California State University-Los Angeles

What are the graduation rates for students at California State University-Los Angeles?

The graduation rates at California State University-Los Angeles reveal a mixed picture for prospective students evaluating their chances of completing a degree. Overall, the six-year graduation rate stands at 53%, which is considered average but places the university in the bottom 45% nationally. This suggests that just over half of the students complete their programs within six years, reflecting some challenges in time-to-degree completion.

The four-year graduation rate is notably lower, at only 21%, ranking in the bottom 15% compared to other institutions. This indicates that a minority of students are able to finish their degrees within the traditional four-year timeline, an important factor for those seeking to graduate promptly.

When gender differences are considered, there is a gap in graduation rates. Women have a higher overall graduation rate of 58%, while men graduate at a rate of 46%. Both figures remain in the bottom 45% and bottom 40% respectively, signifying room for improvement in supporting diverse student populations toward degree completion.

Retention rates, which reflect the percentage of first-year students who continue at the university for their second year, are at 73%, an average level that also falls within the lower half of national comparisons. This retention rate impacts the longer-term graduation outcomes by influencing whether students remain enrolled beyond their initial year.

What is the earning potential for graduates at California State University-Los Angeles?

Graduates of California State University-Los Angeles experience a varied range of earnings depending on their field of study. Those obtaining degrees in engineering disciplines tend to fare best financially. For instance, graduates with a degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering report average earnings of $64,165, while Civil Engineering majors earn approximately $61,370. Mechanical Engineering graduates see earnings around $56,166, and those in Industrial Production Technologies reach about $51,672 annually.

In the realm of computer sciences, the earning potential is also notably strong. Computer Science majors can expect average earnings near $55,088, while graduates in the broader field of Computer and Information Sciences earn about $42,779.

Nursing stands out as another lucrative area, with Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates achieving average earnings of $90,684, the highest among the listed degrees.

Business-related fields offer moderate earnings, with Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earning an average of $38,833 annually. Public Health graduates can anticipate roughly $32,623, and similarly, those in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services earn about $31,028.

Those pursuing education-related studies report median earnings varying with specialization. Graduates focusing on Teacher Education and Professional Development in specific levels and methods earn around $31,973.

In the sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates have average earnings of $35,378, while Chemistry majors earn $33,960. Biology majors make about $29,439, and Anthropology graduates average $30,314.

Social sciences reveal a moderate earning potential. Political Science and Government majors earn approximately $34,264, Social Work graduates bring in $33,849, and Economics majors have earnings near $32,629. Sociology graduates see average earnings of $29,102, while graduates in Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies earn about $21,426.

In communication-focused degrees, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates earn on average $25,361, slightly more than those studying Drama/Theatre Arts, who earn around $23,044. English Language and Literature graduates report earnings near $26,864, with Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies reaching $29,809.

Other fields such as Fire Protection provide an average income of $43,069, Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates earn approximately $25,029, and Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services alumni report $31,472 on average.