California is known as “The Golden State”, where the sun shines, and the dream comes true. It has a diverse array of state colleges, world-class universities with a welcoming attitude towards international students and famous for its exceptional opportunities.
If you’re considering studying in California and searching for the best colleges at the lowest price, you’ve come to the right spot. Here we put together a list of the best ‘Cheapest Colleges in California.’ Explore our index to begin your educational journey. Good luck!
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San Diego State University
Developed in 1897, San Diego State University is an elite public university. The SDSU offers a wide range of scholarships and grants focused on academic performance and leadership. Significant courses are available in the fields of finance, psychology and criminal justice. It is becoming a top option for many international students. The university alumni continue to earn their starting salaries.
Ranking: #143 in National Universities
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 5,706 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 619-594-5200
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California State University Monterey Bay
California State University is a public university in Monterey County, California, is the part of California state university system. The university has six colleges which offer 24 undergraduates with over 30 included concentrations, more than 30 minors, seven graduates as well as several teacher certifications options. It provides various recreational programs and facilities for making staff, faculty and students stay fit and active.
Ranking: #25 among regional universities (West)
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 5,963 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 831-582-3000
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California State University–Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public, coeducational university with an enrollment of 17,027 students. It has six colleges that offer bachelors and master’s degree program in the field of Arts & Humanities, Business Administration, Education, Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Health, Human Services and Nursing. It is equipped with SMART classrooms, new sports facilities, and a serene environment for students to grow and learn.
Ranking: #32 in Western Regional Universities
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,100 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 310-243-3696
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California State University–Fullerton
California State University Fullerton is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It offers 55 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree program in numerous areas of study. The university supports student success through innovative high-impact educational and co-curricular experiences, including faculty-student collaborative research.
Ranking: #3 in top regional universities of the West
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,186 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 657-278-2011
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California State University–Long Beach
The California State University (Cal State or CSU) is a public university, offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree program in Arts, Business Administration, computer & information science, Health Profession, Criminal Justice. It is the largest four-year public university system in the United States. It provides access to an affordable, high quality, learning-centred and outcomes-based education led by world-renowned faculty.
Ranking: #501 -#600 in U.S. Rankings
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,240 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 8779590198 or admission[at]calstatela.edu
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California State University–Los Angeles
California State University Los Angeles is a premier comprehensive public university, established in 1947. The university ranked one in the United States for the upward mobility of our students. It offers 57 undergraduate majors, 51 master’s degrees and four doctoral programs. It cultivates and fosters our students’ unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect through engaged teaching, learning, research, scholarship that support their overall success, well-being.
Ranking: #25 in U.S. Rankings
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,344 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (323) 343-3000
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California State Polytechnic University–Pomona
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university in Pomona, California. The university is known for learn-by-doing philosophy. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its academic colleges as well as community access to traditional extension programs through the Extended University. The university requires a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher for admission.
Ranking: #2 in Regional College West
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,350 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 909 869 7659
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San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University provides 118 different bachelor’s degrees, 94 master’s degrees, and five doctoral degrees along with 26 teaching credentials among six academic colleges in the fields of Business Administration, Biology, Kinesiology, Engineering, English, Communication Studies, Psychology, Criminal Justice Studies, Sociology, and Cinema. The student-faculty ratio is 23:1 at the university.
Ranking: #29 in Regional College West
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,450 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (415) 338-1111
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California State University–Northridge
Founded in 1958, California State University is one of the nation’s largest public universities in the state of California. It offers 134 different bachelor’s degrees and master’s degree programs in 70 different fields. It is recognized for its commitment to the educational and professional goals of the students. The university has been consistently recognized as having one of the best film schools and music schools in the U.S. and the world.
Ranking: #19 in nation’s public colleges.
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 6,525 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (818) 677-3184
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University of California – Berkeley
Founded in 1868, the University of California Berkeley is the flagship institution of the ten academic universities affiliated to the University of California system. It ranked as one of the most prestigious universities in the world and the highest public university in the United States. Berkeley provides around 350 undergraduate and graduate programmers in a wide range of disciplines.
Ranking: #30 in QS Global World Ranking
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 7,825 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-642-6000
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