Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Los Angeles vs Santiago Canyon College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for California State University-Los Angeles, 3 for Santiago Canyon College — Santiago Canyon College has more metric-level advantages.
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 | Santiago Canyon College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 37.31 | 52.79 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,967 | $2,129 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $59,211 ✓ | $44,956 |
| Acceptance rate | 91.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 47.6% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $5,125 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 19,562 | 10,579 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Los Angeles costs $1,838 more per year than Santiago Canyon College ($3,967 vs $2,129). California State University-Los Angeles graduates report $14,255 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,211 vs $44,956). On EduGradify's model that puts Santiago Canyon College ahead on projected ROI (52.79 vs 37.31, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Santiago Canyon 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; Santiago Canyon College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
California State University-Los Angeles vs Santiago Canyon College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Los Angeles or Santiago Canyon College the better value?
Santiago Canyon College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (52.79 vs 37.31), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Santiago Canyon College is cheaper — average net price $2,129 per year vs $3,967 at California State University-Los Angeles. The annual difference of $1,838 adds up to about $7,352 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Los Angeles reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,211 vs $44,956 at Santiago Canyon College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,255.
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; Santiago Canyon College reports A+.