California State University, Los Angeles is a prominent Public Research Institution located on a 175-acre urban campus in East Los Angeles. It was established in 1947 as Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences and later became California State College at Los Angeles in 1964. The University adopted its current name in 1972 when it joined the California State University system. As part of the 23-campus California State University family, Ca State LA is renowned for delivering high-quality, accessible education with a strong emphasis on upward economic mobility and public service.
The University enrols approximately 26,000 students, supported by over 1,700 faculty members. It is organized into nine Colleges, including four Schools and nearly 50 Academic Departments and interdisciplinary programs, offering a comprehensive academic portfolio of Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs. Cal State LA’s stature is further affirmed by its institutional accreditation by WSCUC, and it holds affiliations with notable groups, reflecting adherence to rigorous academic standards.
Dedicated to its vision of preparing professionals to address contemporary challenges, Cal State LA fosters research excellence across disciplines, empowering students to "meet the challenges of today’s world, find their place in it, and have an impact". Notably, Graduates have secured full-time employment shortly after graduation, with many reporting job offers connected to internships and faculty-mentored research. Cal State LA also sustains a powerful alumni network of nearly 250,000 CSU graduates, contributing significantly within L.A. and beyond. This confluence of historical legacy, academic breadth, and proven outcomes positions California State University, Los Angeles, as an exceptional destination for international students seeking the best study opportunities in the USA.
An emblem of academic excellence, California State University Rankings consistently affirm Cal State LA’s stellar reputation among regional and national Institutions. The University proudly holds the top rank in the United States for upward mobility. In the latest U.S. News & World Report for Best Colleges, Cal State LA is tied among the leading Regional Universities in the West, and ranks among Top Public Schools, while also securing a strong position in the Best Value Schools category.
Beyond the popular ranking systems, Washington Monthly ranks it among the Best Master’s Universities in the nation and acknowledges Cal State LA’s outstanding balance of affordability and quality. Its Undergraduate and Graduate programs are also highly ranked in the Nation.
*Note: University rankings are subject to change based on periodic evaluations and updates.
California State University, Los Angeles operates on a semester-based academic calendar, offering distinct Fall and Spring intakes to accommodate diverse academic plans and global applicant needs. Each semester spans approximately 17 weeks, culminating in a comprehensive schedule of classes and examinations that align with University-wide academic milestones.
The Fall intake is the primary admission term. All Graduate and Undergraduate programs are available during this intake. Classes begin in mid-August, with final exams concluding in mid-December. This term accommodates a full complement of academic offerings, co-curricular activities, and research opportunities for new and returning students. (Avoid writing the deadlines)
The Spring intake, commencing in mid-January, primarily serves graduate-level applicants. Many Graduate programs, especially in STEM, Business, Healthcare, and Social Work, accept students for Spring entry. There are no Undergraduate courses available in the Spring intake.
The University showcases an exceptional breadth of Cal State LA courses, crafted to meet diverse academic and professional aspirations at both Undergraduate and Graduate levels. With 100 Undergraduate and over 100 Graduate-level Master’s, Certificate, and Credential Programs, the University covers nearly all study fields.
Additionally, the University holds institutional accreditation by WSCUC; its Engineering programs are ABET-accredited, and the College of Business & Economics is AACSB-accredited, reflecting high standards and industry relevance. The top courses in the USA at Cal State LA not only include flagship Undergraduate and Graduate tracks, but also niche credentials like Aviation Administration, Project Management, and Medical Billing in the College of Professional & Global Education.
Note: The listed courses are among the popular choices; however, universities may offer a wider range of programs. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the complete list of available courses
Prospective international students considering the cost to study at Cal State LA will find a transparent, structured fee schedule crafted for clarity and ease. For every academic intake, the USA University tuition fees for international students include a mandatory campus fee as well. An Enrolment Confirmation Deposit is also required upon acceptance and is credited towards the tuition fee.
Payments are accepted online via GETLA/ePayment, including credit card or electronic check, with optional payment plans. A convenience fee will be charged for credit card and debit card transactions. This comprehensive and flexible structure ensures that international students understand their financial obligations and complete transactions efficiently.
| Types of Expenses | Annual Expenses in INR |
|---|---|
| Annual Masters Tuition fee | ₹17,38,920 |
| Annual Bachelors Tuition Fee | ₹14,01,972 |
| Living expenses | ₹17,35,480 |
| Health Insurance | ₹1,03,200 |
Note: The tuition fees mentioned are approximate and may vary. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
At the outset, California State University, Los Angeles maintains a rigorous, holistic selection process designed to ensure that international students are both prepared and poised for success. The University evaluates applicants not only on academic metrics but also on English language proficiency and program readiness, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of suitability. Indian students seeking admission in the USA’s California State University at Los Angeles, can check the requirements below.
✅ Applicants must have a recognized bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required.
✅ Most graduate programs at Cal State LA do not mandate standardized test scores. However, GRE scores are required for the Master of Science in Nutrition Science, with a minimum combined score of 290.
✅ TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80 is required.
✅ IELTS Academic: A minimum overall band score of 6.0 is required.
✅ PTE Academic: A minimum score of 53 is required.
✅ Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum score of 105 is required.
✅ Applicants must have successfully completed secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the final year of study (12th grade) is required for admission consideration.
✅ Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for international undergraduate applicants.
✅ TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 61 is required.
✅ IELTS Academic: A minimum band score of 5.5 is required.
✅ Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum score of 95 is required.
✅ PTE Academic: A minimum score of 44 is required.
Note: Admission requirements may vary, it is advisable to check the official university website for the most up-to-date and specific eligibility criteria.
Leading the way in employment outcome excellence, California State University, Los Angeles empowers its Graduates with strong career readiness. To get the best job opportunities in the USA, Cal State LA's Career & Professional Development Center provides comprehensive support across all academic levels. Services include personalized career counselling, resume and interview workshops, and professional brand development events. Students can engage in skills practice via AI-powered platforms and virtual job simulations, while the Career Clothing Closet offers professional attire for interviews and internship opportunities.
Additionally, the University offers internships in the USA for international students through its Career Center, which connects them to internships via Handshake. These include on-site roles, remote micro-internships through Parker Dewey, and fellowships coordinated by the National & International Scholarships and Fellowships Program (NISFeP).
Note: - These figures are indicative and may vary as per the industry norms.
A defining hallmark of California State University, Los Angeles is its steady commitment to holistic student support, cultivating a vibrant and enriching campus life. From modern housing to robust health and wellness offerings, Cal State LA ensures international students experience a supportive environment that fosters academic success and personal growth.
Student life at Cal State LA is dynamic and diverse, anchored by over 120 student organizations. Be it the honor societies, fraternities, sororities, and cultural groups, each supported by the Center for Student Involvement and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI). Signature events include The UEC Book Club, Juneteenth celebrations, community service projects, and the Golden Eagle Athletics events calendar.
The University’s Billie Jean King Sports Complex spans 11 acres, complete with ‘Eagle’s Nest’ gymnasium, modern stadium, Jesse Owens Track, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Cal State LA’s Recreation & Fitness Center and Student Union Game Room host fitness classes, club sports, and esports.
Cal State LA features diverse on-campus student accommodations in the USA for both Undergraduate and Graduate levels. Its South Village residence halls provide 1,500 beds in traditional and suite-style rooms, complemented by dedicated study lounges and a Wellness Zone. Graduate students may choose Golden Eagle Apartments, offering fully furnished private rooms and communal kitchens. Students can apply via the Housing Portal for any of these options.
On campus, the comprehensive Student Health Center delivers medical, dental, optometry, nutritional, and chiropractic care, along with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The YOU@CalStateLA digital platform empowers students to track physical well-being while studying abroad, manage stress, and connect with various campus resources.
Fill in your details and we'll call you back