HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

California State University, Los Angeles vs Illinois State University

California State University, Los Angeles Logo
California State University, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: Regional/Specialist45% Admit
Illinois State University Logo
Illinois State University

Normal, United States

QS World: Regional/Specialist83% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between California State University, Los Angeles and Illinois State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

California State University, Los Angeles boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Illinois State University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose California State University, Los Angeles for classical academic standing, and Illinois State University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionCalifornia State University, Los AngelesIllinois State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#>1k (2025)
#>1k (2025)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
Unranked
Unranked
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
Unranked
Unranked
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#1013 (2027)+1131 places
#2144 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
45%More selective
83%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$19,000Lower tuition
$28,500
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1947
1857Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
28,000
20,784
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
78 / 100
80 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Los Angeles vs Normal alongside annual international tuition.

Major Urban Hub

California State University, (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$19,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$52,360/yr
High Cost Index

Illinois State University (Normal)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$28,500/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$57,540/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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