In this article, we will be comparing two well-known institutions: California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) and Washington State University (WSU). We will examine these schools in various aspects such as costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison will provide you with valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision for your higher education journey.
Cal State LA Overview
California State University, Los Angeles, also known as Cal State LA, is a public university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1947, the university is part of the 23-campus California State University system. Cal State LA offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study, with a strong emphasis on applied research and community engagement.
Cal State LA Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate students at Cal State LA are $6,768 for California residents and $18,648 for non-residents. This figure does not include additional expenses such as room and board, books, and other personal expenses, which can bring the total cost of attendance to around $25,000 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Cal State LA Admissions
Cal State LA has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 48% for the Fall 2020 semester. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and a completed application through the California State University application portal. Cal State LA also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal accomplishments in their admissions process.
Cal State LA Degrees Offered
Cal State LA offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across eight colleges, including Arts & Letters, Business & Economics, Education, Engineering, Computer Science, & Technology, Health & Human Services, Natural & Social Sciences, and Professional & Global Education. Popular majors at Cal State LA include Business, Liberal Arts, Psychology, and Engineering.
Cal State LA Academics
Cal State LA prides itself on its commitment to academic excellence, with small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1. This allows for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The university also has a strong emphasis on research opportunities and community engagement, with many faculty members actively involved in these areas.
Cal State LA Diversity
With a student population of over 25,000, Cal State LA has a diverse community of learners, with 62% of the student body identifying as Hispanic/Latino, 18% as Asian, and 9% as White. The university is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and is well-known for its commitment to promoting access and success for underrepresented students.
Cal State LA Students
Cal State LA students are actively involved in campus life, with over 200 student clubs and organizations, various Greek life options, and a range of recreational activities and events throughout the year. The university also offers support services such as academic advising, career development, and mental health resources to ensure students have a well-rounded college experience.
Cal State LA Campus
Cal State LA’s 175-acre campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, offering students access to a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The campus features modern facilities, including recently renovated classrooms and labs, a state-of-the-art library, and various athletic facilities.
Cal State LA Alumni
Notable alumni from Cal State LA include politicians, actors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Some examples include tennis legend Billie Jean King, actor Ed O’Neill, and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Cal State LA Rankings
Cal State LA is ranked #31 in Regional Universities West by the U.S. News & World Report for 2021. The university is also recognized for its commitment to promoting social mobility, ranking #1 in the nation for the upward mobility of its students by The Equality of Opportunity Project.
Cal State LA Outcomes
Cal State LA has a strong commitment to student success, with 49% of first-time, full-time students graduating within six years. The university also boasts a solid alumni network and strong connections to local industries, which can provide valuable opportunities for students entering the job market after graduation.
Washington State University Overview
Washington State University, also known as WSU, is a public research university located in Pullman, Washington. Established in 1890, the university has grown to include multiple campuses across the state, as well as a robust online presence. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a strong focus on research, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences.
Washington State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate students at WSU are $11,745 for Washington residents and $26,419 for non-residents. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, bring the total cost of attendance to around $28,000 for in-state students and $43,000 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Washington State University Admissions
WSU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76% for the Fall 2020 semester. Applicants must submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores (optional for Fall 2021), and a completed application through the WSU application portal. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal accomplishments in their admissions process.
Washington State University Degrees Offered
WSU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 colleges, including Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences, Arts & Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering & Architecture, Honors, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Popular majors at WSU include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Agriculture.
Washington State University Academics
WSU is known for its commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning experiences. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, students have ample opportunities to receive personalized attention and engage with faculty on research projects and other experiential learning initiatives. WSU also boasts a strong commitment to undergraduate research, with numerous resources and opportunities available to students.
Washington State University Diversity
With a student population of over 30,000, WSU has a diverse community, with 59% of the student body identifying as White, 20% as Hispanic/Latino, and 12% as Asian. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and offers numerous resources and support services geared toward promoting diversity and equity on campus.
Washington State University Students
WSU students are actively involved in campus life, with over 400 student clubs and organizations, various Greek life options, and a range of recreational activities and events throughout the year. The university also offers support services such as academic advising, career development, and mental health resources to ensure students have a well-rounded college experience.
Washington State University Campus
WSU’s 1,742-acre main campus is located in the rural town of Pullman, providing students with a serene and picturesque environment in which to study and live. The campus features modern facilities, including cutting-edge research labs, a state-of-the-art library, and various athletic facilities.
Washington State University Alumni
Notable WSU alumni include astronauts, politicians, actors, and business leaders. Some examples include “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, journalist Edward R. Murrow, and NASA astronaut John Mace Grunsfeld.
Washington State University Rankings
WSU is ranked #176 in National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report for 2021. The university is also recognized for its commitment to research, ranking #81 in the nation for research expenditures by the National Science Foundation.
Washington State University Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at WSU is 59% for first-time, full-time students. The university’s strong alumni network and connections to various industries can provide valuable opportunities for students entering the job market after graduation.
Cal State LA vs Washington State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Cal State LA and Washington State University, it is essential to consider tuition and fees, as well as additional expenses such as room and board, books, and personal expenses. For in-state students, Cal State LA is significantly more affordable, with an estimated total cost of attendance of around $25,000 per year, compared to $28,000 at WSU. For out-of-state students, the difference in cost is less pronounced, with Cal State LA’s total cost of attendance estimated at $37,000 per year, compared to $43,000 at WSU.
Cal State LA vs Washington State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Cal State LA and WSU have moderately selective admissions processes. Cal State LA has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 48% for the Fall 2020 semester, compared to 76% at WSU. However, both universities consider factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal accomplishments, in addition to academic performance and test scores, in their admissions processes. Students should carefully prepare their application materials and highlight their strengths when applying to either institution.
Cal State LA vs Washington State University Academic Difficulty
Academically, both Cal State LA and WSU offer rigorous programs and a strong commitment to academic excellence. With small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, both universities provide students with personalized attention and ample opportunities for research and hands-on learning experiences. Applicants should consider their specific academic and career goals when deciding which institution will best suit their needs.
Cal State LA vs Washington State University Outcome Comparison
Both Cal State LA and WSU have strong commitments to student success, as demonstrated by their six-year graduation rates of 49% and 59%, respectively. Cal State LA is recognized for its commitment to promoting social mobility, ranking #1 in the nation in this category by The Equality of Opportunity Project. WSU, on the other hand, is recognized for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking #81 in the nation for research expenditures by the National Science Foundation. Students should consider their specific goals and career aspirations when deciding which university will best support their long-term success.
