Natural Sciences at California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,870/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 11 Natural Sciences programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $465K $466K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 17.1x 16.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 77% 74% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,252
Out-of-state: $74,792 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$16,452
40% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates of California State University-Los Angeles's Natural Sciences program earn $39,870/yr in their first year — 26% above the $31,645 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Natural Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Natural Sciences's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

At #3 of 11 Natural Sciences programs, California State University-Los Angeles scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,478 in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Los Angeles →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Physical scientists, all other $117,960/yr
Life scientists, all other $87,800/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Los Angeles

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Natural Sciences at California State University-Los Angeles?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Natural Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →