Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs Santa Monica College
Compare average net price ($3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles; $2,779 at Santa Monica College), ROI score (37.31 vs 37.96), ten-year median earnings ($59,211 vs $42,193), and admissions context (91.3% at California State University-Los Angeles; Open / not reported at Santa Monica College) using federal College Scorecard data. Santa Monica College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Santa Monica 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 | Santa Monica College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 37.96 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $2,779 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $42,193 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 36.3% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $6,450 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 21,440 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,188 more per year than Santa Monica College ($3,967 vs $2,779). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $17,018 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $42,193). On EduGradify's model that puts Santa Monica College ahead on projected ROI (37.96 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Santa Monica 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; Santa Monica College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs Santa Monica College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or Santa Monica College the better value?
Santa Monica College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (37.96 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Santa Monica College is cheaper — average net price $2,779 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,188 adds up to about $4,752 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $42,193 at Santa Monica College. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,018.
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; Santa Monica College reports A+.