20 Best Affordable Schools in California for Bachelor’s Degree

Students looking for the best affordable colleges in California for bachelor’s degrees can choose from more than 400 colleges and universities, which might make the process of narrowing down schools slightly confusing and maybe a little overwhelming. However, we have developed a list of the top 20 best-value colleges in California to help you on your search, and we can guarantee that the time you spend selecting your ideal school will be worth it. After all, California truly has everything: rugged mountains, bustling cities, perfect beaches, glorious sunshine, and several of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world.

Methodology

In order to provide our readers with the most comprehensive list of affordable colleges in California, we developed a ranking methodology based on three core metrics: affordability, class size, and student success. Below, we have outlined these three factors as they pertain to cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. We conducted a search for the colleges and universities in California offering bachelor’s degrees on the College Navigator site at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to gather our initial pool of schools, and we cross-referenced information on each institution’s website to ensure accuracy.

Average Cost of Attendance

As you begin the process of narrowing down colleges and universities, the first thing you might find yourself comparing is the average cost of attendance. After all, it is important to make sure you can afford a program before you even begin to consider majors, concentrations, and extracurriculars. At the same time, however, remember that cost is not everything, and that even the most expensive programs might not offer everything you are looking for in your college experience. For the purpose of this ranking, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest tuition rates based on the cost for in-state students taking 15 hours of courses per semester for one full year of study, based on the NCES. Out-of-state rates are also provided for your reference.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Student-to-faculty ratios are a fantastic way to get a better understanding of a school’s environment as well as the class sizes one can expect at that particular institution. When considering whether a small college or a large university would be better for your academic needs, think about what you are looking for in a school. For instance, are you looking for hundreds of extracurricular opportunities, majors, and concentrations, or do you prefer a smaller setting in which you can develop more intimate relationships with your classmates and professors? Although there are benefits and drawbacks to both small and large institutions, in the following ranking, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios, as stated from the NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Knowing schools’ graduation rates is useful when determining whether graduates are satisfied with any given program. Although admission rates are helpful for knowing a student’s chance of being admitted into a school, graduation rates are just as helpful for knowing how many students actually earn their degree. Although such is not always the case, in most instances, schools with low graduation rates may be failing to offer academic support, affordable degrees, experienced faculty, or something else that students are seeking that would cause them to leave before completing their respective programs and instead pursue a degree elsewhere. For this reason, schools with the highest graduation rates from the NCES earned the highest number of points based on the following table.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in California

 

20. California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, California

Points: 6
School Website

California State University-San Marcos, is an affordable accredited university in California that was founded in 1989 as the 20th campus of the California State University System. Enrolling nearly 17,000 students, CSUSM is comprised of four colleges: the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences; the College of Business Administration; the College of Education, Health & Human Services; and the College of Science & Mathematics. Popular low-cost majors include communication and journalism, business and management, social sciences, and family and human sciences. CSUSM is known for real-world experiences as well as cutting-edge science and research that empower its students to succeed in increasingly technical career fields. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognized CSUSM for engaging the local community through teaching, research, and service.

In-State Tuition: $7,713
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,593
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent

19. California State University-Chico

Chico, California

Points: 6
School Website

Located 90 miles north of Sacramento, California State University-Chico is the second-oldest campus in the 23-school California State University System. Founded in 1887 as the northern branch of the California State Normal School, this cheap accredited college in California confers more than 160 low-cost bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 17,000 students each year. Known for its renowned faculty members, CSU Chico professors are consistently recognized for not only their teaching abilities but also their research prowess. The school is comprised of colleges in industries such as the natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, communication and education, business, behavioral and social sciences, and engineering, computer science, and construction management. CSU Chico is also known for its sustainable campus, holding a distinguished status as a Sierra Club Cool School and being named to the Green Honor Roll by The Princeton Review.

In-State Tuition: $7,608
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,488
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

18. California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, California

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as Sacramento State College in 1947, California State University-Sacramento is a best-value accredited university in California. Enrolling more than 31,000 students, CSUS reports an alumni base of more than 240,000 members worldwide. CSUS is comprised of seven academic colleges that offer 58 inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, 41 graduate degrees, three doctoral programs, and six post-baccalaureate certificates. Students may also choose to design their own major with faculty approval. CSUS offers low-cost degree programs through its colleges and schools in business administration, arts and letters, continuing education, engineering and computer science, education, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, natural sciences and mathematics, and health and human services. The CSUS campus sits on 300 acres that are covered with more than 3,500 trees, 1,200 of which are located in the University Arboretum, resulting in the school’s “Tree Campus USA” title by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2012.

In-State Tuition: $7,310
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,190
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent

17. California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1965, California State University-Bakersfield, the 19th-oldest campus in the 23-campus California State University System, is one of the cheapest California universities. CSUB offers top-value undergraduate and graduate programs designed to advance the personal and intellectual development of its 10,000 students. With a commitment to life-long learning and scholarship, the school confers more than 50 low-cost bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its four schools: Social Sciences & Education, Business and Public Administration, Arts and Humanities, and Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. Popular areas of study include business, criminal justice and safety studies, psychology, history, education, and the liberal arts and sciences. CSUB also offers majors and minors through a number of interdisciplinary programs, and the school’s Extended University provides courses and degrees designed for busy working professionals.

In-State Tuition: $7,309
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,189
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent

16. California State University-East Bay

Hayward, California

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as the State College for Alameda County in 1956, California State University-East Bay is one of the most affordable universities in California. Located in Hayward, California, CSUEB offers more than 100 low-cost fields of study through its four colleges: the College of Education and Allied Studies, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Science, and the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Science. CSUEB’s most popular inexpensive majors include business, health service preparatory studies, psychology, sociology, criminal justice and safety studies, nursing, biology, and human development. Students have many opportunities to get involved through volunteering, student government, multicultural services and programs, Greek life, and more than 130 student clubs and organizations.

In-State Tuition: $6,983
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,863
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent

15. California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, California

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as South Bay State College in 1960, California State University-Dominguez Hills is an affordable accredited California university. Located in Carson, the school enrolls more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and more than half are among the first in their families to pursue a college degree. CSUDH is also known as one of the most economically and ethnically diverse institutions of higher learning on the West Coast, enrolling the most African-American students of any CSU campus. Students may choose from inexpensive undergraduate programs through the school’s College of Arts & Humanities, College of Business Administration & Public Policy, College of Education, College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Health, Human Services, & Nursing. CSUDH also supports opportunities such as the “America Happens Here” contest in which students are encouraged to use creative means to represent the school’s diversity as well as their college experience.

In-State Tuition: $6,942
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,822
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent

14. California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Points: 6
School Website

One of the cheapest colleges in California, California State University-Los Angeles is a Hispanic-serving institution and a member of the California State University System. Cal State LA offers more than 100 cutting-edge and affordable academic programs and is ranked as the top school in the U.S. for upward mobility. Cal State LA is comprised of seven colleges offering 57 low-cost undergraduate majors, 51 master’s degrees, and four doctoral programs, and popular areas of study include business, sociology, psychology, early childhood education, communications, nursing, and social work and youth services. In addition to offering rigorous academic programs, the school’s location in LA provides numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience such as studying star formation at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, conducting cancer research at the City of Hope, or interning with NBC’s “Dateline.”

In-State Tuition: $6,749
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,629
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent

13. University of the West

Rosemead, California

Points: 7
School Website

The University of the West is a not-for-profit, private low-cost university in California. Established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1990, the school, located in Rosemead, enrolls nearly 400 students and boasts an incredible student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, allowing for a more effective and personalized learning environment. UWest is a Buddhist-affiliated university, but students are welcome from any religious background. Undergraduates may choose from several inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, including English with concentrations in TESOL and literature, the liberal arts, psychology, or business administration with concentrations in marketing, international business, computer information systems, and accounting. UWest also confers economical graduate degrees in religious studies, psychology, business administration, and Buddhist chaplaincy. Outside the classroom, UWest’s campus reflects the school’s core values of joy, contemplation, vibrancy, and diversity, and students have the opportunity to join a number of student organizations ranging from badminton to music to martial arts.

In-State Tuition: $12,592
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,592
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent

12. San Diego State University

San Diego, California

Points: 7
School Website

Founded as San Diego Normal School in 1897, San Diego State University in San Diego, California is the third-oldest institution of the 23-campus California State University System. Enrolling nearly 35,000 students each year, this affordable California college is a nationally recognized leader in LGBT inclusion and campus diversity. SDSU is also a top-value college in the state for students looking to pursue a global learning experience, offering nearly 400 international exchange and study-abroad programs in 67 countries. SDSU offers 95 inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, 78 master’s degrees, and 22 doctoral degrees, and the top five majors include psychology, criminal justice, business administration – finance, business administration – marketing, and kinesiology – pre-physical therapy. SDSU is also known for encouraging students to turn passions into prototypes, and the school’s Zahn Innovation Center provides resources and mentorship for entrepreneurial students, while the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center blends hands-on learning opportunities with business curricula to help students put their ideas into motion.

In-State Tuition: $7,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,340
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Graduation Rate: 74 percent

11. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, California

Points: 7
School Website

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona was founded in 1938 and is one of only two polytechnics in the California State University System. Cal Poly Pomona, one of the cheapest colleges in California, offers degrees to more than 24,000 students through its eight academic colleges: Science; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Environmental Design; Engineering; Education and Integrative Studies; Business Administration; Agriculture; and the Collins College of Hospitality Management. Undergraduates looking for active learning should consider low-cost degree programs in environmental design, education, engineering, business, or agriculture. Outside of the classroom, many students are involved in one of more than 250 academic and social organizations and clubs, including Greek Life, athletics, and student government. The school also regularly hosts art exhibitions at its two on-campus galleries as well as theater and music performances.

In-State Tuition: $7,353
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,233
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1899, San Francisco State University is an inexpensive accredited university in California that enrolls nearly 30,000 students each year. SFSU is comprised of six colleges: the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, College of Business, College of Education, College of Ethnic Studies, College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Science and Engineering. Students may choose from 73 low-cost degrees and benefit from real-world experience through volunteering, field work, or internship opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 universities in the U.S. for upward mobility, SFSU is known for making it affordable for students to graduate and attain well-paying jobs. Alumni are leaders in fields from film, creative writing, and journalism to education, government, business, science, and technology.

In-State Tuition: $7,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent

9. California State University-Monterey Bay

Marina, California

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1994, California State University-Monterey Bay, located in Marina, is one of the many accredited affordable colleges in California. Located on the site of a former U.S. Army base, CSUMB enrolls more than 7,500 students each year in cheap undergraduate and graduate degree programs. CSUMB is comprised of six colleges that deliver low-cost degrees, minors, and other academic offerings, including 24 bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 concentrations, more than 30 minors, several teacher certification options, and seven graduate degrees. Popular inexpensive majors include psychology, business, and the liberal arts and humanities as well as physical education teaching and coaching, human services, and biology. Outside of the classroom, CSUMB’s Service Learning Institute is recognized nationally for its work in helping students examine issues of social responsibility, diversity, and justice through service learning.

In-State Tuition: $7,143
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,023
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent

8. California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, California

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Turlock, California State University-Stanislaus, an inexpensive California university, is the only CSU campus to offer a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies. Considered a “best buy” in higher education, Stan State has grown from a class of 800 in 1960 to more than 10,000 students as of 2017. Although the school is known for its affordable nursing, teacher education, and business administration programs, Stan State confers 43 low-cost bachelor’s degrees, 16 master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, and seven credential programs. The academic programs are clustered within four colleges: the College of Business Administration; College of Science; College of Education, Kinesiology & Social Work; and the College of the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. Students are encouraged to develop a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences during their first two years before selecting a specialized degree.

In-State Tuition: $7,072
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,952
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent

7. California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1965, California State University-San Bernardino is an affordable university in California. One of 23 schools that make up the California State University System, CSUSB enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Approximately 81 percent of the student body are first-generation college students, and 79 percent of undergraduates receive some type of financial aid through scholarships and grants. CSUSB confers low-cost bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as teaching credentials through its College of Arts and Letters, College of Business and Public Administration, College of Education, College of Natural Sciences, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. CSUSB’s most popular majors include business, psychology, criminal justice and safety studies, physical education teaching and coaching, sociology, and the liberal arts and humanities. Students may also take advantage of numerous ways to get involved in athletics, the performing arts, student employment and internships, and community engagement.

In-State Tuition: $6,922
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,802
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent

6. California State University-Northridge

Northridge, California

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1958, California State University-Northridge is an affordable accredited college in California that enrolls more than 39,000 students each year. With the largest undergraduate student body as well as the second-largest total student body of the California State University System, it is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in not only the state but the country as well. As such, CSU Northridge brings together an impressive collection of high-tech facilities, resources, and students onto one 356-acre campus. The school’s nine colleges confer 60 inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, 41 master’s degrees, 28 education credentials, and opportunities in extended learning, and popular majors include psychology, sociology, and business. CSU Northridge also sponsors the Educational Opportunity Program which helps first-generation, low-income college students be successful in their studies and graduate with their degree on time. Alumni include an assortment of notable members, including an astronaut, successful journalists, and Grammy award-winners.

In-State Tuition: $6,893
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,773
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent

5. California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, California

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1959 as Orange County State College, California State University-Fullerton, one of the cheapest colleges in California, enrolls more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it the largest campus of the 23-school California State University System. A Hispanic-serving institution, Cal State Fullerton confers more than 100 low-cost degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in areas such as military science, environmental engineering, comparative religion, Asian American studies, and radio, television, and film. Cal State Fullerton is also known for its 20-year history of instituting green, sustainable, and efficient practices that not only save money but also better the campus community such as the installation of solar panels, green building construction, and lighting upgrades.

In-State Tuition: $6,886
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,766
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

4. California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, California

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Channel Islands is an affordable accredited college in California. Established in 2002, it is the newest campus of the 23-school California State University System. A Hispanic-serving institution, CSUCI employs notable faculty members such as biologist Sean Anderson, artist Jack Reilly, and Sung Won Sohn, one of the top economic forecasters in the country. CSUCI enrolls more than 7,000 students and offers more than 50 areas of study, including low-cost bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as teaching credentials. Popular low-cost majors include psychology, business, and communications as well as sociology, nursing, biology, and the liberal arts and humanities. Approximately 81 percent of students receive financial aid, and nearly 59 percent of the student population are first-generation college students.

In-State Tuition: $6,817
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,697
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent

3. California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, California

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Long Beach is an accredited inexpensive university in California and the third-largest campus of the 23-school California State University System. Enrolling more than 37,000 students, the school is known for its competitive admissions process and for being a “military-friendly school.” In addition, CSULB is among the country’s leaders in terms of the number of degrees awarded to students of color and minorities. More than 60 academic departments provide cheap majors such as engineering, including aerospace, computer, and chemical concentrations; art, including film and electronics, dance, and design; and the liberal arts, including peace studies and comparative world literature. CSULB is also known as one of the top affordable California colleges for students pursuing careers in film, counting multiple Academy Award-winning producers, directors, and screenwriters among its alumni, including Chris Carter and Steven Spielberg.

In-State Tuition: $6,798
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,678
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent

2. California State University-Fresno

Fresno, California

Points: 7
School Website

Commonly referred to as Fresno State, California State University-Fresno, one of the best-value affordable colleges in California, enrolls around 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Fresno State confers low-cost degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels as well as teaching credentials and certificates of advanced study. Fresno State is comprised of eight schools and colleges in the arts and humanities, health and human services, science and mathematics, social sciences, business, agricultural sciences and technology, education and human development, and engineering. Outside of the classroom, Fresno State’s unique on-campus facilities include a commercial winery, vineyards, a planetarium, and the third-largest library in terms of square footage in the CSU System. Fresno State is also home to horse stables for its equestrian team, which consistently ranks among the top 10 in the country.

In-State Tuition: $6,587
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,467
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

1. California State University Maritime Academy

Vallejo, California

Points: 8
School Website

Established in 1929 as California Nautical School, California State University Maritime Academy is ranked as the best affordable college in California. Located in Vallejo, it is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the country and the only one located on the West Coast. Cal Maritime confers seven cheap bachelor’s degrees that focus on a different aspect of the dynamic but little-known maritime industry as well as related careers at sea or on land. Majors include business administration, global studies and maritime affairs, marine transportation, mechanical engineering, facilities engineering technology, marine engineering technology, and oceanography. Required internships aboard commercial ships or with shore-side companies and government agencies complete the critical connection between real-world practices and classroom instruction. Although students must wear uniforms during their classes, Cal Maritime is not considered a military academy, and students are not required to join the military after graduation.

In-State Tuition: $7,056
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,936
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Careers in California for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

As of March 2019, California’s 4.3 percent unemployment rate is higher than the national average of 3.8percent. That said, there are still a number of fast-growing occupations that can lead to favorable employment prospects. To determine the most in-demand careers in California, we turned to data provided by the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD). According to the EDD, the following are the top 10 fastest-growing occupations in California as well as each position’s estimated growth percentage between 2016 and 2026:

 

• • Solar Photovoltaic Installers: 130.6 percent
  • Home Health Aides: 41.0 percent
  • Software Developers, Applications: 40.1 percent
  • Personal Care Aides: 39.9 percent
  • Nurse Practitioners: 35.1 percent
  • Statisticians: 34.9 percent
  • Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs: 34.8 percent
  • Physician Assistants: 34.3 percent
  • Physical Therapist Aides: 33.8 percent
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants: 31.6 percent

In addition, a number of other careers and industries are growing. For instance, physical therapists, phlebotomists, nurse anesthetists, actuaries, and information security analysts round out the top 15, while the need for market research analysts and marketing specialists, non-farm animal caretakers, and postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers is also projected to rise. Helper occupations such as tile and marble setters, brickmasons, block masons, and stonemasons will also be in demand over the next decade.

What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in California?

Do you have a career and/or degree in mind? Are you narrowing down potential career paths and you would like to know more about how much you can make in any given industry? Regardless of where you stand in the college search process at this moment, knowing the highest-paying jobs in California can either solidify your career path or make you think otherwise about the future. Since salary information is so important, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which occupations in California pay the highest wages. The BLS obtained occupational wage and employment estimates and calculated the following figures for employers in all industry sectors across nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas in the state. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage across all occupations was $59,150. The top five highest-paying careers and their annual salaries include:

• • Anesthesiologists: $288,420
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $264,380
  • Psychiatrists: $255,790
  • Chief Executives: $228,270
  • Surgeons: $221,490

However, we also took a look at some top-paying careers that graduates can earn immediately after earning their bachelor’s degree or jobs that are available with additional in-person training and/or experience. Although the five occupations listed above require a bachelor’s degree as a starting point, the following are 10 careers well-suited for students who earned a bachelor’s degree in California:

 

• • Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $205,520
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers: $180,250
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers: $175,010
  • Marketing Managers: $167,910
  • Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers: $161,770
  • Financial Managers: $157,480
  • First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $154,430
  • Human Resources Managers: $142,870
  • Postsecondary Environmental Science Teachers: $135,840
  • Software Developers, Systems Software: $131,700

What are the Best Schools in California for Bachelor’s Recipients?

Wondering how to choose the best bachelor’s colleges in California based on alumni salary? Selecting a college based on your field of interest is a given, but knowing how much you can earn after graduating may sway your decision toward one school or another. Below, we have created a list of the top five institutions of higher learning that we detailed above and provided information based on the 20-year net return on investment (ROI) as well as early career salaries and mid-career earnings, according to PayScale. If you are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate degree in California, keep in mind not only the cost of the program and attendance but also how your education at any given school will pay off in the long run. We ranked the following five schools in order from highest ROI to the lowest ROI based on how much in-state students can expect to earn with a bachelor’s degree after graduation.

• • 1. California Maritime Academy
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $837,000
    – Early Career Pay: $67,500
    – Mid-Career Pay: $129,100

• • 2. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $551,000
    – Early Career Pay: $56,000
    – Mid-Career Pay: $111,600

• • 3. California State University-East Bay
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $477,000
    – Early Career Pay: $55,600
    – Mid-Career Pay: $99,200

• • 4. California State University-Chico
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $455,000
    – Early Career Pay: $55,100
    – Mid-Career Pay: $104,200

• • 5. San Francisco State University
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $423,000
    – Early Career Pay: $55,200
    – Mid-Career Pay: $98,600

California is also known for its two public college systems: the University of California and California State University. Both systems offer fantastic value, particularly for in-state students looking for an affordable education and a high ROI. California Maritime Academy tops our list both as the best affordable college in California as well as for its incredible $837,000 ROI.

California is home to more colleges and universities than any other state, which is fantastic news for students looking to pursue higher education. Students who attend college in the Golden State may take advantage of many “best values” for college education and enjoy vast mountains, clean beaches, sunny weather, and some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting cities. Whether you are looking to attend college in this state because of a specific college’s high ROI, academic prestige, or simply for the sunshine, it is important to ensure you are getting your money’s worth prior to applying to one of the best affordable colleges in California for a bachelor’s degree.

AS Staff
August 2019

This concludes our ranking of the top 20 Best affordable colleges in California for Bachelor’s degrees for 2019.

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