California joined the Union in 1850. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) has the state listed as having 207 institutions of higher learning (as of the last reporting date) that offer bachelor’s degrees. (This includes multiple campuses of the same institution.) According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 8.5% of the state’s population aged 18-24 had a bachelor’s degree or higher (as of the 2014 American Community Survey, aka ACS). For residents 25+, 19.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The estimated total population as of 2014 was 38.802M (38,802,500), making it the most populous state in the U.S.
- Nicknames: The Golden State
- State website: http://www.ca.gov/
- State capital: Sacramento
- Largest city: Los Angeles
NOTES:
- Please check an institution’s accreditation before applying.
- Net price is based on an institution’s average cost to all students for the last reporting year (to NCES.ed.gov), factoring in tuition, fees, cost of living, financial aid, etc. Depending on the location and school, there can be a significant difference between tuition cost and net price.
- NCES data is subject to change after every academic year and other institutions in the state may at some point be “more affordable” (by net price) than those listed here.
- We did not filter out private for-profit institutions. However, some of them listed in this series of most-affordable-colleges-by-state articles may be under federal scrutiny. We urge you to be aware of any such goings-on or accreditation issues of any school before you apply. When in doubt, check with the schools in question, then research their accrediting agency.
Abbreviations
- BA = Bachelor of Arts
- BAAS = Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
- BAS = Bachelor of Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Applied Science
- BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
- BEM = Bachelor of Emergency Management
- BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BGS = Bachelor of General Studies
- BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- BM = Bachelor of Music
- BME = Bachelor of Music Education
- BS = Bachelor of Science
- BSE = BS Engineering
- BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy
- BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
- BT = Bachelor of Technology
- HBCU = Historically Black College or University
10: California State University, Northridge
California State University-Northridge (CSUN) is a public university established in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College. It is now part of the California State University system and is located in Northridge, California, about 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.
CSUN offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across nine colleges: (1) Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication; (2) David Nazarian College of Business and Economics; (3) Michael D. Eisner College of Education; (4) Engineering and Computer Science ; (5) Health & Human Development; (6) Humanities; (7) Science & Mathematics; (8) Social & Behavioral Sciences; (9) Tseng College: Graduate, International and Midcareer Education. Collectively, they offer nearly 70 bachelor’s programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Psychology, General. The largest program category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. For online programs, CSUN has a BA in Public Sector Management, some certificates and courses for non-admitted students via Open University.
- Graduation rate: 47%.
- Transfer-out rate: 12%.
- In-state tuition: $6,549.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,709.
- Yearly average net price: $7,654.
- Student population: 40131.
- # undergraduates: 35616.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
9: California State University, Sacramento
California State University-Sacramento (Sac State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1947 as Sacramento State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Sacramento, California, some 90 miles northeast of San Francisco, CA.
Sac State offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across eight colleges: (1) Arts & Letters; (2) Business Administration; (3) Continuing Education; (4) Education; (5) Engineering & Computer Science; (6) Health & Human Services; (7) Natural Sciences & Mathematics; (8) Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies. Collectively, they offer nearly 60 undergraduate majors and six post-bachelor’s certificates. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. The College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers several bachelor’s level programs that are either online or delivered in hybrid format.
- Graduation rate: 44%.
- Transfer-out rate: 3%.
- In-state tuition: $6,648.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,808.
- Yearly average net price: $7,446.
- Student population: 29349.
- # undergraduates: 26739.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
8: Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad/ West Coast Talmudical Seminary
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary (YOEC) is a private, non-profit, 4-year yeshiva college — the largest on the West Coast. It is affiliated with Orthodox Judaism, particularly the World-Wide Lubavitch Movement.
YOEC offers a bachelor’s program in Talmudic Studies to a small group of students. Based on NCES data for the most recent reporting year (academic), 20 students received their bachelor’s degree. Part of the mission of YOEC is to provide Torah education and Orthodox rabbinical training, as well as to instill a “commitment to Jewish observance,” a sensitivity to Jewish tradition, and an understanding of the legal and analytical aspects of Torah.
- Graduation rate: 38%.
- Transfer-out rate: 48%.
- In-state tuition: $13,300.
- Out-of-state tuition: $13,300.
- Yearly average net price: $6,565.
- Student population: 163.
- # undergraduates: 163.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
7: California State University, Stanislaus
California State University, Stanislaus (Stanislaus State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1957 (charter date) as Stanislaus State College. Stanislaus State is part of the California State University system and its main campus is located in Turlock, California, about 105 miles southeast of San Francisco, CA. A second location is at Stockton Center, which opened in 1998.
Stanislaus State offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across four colleges: (1) College of Business Administration; (2) College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; (3) College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work; (4) College of Science. Collectively, they offer over 40 bachelor’s programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General 352, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. For online programs, the university offers a selection of bachelor’s degrees that have an accelerated track via some online and evening classes, reducing time for completion to 15-18 months. Currently, four such programs are available: Accelerated Second BS in Nursing Program, BA in Social Sciences Degree Completion Program, BS in Health Science Degree Completion Program, B in Criminal Justice Degree Completion Program. For students who want to try out courses before applying for admission, Stanislaus State offers Open University for non-credit (can change over by a deadline date).
- Graduation rate: 53%.
- Transfer-out rate: 4%.
- In-state tuition: $6,686.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,846.
- Yearly average net price: $6,340.
- Student population: 9045.
- # undergraduates: 7847.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.
6: California State University, San Bernardino
California State University-San Bernardino (CSUSB) is public university established in 1965 as San Bernardino-Riverside State College. CSUSB is part of the California State University system and is located in San Bernardino, California, about 60 miles roughly east of Los Angeles, CA.
CSUSB offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across five academic colleges plus an extended learning division: (1) College of Arts and Letters; (2) College of Business and Public Administration; (3) College of Education; (4) College of Natural Sciences; (5) College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; (6) College of Extended Learning. Collectively, the 34 academic departments of these colleges offer over 90 bachelor’s programs (BA, BS) and nearly 70 minors. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
- Graduation rate: 48%.
- Transfer-out rate: 2%.
- In-state tuition: $6,550.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,710.
- Yearly average net price: $5,993.
- Student population: 18952.
- # undergraduates: 16743.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.
5: California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university established in 1965 (charter date) as California State College, Bakersfield. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Bakersfield, California, about 115 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.
CSUB offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across four schools: (1) Arts & Humanities; (2) Business and Public Administration; (3) Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering; (4) Social Sciences and Education. Collectively, they offer nearly 50 majors and programs at the bachelor’s level. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
- Graduation rate: 41%.
- Transfer-out rate: 2%.
- In-state tuition: $6,792.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,952.
- Yearly average net price: $5,690.
- Student population: 8720.
- # undergraduates: 7635.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.
4: California State University, Fresno
California State University-Fresno (Fresno State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Fresno, California, about 190 miles southeast of San Francisco, CA, and 230 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.
Fresno State offers certificates (two levels) and a range of degrees, from bachelor’s level to doctorates, across nine schools and colleges: (1) College of Arts and Humanities; (2) College of Health and Human Services; (3) College of Science and Mathematics; (4) College of Social Sciences; (5) Craig School of Business; (6) Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; (7) Kremen School of Education and Human Development; (8) Lyles College of Engineering. Collectively, they offer bachelor’s degrees across over 60 areas of study (including concentration options). Within each study area, there may be multiple bachelor’s degree options. Students can also choose from over 70 minor areas of study. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
- Graduation rate: 52%.
- Transfer-out rate: 2%.
- In-state tuition: $6,299.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,459.
- Yearly average net price: $5,599.
- Student population: 23179.
- # undergraduates: 20511.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.
3: California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1957 as Orange County State College. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Fullerton, California, some 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles, CA.
CSUF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across nine colleges and departments: (1) The Arts; (2) Business and Economics; (3) Communications; (4) Education; (5) Engineering and Computer Science; (6) Health and Human Development; (7) Humanities and Social Sciences; (8) Natural Sciences and Mathematics; (9) University Extended Education. Collectively, they offer 55 bachelor’s degree programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Available online/ hybrid degree programs are both BAs, in Sociology and Business Administration.
- Graduation rate: 56%.
- Transfer-out rate: 3%.
- In-state tuition: $6,315.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,475.
- Yearly average net price: $5,542.
- Student population: 38128.
- # undergraduates: 32726.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
2: California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA, CSULA) is a public university established in 1947 as Los Angeles State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Los Angeles, CA, about 5 miles roughly east of the city’s downtown core. Some online program options are available and in 2016 a Downtown (DTLA) campus will open.
CSULA offers certificates (two levels) and bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across seven colleges in total (and dozens of departments): (1) College of Arts & Letters; (2) College of Business & Economics; (3) College of Engineering, Computer Science, & Technology; (4) College of Health & Human Services; (5) College of Natural & Social Sciences; (6) College of Professional and Global Education; (7) Honors College. Collectively, these colleges offer approximately 100 bachelor’s programs (including options or concentrations), 60 minors, and 50+ undergrad or post-baccalaureate certificate programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
- Graduation rate: 41%.
- Transfer-out rate: 2%.
- In-state tuition: $6,348.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,508.
- Yearly average net price: $2,735.
- Student population: 24488.
- # undergraduates: 20681.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
1: California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university established in 1960 as South Bay State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Carson, California, less than 20 miles south of Los Angeles, CA.
CSUDH offers certificates (two levels) and bachelor’s and master’s degrees across six colleges: (1) College of Arts & Humanities; (2) College of Business Administration & Public Policy; (3) College of Education; (4) College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences; (5) College of Health, Human Services and Nursing; and (6) College of Extended & International Education. The latter offers certificates, of which there are 25 at the undergrad-level. There are nearly 100 bachelor degree programs across 20+ categories, and 39 minors. (The Interdisciplinary Studies program offers five options.) Degrees awarded are the BA and BS. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Online courses are available for students meeting a minimum number of credits completed. Only one fully online course may be taken per semester.
- Graduation rate: 32%.
- Transfer-out rate: 2%.
- In-state tuition: $6,139.
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,299.
- Yearly average net price: $1,640.
- Student population: 14687.
- # undergraduates: 12682.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
