The cheapest colleges in California allow students to get a college degree without breaking the bank. The cost of tuition for many universities and colleges may deter high school graduates from enrolling in higher ed institutions. However, a wide array of low-tuition colleges in California can create opportunities for students to study.
Graduate and undergraduate students also have access to some of the cheapest online colleges in California. Online academic programs at a private or public university make learning accessible to low-income students. Read below to see a list of the cheapest colleges in California.
How Much Does College Cost in California?
The average annual cost of college in California spans from $8,020 to $33,483 without room and board, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Two-year public schools are at the low end of the spectrum, and private schools are at the high end.
Most Affordable Colleges in California: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| American River College | Sacramento | $46/credit hour (in state), $395/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| Folsom Lake College | Folsom | $46/credit hour (in state), $395/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| Lincoln University | Oakland | $224/credit hour (in state), $457/credit hour (out of state) | $311/credit hour (in state), $579/credit hour (out of state) |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | $1,580/credit hour | $1,121/credit hour |
| California State University, San Bernardino | San Bernardino | $1,665/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) | $2,082/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) |
| California State University, Fullerton | Fullteron | $1,665/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) | $2,082/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | $1,665/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) | $2,082/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) |
| California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | Arcata | $7,858/year (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) | $9,294/year (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | $7,522/2 semesters | $8,956/2 semesters |
| San Diego State University | San Diego | $8,174/year (in state), $11,880/year (out of state) | $9,608/year (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) |
Cheapest Universities in California: A Closer Look
The cheapest universities in California provide students with accredited, high-quality academic programs. Below is a list of the most affordable colleges in California with a closer look at their acceptance rates, graduation rates, and tuition.
Cheapest Online Colleges in California
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Oaks College | $370 per credit hour | BA Early Childhood Education, MA Early Childhood Education, MA Education: Special Education, BS in Business Administration, MA Education: Special Education |
| San Jose State University | $1,665/credit hour (in state), add $396/credit hour (out of state) | MS in Criminology, Master of Library and Information Science, BS in Information Science and Data Analytics, Master of Archives and Records Administration |
| California State University-Fullerton | $425-$500/credit hour | BA in Business Administration, BA in Humanities & Social Sciences, BA in Sociology |
| Golden Gate University | $462/credit hour (subject to the degree selected) | MBA, MS in Accounting Data & Analytics, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Financial Analytics, MS in Information Technology Management |
| Fresno Pacific University | $1,218 per credit unit | BA in Business Administration, MA in Sports Administration, MA in Applied Behavior Analysis |
Cheapest Colleges in California by In-State Tuition
- American River College | $46/credit hour
- Folsom Lake College | $46/credit hour
- Lincoln University | $224/credit hour
- Santa Clara University | $1,580/credit hour
- California State University, San Bernardino | $1,665/credit hour
Cheapest Colleges in California by Out-of-State Tuition
- American River College | $395/credit
- Folsom Lake College | $395/credit hour
- Lincoln University | $457/credit hour
- California State University, Fullerton | $1,665/semester (add $396/credit hour)
- California State University, San Bernardino | $1,665/semester (add $396/credit hour)
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive because of the level of education they provide to learners. The higher education programs feature access to state-of-the-art facilities, counseling, and expert instructors. Below are some factors that inflate college tuition.
Books and Supplies
In addition to tuition fees, you should consider the cost of books and supplies. Often, students rely on loans or scholarships to cater for books and supplies. Even an excellent research university might not have books and supplies to provide.
Student Services
Campuses rely on student services to ensure overall student success. These services ensure that students stay on track with their studies. Other benefits include admissions, orientation, testing, career services, and financial aid.
Value
You can land high-paying job positions by holding a four-year or a two-year degree. These degree programs take you through essential practices to prepare you for the best entry-level job opportunities.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Use the library. Instead of buying books, take advantage of library resources. Students can borrow and read the required textbooks on the premises.
- Learn how to cook. Instead of eating out, it’s better to save money by learning to cook. Students who choose to eat at home can attend free community cooking classes. Learn to budget by spending money on groceries.
- Start a side hustle. A steady income stream could come through a side hustle job that pays well. Many college students look for part-time opportunities to supplement the cost of college attendance.
- Live with roommates. Sharing accommodation greatly reduces the cost of housing. By splitting living expenses with friends, students can free up extra money.
- Live at home. Another great way to cut down on costs is by living at home. With this option, transportation costs are the only fee.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in California
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. You will find this form on the official website of the university or college.
- Before submitting the form, ensure you input the correct information. Take note of the financial aid you are eligible for and the Data Release Number.
- Check the status of the application often.
- Review the financial aid you will receive and plan your finances accordingly to enroll in the desired program.
Scholarships for Students in California
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Association of University Women Re-Entry Scholarship | American Association of University Women | $2,000 | Must live in San Diego County and pursue higher education in the northern part of the county |
| Association of California Water Agencies Awards | Association of California Water Agencies | $3,500 | Must be a California resident attending the University of California or California State University |
| Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund | Asian Pacific Fund | $20,000 | Must be Filipino residing in any California county |
| California Hispanic Education Endowment Fund | Hispanic Education Endowment Fund | $2,500 | Must be a permanent resident living in Orange County |
| California Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program | California Student Aid Commission | $12,192 | Must be dependent or spouse of California peace officers, firefighters, or Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority |
| CSAC Cal Grant C | California Student Aid Commission | $1,094 | Must be a US citizen and pursue a degree from a qualifying California college. The degree must be occupational or technical |
| California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation Scholarship | California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation | $8,000 | Must be a high school graduate pursuing four or two-year degrees at the University of California, California State University, or accredited community college |
| ERC Eco Scholarship | Environmental Research Center | $1,000 | Must be enrolled in an accredited California college or university pursuing environment health sciences degree |
| Ford ReStart Program Scholarship | The Ford Family Foundation | 90% of total tuition cost | Must be a resident of Siskiyou County or Oregon |
| Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship | Asian Pacific Fund | $5,000 | Must be a resident of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Solano County |
How to Choose a Cheap College in California
To choose one of the cheapest colleges in California, there are a few things you must consider. Often, students feel they will never get the college experience they’ve always wanted, but the most affordable colleges in California make it possible to achieve.
Location
Most online degree programs cost less compared to in-person programs. However, if you prefer an in-person program, you should always attend an institution near you to qualify for in-state tuition.
Financial Aid Programs
Check if the school will offer you financial aid services. It will significantly reduce the tuition burden by acquiring scholarships or loans. A few financial aid options depend on academic achievement, but others are need-based.
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Cost of Attendance
In addition to tuition fees, consider the cost of books and supplies, accommodation, and transport. The net price should guide you in choosing the most affordable college or university.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in California
| Job Title | Average Salary in California | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $169,970 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Software Developer | $146,770 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Information Security Analyst | $135,200 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Data Scientist | $133,110 | Master’s Degree |
| Database Architects | $130,310 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $119,460 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Software Quality Assurance Analyst | $115,420 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Computer Programmers | $114,740 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $105,770 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| User Interface Designer | $94,060 | Bachelor’s Degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in California: Explained
The best jobs for college grads in California feature rewarding salaries and incentives. Once you acquire your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you can look into applying to any of these job opportunities below.
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in California Worth It?
Yes, a cheap college in California is worth it. California boasts solid public and private college systems in cities such as San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. Prospective students can also expect the two-year colleges to offer career opportunities at an affordable price.
Cheapest Colleges in California FAQ
No, college in California is not free, but there are free online colleges in California. These four-year colleges are often community-based and provide free tuition to students who need financial backing to afford higher education.
According to US News & World Report, the cheapest college in California for international students is California State University in Fresno. CSU Fresno’s total tuition cost is $28,181. The institution offers students from other countries an affordable degree option.
You can pay for college in California through several options. Undergraduates often apply for grants and scholarships, whereas graduate programs, especially doctoral degree programs, offer students teaching opportunities and research fellowships. Even if you’re a graduate student, you can still rely on student loans and FAFSA to cut down on costs.
Yes, a college in California is worth it. You can choose to attend a school at the University of California like UC Santa Cruz or UC Santa Barbara, a state school like Fresno State or Chico State, or a private college like Claremont McKenna College. These colleges in California will help you access your educational goals, high-paying jobs, and upward mobility.
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