The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) vs Cal State LA

Envision yourself pursuing higher education in either the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, or the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, California. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and California State University-Los Angeles (CSULA) stand as two distinct institutions, each offering unique opportunities for academic exploration and personal growth. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the details and discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	California State University-Los Angeles	The University of Texas at San Antonio
Overview
Location	Los Angeles, California	San Antonio, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	73.0%	78.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	90.5%	90.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	1020 - 1220
ACT range	N/A	18 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		51.0%
Students submitting ACT score		11.0%
Total number of applicants	29,223	21,726
Total number of admissions given out	26,459	19,662
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,095	5,512
Yield rate	15.5%	28.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,619 Out of state: $44,499	In state: $25,631 Out of state: $37,928
Average net price	$2,695	$11,013
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $6,237 Out of state: $18,534
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,712 Meal plan: $4,500	Room/dormitory: $6,217 Meal plan: $4,147
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $10,909	81.0% Average amount $8,403
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $4,458	45.0% Average amount $5,018
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $8,862	3.0% Average amount $11,519

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	23,536 Men 40.6% Women 59.4%	29,801 Men 47.8% Women 52.2%
Graduate students	3,977 Men 36.4% Women 63.6%	4,933 Men 44.2% Women 55.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	1.1%	1.5%
International students	5.9%	2.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,565	4,395
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Illinois Minnesota Hawaii Maryland	Texas California Colorado Illinois Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Engineering Psychology Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	26:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	51.9%	51.0%
Dropout rate	39.4%	22.3%
Transferred out	3.1%	23.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,257 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $117,496 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,475 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $103,691 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,250 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $99,815 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $90,684 Year 2: $87,548 Year 3: $93,771 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,852 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $83,310 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $82,904 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,004 Year 2: $74,367 Year 3: $80,425 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,165 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $77,214 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,370 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $72,371 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,775 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $71,643	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,168 Year 2: $74,786 Year 3: $83,652 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,254 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $78,030 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,211 Year 2: $60,264 Year 3: $73,023 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,590 Year 2: $63,180 Year 3: $70,727 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,484 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $69,865 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,470 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,652 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,474 Year 2: $62,734 Year 3: $69,012 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,646 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $66,662 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,677 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $66,389 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,900 Year 2: $54,671 Year 3: $65,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between UTSA and Cal State LA?

UTSA is located in San Antonio, Texas, offering a suburban campus environment with a growing presence in a major Texas city. Cal State LA is situated in Los Angeles, California, providing a more urban campus experience with access to the diverse cultural and professional opportunities of a large metropolitan area. Consider your preference for a suburban versus urban setting when making your decision.
How do the academic programs compare at UTSA and Cal State LA?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UTSA is known for its strong programs in engineering, cybersecurity, and business, reflecting its location in a tech-focused region. Cal State LA excels in programs like nursing, education, and the arts, benefiting from its proximity to the entertainment industry and diverse population. Research specific programs of interest to see which university aligns better with your academic goals.
What is the cost of attendance like at UTSA versus Cal State LA?

Generally, the cost of attendance at Cal State LA is lower than at UTSA, especially for in-state students. This includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. However, costs can vary depending on your residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and your individual financial aid package. It's crucial to compare the net cost after financial aid to get a clear picture of affordability.
What are the student demographics like at UTSA and Cal State LA?

Both universities are known for their diverse student populations. Cal State LA has a particularly diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of Los Angeles. UTSA also has a diverse student body, with a significant Hispanic population. Both universities offer a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds.
How does the research focus differ between UTSA and Cal State LA?

UTSA has a growing research focus, particularly in areas related to cybersecurity, engineering, and health sciences. Cal State LA also has a strong research presence, with a focus on areas that align with its programs, such as education, nursing, and the arts. Consider which university's research areas best match your interests if you plan to be involved in research.
What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at UTSA and Cal State LA?

Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. UTSA has a vibrant campus life with a focus on student engagement and school spirit. Cal State LA provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, including Greek life, student government, and various clubs. The specific activities and organizations available will vary, so explore the websites of both universities to see what aligns with your interests.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at UTSA and Cal State LA?

Both universities offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UTSA benefits from its location in a growing tech and business hub, providing access to internships and job opportunities in those fields. Cal State LA's location in Los Angeles offers access to opportunities in various industries, including entertainment, healthcare, and education. Research the career services departments of both universities to see which one best suits your career goals.
What are the admission requirements for UTSA and Cal State LA?

Admission requirements vary, but both universities generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), although some programs may be test-optional. Check the specific requirements for each university, as they may differ based on the program and your residency status. The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, test scores (if required), and a personal essay.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or nursing?

UTSA is particularly strong in engineering and cybersecurity, making it a good choice for students interested in those fields. Cal State LA has a well-regarded nursing program, making it a strong option for aspiring nurses. Research the specific programs and faculty within your field of interest at each university to determine which one offers the best fit for your academic goals.
How does the campus culture and atmosphere differ between UTSA and Cal State LA?

UTSA generally has a more traditional college campus feel, with a focus on school spirit and a growing campus community. Cal State LA has a more diverse and urban campus culture, reflecting the multicultural environment of Los Angeles. Consider which type of campus environment you prefer when making your decision.

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