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%

Program Analysis

Your natural sciences degree from Cal State LA positions you uniquely in the vast Los Angeles market. The program’s interdisciplinary nature, typical of a CSU, means you're not locked into a single scientific silo, which employers in dynamic fields like environmental consulting, biotech, and public health highly value. The strong local demand for skilled scientists, managers, and educators in this densely populated region contributes significantly to the earning potential you see. You’ll find opportunities at local government agencies, research facilities, and even educational institutions across Southern California. Your practical skillset, honed through hands-on learning, makes you a desirable candidate for roles requiring both lab work and critical analysis. To maximize your outcomes, actively pursue internships and research opportunities within your specific areas of interest during your studies, as this experience is paramount for navigating the diverse career landscape.

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

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 →