33 Interesting Facts about California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is a public university located in the eastern part of Los Angeles, California. Established in 1947, it is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system. The university offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its colleges of Arts and Letters, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Natural and Social Sciences, and Health and Human Services. Cal State LA is known for its strong programs in nursing, criminal justice, engineering, and business.

Cal State LA has a diverse student population with over 28,000 students enrolled, representing a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The university is committed to providing access to higher education for underserved communities and is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. The campus is located in a vibrant urban area with easy access to downtown Los Angeles and many cultural attractions.

The university is also known for its strong commitment to community engagement and service. Cal State LA students and faculty are involved in numerous community projects and partnerships with local organizations, including providing healthcare services, mentoring youth, and participating in environmental initiatives. The university also offers a variety of programs and resources to support student success, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services.

California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (Wikimedia)

Do you want to know more about Cal State LA? Let’s take a look at these 33 interesting facts about California State University, Los Angeles.

  1. Cal State LA was founded in 1947 as Los Angeles State College.
  2. The university’s name changed to California State College at Los Angeles in 1964 and then to California State University, Los Angeles in 1972.
  3. The campus sits on 175 acres in the eastern part of Los Angeles.
  4. The university has over 28,000 students enrolled.
  5. Cal State LA is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, with over 60% of its students identifying as Hispanic.
  6. The university offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  7. Cal State LA is home to the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, named after the former California governor and Cal State LA alumnus.
  8. The university is also home to the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, which features a concert hall and art galleries.
  9. Cal State LA has a strong commitment to sustainability and was named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
  10. The university’s athletics teams are known as the Golden Eagles and compete in NCAA Division II.
  11. Cal State LA is the only university in the country to have a hydroponic greenhouse on campus.
  12. The university is home to the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, which provides forensic science training and services to law enforcement agencies.
  13. The campus is also home to the Center for the Study of Genders and Sexualities.
  14. Cal State LA has produced several notable alumni, including astronaut Samuel T. Durrance, actor Edward James Olmos, and former NFL player Eugene “Mercury” Morris.
  15. The university has a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide college preparatory programs to high school students.
  16. Cal State LA has a strong commitment to community service, with over 600,000 hours of service performed by students and faculty each year.
  17. The university has a student-run recycling program that collects over 80,000 pounds of recyclable material each year.
  18. The Cal State LA campus has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including “American Sniper” and “Scandal.”
  19. The university’s mascot is named Eddie the Eagle.
  20. Cal State LA is home to the BioSpace LA incubator, which supports biotech startups and entrepreneurs.
  21. Cal State LA has a partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide research and internship opportunities for students.
  22. The university’s student body includes over 3,500 graduate students.
  23. Cal State LA is home to the Chicano Resource Center, which promotes awareness and understanding of Chicano/Latino culture and history.
  24. The university has a strong commitment to diversity and was ranked as the second most diverse university in the western United States by U.S. News & World Report.
  25. Cal State LA offers a variety of study abroad programs, including opportunities in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
  26. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and offers programs in social work, criminal justice, and other fields related to social justice issues.
  27. Cal State LA has a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, with a variety of programs and resources available to support startups and new ventures.
  28. The university has a partnership with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator to support clean technology startups.
  29. Cal State LA has a partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to provide healthcare services to underserved communities.
  30. The university’s College of Arts and Letters is home to the Center for Contemporary Poetry and Poetics, which promotes the study and appreciation of contemporary poetry.
  31. The university is home to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which provides guidance and expertise on issues related to homeland security.
  32. The university is home to the Center for Mexican American Studies, which promotes the study and understanding of Mexican American culture and history.
  33. The university is home to the National Resource Center for Asian Languages, which supports the teaching and learning of Asian languages.

California State University, Los Angeles is a dynamic and diverse institution that is dedicated to providing its students with high-quality education, research opportunities, and resources for success. With its strong commitment to sustainability, community service, social justice, and entrepreneurship, Cal State LA is a university that is poised to make a positive impact on the local community and beyond. Whether you’re interested in studying the arts, sciences, or any other field, Cal State LA offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can pursue your academic and personal goals.