta College ahead on projected ROI (44.88 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (San Joaquin Delta 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; San Joaquin Delta College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs San Joaquin Delta College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or San Joaquin Delta College the better value?
San Joaquin Delta College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (44.88 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
San Joaquin Delta College is cheaper — average net price $2,407 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,560 adds up to about $6,240 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $43,212 at San Joaquin Delta College. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,999.
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 Joaquin Delta College reports A+.