Choosing a college in California doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in California are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in California , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 77 four-year California Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $38,140, reflecting a -4.36% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 77 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 52 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 4 colleges.
University of Phoenix-California ranks as the least expensive private California colleges. With tuition and fees at just $9,552, University of Phoenix-California offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are American Jewish University at$10,870 and Golden Gate University at$11,343 both consistently recognized among the California Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1 | University of Phoenix-California Ontario, CAPrivate, 4-year | $9,552 - | $16,485 $222 | - | 34 | - | 22.00% | 24 to 1 |
| 2 1 | American Jewish University Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year | $10,870 $274 | $28,870 $708 | - | 424 | - | 44.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Golden Gate University San Francisco, CAPrivate, 4-year | $11,343 - | $17,070 - | - | 3,098 | - | - | 7 to 1 |
| 4 3 | National University San Diego, CAPrivate, 4-year | $13,284 $36 | $16,416 $504 | - | 22,115 | - | 43.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 5 5 | Humphreys University Stockton, CAPrivate, 4-year | $13,500 $1,260 | $11,286 $216 | - | 699 | - | 62.00% | 5 to 1 |
| 6 8 | Alliant International University-San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate, 4-year | $14,254 $3,695 | $19,690 $561 | - | 4,530 | - | 22.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CAPrivate, 4-year | $14,640 - | $9,000 - | - | 2,358 | - | 29.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 8 1 | University of the West Rosemead, CAPrivate, 4-year | $15,446 $728 | $14,298 $659 | 100.00% | 138 | - | 38.00% | 4 to 1 |
| 9 3 | Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont, CAPrivate, 4-year | $15,792 - | $15,300 - | - | 306 | - | 7.00% | 6 to 1 |
| 10 1 | DeVry University-California Ontario, CAPrivate, 4-year | $17,008 $1,976 | $9,832 $7,720 | 98.50% | 2,403 | - | 22.00% | 26 to 1 |
| Average | $13,569 | $15,825 | 99.25% | 3,611 | - | 32.11% | 12 to 1 |