In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 33 four-year public California colleges is $27,841, reflecting a 3.79% increase compared to the previous year.
University of California-Davis ranks as the most expensive public California colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $47,692. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, University of California-Davis remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are University of California-San Diego at$47,676 and University of California-Santa Barbara at$47,332 both consistently recognized among the California Public Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1 | University of California-Davis Davis, CAPublic, 4-year | $47,692 ($15,804) $1,668 | $30,243 ($15,141) $581 | 41.83% | 40,065 | - | 86.00% | 22 to 1 |
| 2 1 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CAPublic, 4-year | $47,676 ($15,788) $1,634 | $30,199 ($15,097) $562 | 26.71% | 44,256 | - | 86.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 3 - | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CAPublic, 4-year | $47,332 ($15,444) $1,590 | $30,226 ($15,124) $671 | 32.97% | 26,133 | - | 83.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 4 - | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublic, 4-year | $47,265 ($15,377) $1,638 | $30,968 ($15,866) $605 | 10.98% | 45,882 | - | 93.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 5 - | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CAPublic, 4-year | $46,923 ($15,035) $1,586 | $30,512 ($15,410) $555 | 65.79% | 19,938 | - | 75.00% | 22 to 1 |
| 6 - | University of California-Irvine Irvine, CAPublic, 4-year | $46,640 ($14,752) $1,626 | $29,929 ($14,827) $552 | 28.57% | 37,297 | - | 87.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 7 1 | University of California-Merced Merced, CAPublic, 4-year | $46,541 ($14,653) $1,597 | $29,855 ($14,753) $566 | 90.53% | 9,110 | - | 69.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 8 1 | University of California-Riverside Riverside, CAPublic, 4-year | $46,524 ($14,636) $1,577 | $30,014 ($14,912) $546 | 76.39% | 26,384 | - | 76.00% | 22 to 1 |
| 9 - | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublic, 4-year | $46,121 ($14,233) $1,597 | $29,578 ($14,476) $593 | 8.97% | 47,335 | - | 93.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 10 - | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CAPublic, 4-year | $33,230 ($12,161) $2,235 | $23,765 ($13,685) $1,752 | 31.32% | 23,069 | - | 86.00% | 19 to 1 |
| Average | $45,594 ($14,788) | $29,529 ($14,929) | 41.41% | 31,947 | - | 83.40% | 20 to 1 |