When you think about going to college in LA, do you know what comes to mind for most parents?

That's right, it's tuition. These days, the cost of a private four-year college honestly exceeds $250,000.

When you add living expenses, it gets even higher... If your child goes to graduate school, it can exceed $500,000.

This amount is equivalent to the price of an average home in the U.S. The world of tuition has changed drastically compared to the past.

So, living in LA, many people realistically reconsider schools like California State University, Los Angeles, commonly known as Cal State LA.

It may not have the branding of prestigious universities like UCLA or USC, but in today's world where finding a job after graduation is tough due to AI and other factors, it seems like a good option.

First of all, its location is in East LA, which is not far from where many Korean residents live. It's a quick drive from Koreatown.

So from a parent's perspective, the thought of "I don't have to send my child far away" is quite comforting.

Additionally, the neighborhood has a good mix of Hispanic and Asian students, creating a positive atmosphere.

Students don't feel out of place and adapt well.

There are about 28,000 students, which is not a small school.

It offers a wide variety of majors. Business, engineering, nursing, education... there's something for everyone. Nursing, in particular, has been well-known among parents for a long time.

"I've heard that graduates get good jobs in hospitals," is a common saying. The engineering programs are also quite good.

In today's world, what's ultimately important is being able to make a living after graduation, and this school is quite realistic in that regard.

And the most important thing: tuition.

This is a big deal. For California residents, tuition is much lower compared to UC schools or private colleges.

Plus, if you receive financial aid like Pell Grants, the out-of-pocket cost decreases even more.

For California residents, the annual cost is about $7,164, while non-residents (including international students) pay about $19,764 per year.

Breaking it down further, the amount varies depending on the number of credits taken each semester.

For California residents, part-time (0-6 credits) costs about $2,528 per semester, or about $5,056 per year, while full-time (6.1 credits or more) costs about $3,966 per semester, or about $7,932 per year. Non-residents incur additional costs. The basic tuition structure adds $471 per credit.

International students or out-of-state students typically pay over $9,600 per semester based on full-time enrollment (12 credits), which amounts to over $19,200 per year.

This amount includes a rough estimate of basic school fees (student fees, health services, etc.).

Of course, actual costs may vary slightly depending on the major or program.

So, to be honest, for families considering college due to financial constraints, this school is like a savior. It's no wonder it receives many applications.

Another good thing is that this school is well-connected to the local community. There are many hospitals and companies in LA.

This means there are plenty of internship and practical experience opportunities. This is really important.

No matter how well you study, it's tough to get a job without experience, but here, such opportunities are relatively accessible.

There are also specific support programs for Asian students, helping with adaptation and community aspects.

The campus has improved a lot recently. There were some complaints about it being outdated, but they are continuously building new facilities and upgrading amenities.

Public transportation is also decent. The metro line connects directly, so you can get around without a car.

Of course, having a car is convenient in LA, but it's nice to have options. Plus,

with the 2028 Olympics, facilities are expected to improve even more in the future.

So, for families debating between "prestigious university titles or practical choices," Cal State LA is definitely a school worth comparing.

If you attend diligently, you can graduate with a good job and less debt, and it's not too far from home...

From a parent's perspective, there aren't many balanced choices like this.