Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
Key Takeaways
- The University of California system of colleges dominates the list of the best affordable colleges in California.
- California has a diverse group of colleges including technology and career preparation universities, small colleges, religious schools, and large state schools that support athletic rivalries.
- California has several schools witha tuition rate below $10K.
10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Cruz +1
- University of California, Davis –1
- University of California, Riverside
- San Francisco State University +1
- San Diego State University –1
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The top 5 spots remain unchanged in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable colleges in California. In fact, 8 of the top 10 schools in our ranking are part of the University of California system. UC colleges have expanded access and affordability in their schools by increasing financial aid packages , especially for in-state students from low-and middle-income families.
UCLA specifically has improved its First-Year Experience Program, offering more orientation and support services for incoming students, particularly first-generation and low-income students. The university has also increased housing availability, ensuring more affordable on-campus housing options for students.
UCLA and UC San Diego have also increased housing availability, ensuring more affordable on-campus housing options for students.
There are 59 colleges and universities in California with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in California is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $79,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Berkeley known for?
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $73,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Los Angeles known for?
University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- History
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
88%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego
Cost of Degree: $15,265Expenses: $23,240Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, San Diego known for?
University of California, San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
26%
Graduation
86%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost of Degree: $14,965Expenses: $25,622Starting Salary: $62,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?
University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
87%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine
Cost of Degree: $14,237Expenses: $24,814Starting Salary: $65,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Irvine known for?
University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Biology
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
77%
Student body
21K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Cruz
Cost of Degree: $14,560Expenses: $25,746Starting Salary: $53,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Santa Cruz known for?
University of California, Santa Cruz’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2025 #10 Best Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
86%
Student body
43K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis
Cost of Degree: $15,247Expenses: $25,808Starting Salary: $68,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Davis known for?
University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
76%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Riverside
Cost of Degree: $14,170Expenses: $26,115Starting Salary: $55,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Riverside known for?
University of California, Riverside’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,424Expenses: $23,032Starting Salary: $54,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025 #1 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego State University
Cost of Degree: $8,290Expenses: $25,782Starting Salary: $55,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Diego State University known for?
San Diego State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Psychology
- Biology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
San Diego State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 49-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 51-60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
68%
Student body
41K
Career Outlook for degree at San Jose State University
Cost of Degree: $7,992Expenses: $24,318Starting Salary: $63,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Jose State University known for?
San Jose State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Business
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #6 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
56%
Student body
43K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Northridge
Cost of Degree: $7,095Expenses: $17,176Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Northridge known for?
California State University, Northridge’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Northridge’s Online Degrees
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Sector Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
51%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $6,818Expenses: $26,527Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Los Angeles known for?
California State University, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025 #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
56%
Student body
27K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fresno
Cost of Degree: $6,980Expenses: $16,770Starting Salary: $48,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fresno known for?
California State University, Fresno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Economics
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Engineering
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Fresno’s Online Degrees
BBA in Accelerated Business Administration
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology
Degree Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
73%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Long Beach
Cost of Degree: $7,008Expenses: $21,408Starting Salary: $53,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
69%
Student body
46K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Fullerton
Cost of Degree: $7,073Expenses: $23,567Starting Salary: $51,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Fullerton known for?
California State University, Fullerton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Fullerton’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 54
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Required Credits: 51
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 51
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #11 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
54%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Sacramento
Cost of Degree: $7,602Expenses: $21,816Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Sacramento known for?
California State University, Sacramento’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Sacramento’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Child Development
- Required Credits: 50
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BA in Arts & Letters
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Career and Technical Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AD to BNS in AD to BNS
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
66%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Cost of Degree: $7,439Expenses: $21,366Starting Salary: $58,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State Polytechnic University, Pomona known for?
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
67%
Student body
10K
What is University of California, Merced known for?
University of California, Merced’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
64%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, Chico
Cost of Degree: $8,064Expenses: $19,966Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Chico known for?
California State University, Chico’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, Chico’s Online Degrees
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 17 courses
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 34
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Multidisciplinary Studies Option
- Specialization Studies Option
- Required Credits: 36-42
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 70
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
60%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Sonoma State University
Cost of Degree: $8,190Expenses: $19,084Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sonoma State University known for?
Sonoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $82,300What is Golden Gate University known for?
Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Golden Gate University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024 #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
46%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at California State University, East Bay
Cost of Degree: $7,055Expenses: $21,461Starting Salary: $58,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, East Bay known for?
California State University, East Bay’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Business
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
California State University, East Bay’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- General Management
- Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior
- Information Technology Management
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 75
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality and Tourism
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Ethnic Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Comparative Ethnic Studies Concentration
- Genders and Sexualities in Communities of Color Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Development
Degree Concentrations
- Adult Development and Gerontology Concentration
- Early Childhood Development Concentration
- Women’s Development Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
32%
Student body
34K
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Monica College
Cost of Degree: $1,156Starting Salary: $40,200What is Santa Monica College known for?
Santa Monica College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- History
- Psychology
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
85%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cost of Degree: $11,075Expenses: $21,246Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni