For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in California is $6,924 for California residents and $20,687 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in California, the average tuition & fees are $29,604 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in California is $11,754 for California residents and $22,043 for out-of-state students. For private schools in California, the average graduate tuition is $24,761.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,167 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $24,022. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in California is $28,689 for residents and $42,452 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $49,906. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $17,936 for California residents and $26,505 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $28,689 | $42,452 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $49,906 | |
| Community Colleges | $17,936 | $26,505 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In California, 602 out of 663 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 172 public and 376 private colleges in California. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in California is $5,520 for California residents and $19,124 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $28,437
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $1,292 for residents and $9,846 for out-of-state students.
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $5,520 | $19,124 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $28,437 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $1,292 | $9,846 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $21,199 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In California, 223 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in California is $9,829 for California residents and $20,118 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $23,841
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $9,829 | $20,118 |
| Private Schools | $23,841 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in California is $73 for California residents and $380 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,106
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $989 for California residents and $459 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $939
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $73 | $380 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,106 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $53 | $392 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $989 | $459 |
| Private Schools | $939 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in California
At colleges in California, the average living cost is $19,167 when a student lives on campus facility and $24,022 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $19,394 | $25,820 |
| Private Schools | $19,020 | $22,125 |
