Cheapest Affordable Colleges & Universities In California 2024

When you think of California colleges, the word expensive inevitably comes to mind. However, this doesn't have to be the reality of attending a California school.

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

With all the opportunities for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, coupled with practical lifestyle choices that can drive down the cost of living, attending college in California can actually be a decent financial route to take.

Graduating without student debt is a worthy and challenging goal, but it all boils down to choices. When it comes to money tuition is only one aspect to consider. Graduating debt-free takes careful planning, good grades, deciding what luxuries you can go without, learning which grants you qualify for, and being vigilant in your search for scholarships.

California may actually turn out to be the most financially sound choice for your post-secondary education. Educational institutions in this region participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program that provides non-resident students from 16 distinct western states with an array of scholarships. Additionally, it offers state residents tuition rates and discounts to assist these students in completing their education with minimal or no financial burden. To learn more about this program, see https://www.wiche.edu/wue/.

If you make informed choices, it is possible to enjoy college in California without the high price tag or the heavy burden of student debt. Knowing beforehand which California colleges are the most affordable can get you pointed in the right direction.

This ranking is based solely on the average net prices of colleges and universities in California.

All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.

This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top colleges in California so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.

California State University-Los Angeles was founded in 1947. The college awards 129 bachelor’s degrees, 112 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degree programs both on-campus and through their online education portal. The 175 acre campus is home to just over 27000 students. Resident students pay just over $6,400 per semester, while out-of-state residents pay rates over $16400. U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges sets CSU-L.A. at #13 among public universities, #52 among public and private universities, and #26 among Best Value Schools. The school ranks #139 in America’s Best Value Colleges, according to Forbes Magazine. Undoubtedly, CSU-LA one of the state’s most affordable colleges in the state. Washington Monthly ranked it at #6 in Master’s University rankings. On Money Magazine’s list of 2018’s Best Colleges, it sits at #51 in the country.

California State University-San Bernardino has offered education to a growing student population that has now reached around 22,000 students. It first opened its doors in 1965. The campus sits on 441 scenic acres within the university district of San Bernadino. A total of 138 different degree programs are offered at the school, including accounting and finance, business administration, early education, natural sciences, nursing, and several others. A separate campus location in Palm Desert hosts CSU-SB’s graduate students. The average semester tuition for resident students is $6,043 and more than 75% of their students receive financial aid. Money magazine ranked the university #14 among 2014’s ‘Best Colleges.’ 2024 rankings by EDsmart puts CSU-San Bernadino as the #1 Most Affordable Online College in California.

Founded in 1960, California State University-Dominguez Hills is a public institution, forming part of the 23 establishments within the CSU system. Boasting a current enrollment exceeding 14000 students, the university provides versatile options for attending classes either on campus or via its digital learning platform. Significantly, the institution grants more degrees to African American students each year compared to any other university in California. Numerous graduate, undergraduate, and teaching degrees are available through its programs, including 46 undergraduate and 23 different masters degrees. The average tuition rate per semester is just over $8900 for resident students and though it is more than twice that cost for out-of-state residents, more than 70% receive financial aid. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges both accredit this institution.

California State University-Fullerton is situated on 236 scenic acres of southern California’s former citrus groves. Since its founding in 1956, this school has cultivated an atmosphere of relaxation, fun, and high-level academics. It is the largest of the 23 universities within the CSU system, as well as the entire state. Annual enrollment sits at about 40000 students. In 2016, the annual tuition rate for resident students was $6043 for a semester. The university offers 109 different degree programs, including three doctoral degrees, 57 bachelor’s degrees, and 52 graduate-level degrees. American history, nursing, art, women and gender studies, sociology, information technology, and geology are among the most popular programs.

California State University Monterey Bay is situated on a former U.S. Army base in Seaside and was founded in 1994 as a mid-size four year university. Today it has a 53% acceptance rate and an annual enrollment rate of about 6400 students. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or (WASC). Niche.com gives the school an overall grade rating of B-. The most popular areas of study focus in fields like humanities, liberal arts, business, and psychology. Tuition rates average about $9000 per year but around 88% of students receive financial aid. Around 60% of all students graduate and go on to earn average starting salaries of $47640/yr within their respective fields.

Founded on 346 acres of scenic Sierra Nevada land 1911, California State University-Fresno initially operated as a teaching school but has since expanded to accommodate around 24,449 students each year. With over 60 areas of study and 40 different master’s degree programs available, students can easily earn a degree in a field they love. The U.S. News and World Report ranks this school at #205. On average, resident students at this four year university pay $6940 per semester for tuition, while out-of-state residents incur costs of just over $18000. The institution provides a diverse selection of both on-campus and online degree programs to accommodate various learning preferences. Online degree options include psychology, business, journalism, English language & literature, computer and information services, and health services, and many others.

Ranked at #48 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, California State University-Stanislaus enrolls just over 9,000 students annually. Resident students currently have a tuition of $21,886 for a year and non-resident students pay $33,766. More than 100 different degree program options make it easy for students to discover their perfect career paths in fields like accounting, anthropology, mathematics, applied behavioral science, archeology, language arts, and many more. The university was founded in 1957 in Turlock, and today it has one of the highest acceptance rates of all California colleges: a promising 71%.

At its 1897 founding, San Diego State University was dubbed the San Diego Normal School, but it was renamed officially in 1974. Today, the 288 acre campus sees about 23,000 students each year. In state tuition averages around $7084, and out-of-state tuition sits at $18244. The university offers 96 different bachelor’s, 80 master’s, and 21 doctoral degrees. SDSU students take special interest in fields like aerospace engineering, aviation, finance, journalism and media studies, kinesiology, nursing, real estate, and many others. San Diego State University functions chiefly as a research institution, contributing pioneering research on pressing medical concerns such as autism, heart disease, and cancer. Highly esteemed as one of the nation’s premier entrepreneurial institutions, the university also earns widespread acclaim for its exceptional veterans’ programs. The SDSU campus celebrates diversity, with over half of its student body consisting of people of color. Over 60 Fulbright scholars have come from SDSU (a figure topped only by UC Berkely). According to Niche.com, San Diego State University ranks #9 among California’s Top Public Universities.

Inaugurated in 1958 under the name San Fernando Valley College, the institution now known as California State University Northridge has expanded into a substantial establishment, boasting a student enrollment of over 30,000. Although the university’s size is substantial, it remains among the most economically viable options for higher education in California. Approximately 85% of all students receive financial aid to cover the average $6958 per semester cost. The school offers both on campus and online degree programs. Rewrite with better sentence structure and word choice: Students can choose from 134 different bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 70 fields like social work, humanities, and many more. The school has a 51% graduation rate. Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission, CSU Northridge has the largest undergraduate population out of the 23 campus CSU system. The university occupies a distinguished standing among the most extensive comprehensive institutions in the United States.

CSU Long Beach is a public university that was founded in 1949. Now it has over 38000 students and has become the third largest university in the California State University system. California resident students pay about $6,452. CSU Long Beach has a competitive acceptance rate of 28%. There are 82 different bachelor’s, 65 master’s, and four doctoral degree programs available, covering disciplines in natural science, mathematics, business administration, liberal arts, and many others. U.S. News and World Reports ranked CSU-Long Beach as the fifth most diverse school in the state.

California State University-East Bay was founded in 1957. According to Niche.com, the university earned a C+ letter grade for its diversity, academics, athletes, and value. With additional off-site campuses in Hayward, Concord, and Oakland, this institution enrolls just over 11,000 students per year, upholding a 76% acceptance rate. A substantial 42% of students successfully graduate and begin careers with starting salaries that average around $40600/yr. CSU-East Bay offers 52 different undergraduate degrees, 39 master’s degrees, and even a teacher’s education program. Among the most sought after majors at CSU East Bay are business, psychology, liberal arts, computer science, and health sciences.

Ranked #28 among Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona was founded in 1938 on more than 1,400 acres of scenic, southern California land. In-state residents at the renowned Cal Poly Pomona pay an annual tuition of $7297, while out-of-state residents face yearly costs of $19111. The university widely acknowledged for its exceptional engineering program, is considered among the best in the state. This university graduates one of every 14 engineers in California. It consists of eight different schools of study, offering 94 majors and 39 master’s degrees, 13 teaching credentials, and a doctorate program. The Department of Homeland Defense has designated Cal Poly Pomona as one of six state schools that qualify as a Center of Academic Excellence.

San Francisco State University, originally founded in 1899 as the San Francisco State Normal School, underwent a transformation in 1974 resulting in its current name and identity. At their six campus locations, the school offers 118 bachelor’s and 94 master’s degrees, 26 teaching credentials, and five doctoral degree programs. The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities certifies the institution and PayScale and Collegenet rank it at #12 among top universities in the US. The institution distinguishes itself as one of the few schools in the state to provide a degree in professional and technical writing. Additionally, its College of Liberal Arts’ Cinema Department has been recognized by Variety magazine as one of the Worlds Top Film Schools. The university has a 70% acceptance rate and graduates 54% of its students. Biology, business, and psychology are among the most popular degrees SFSU students pursue. #21 ‘Most Liberal Colleges in America’

Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges Ranking