For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in California is $6,823 for California residents and $20,870 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in California, the average tuition & fees are $28,761 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in California is $10,762 for California residents and $22,043 for out-of-state students. For private schools in California, the average graduate tuition is $24,674.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,154 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $23,998. 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 $28,588 for residents and $42,635 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $49,005. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $17,807 for California residents and $26,532 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 Years Colleges | $28,588 | $42,635 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $17,807 | $26,532 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $49,005 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In California, 624 out of 697 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 177 public and 390 private colleges in California. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in California is $6,823 for California residents and $20,720 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $27,541
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $1,286 for residents and $10,011 for out-of-state students.
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $6,823 | $20,720 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $27,541 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $1,286 | $10,011 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $21,292 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In California, 235 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in California is $8,766 for California residents and $20,118 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $23,798
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $8,766 | $20,118 |
| Private Schools | $23,798 | |
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 $45 for California residents and $384 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,136
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is - for California residents and $460 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $966
| California Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $45 | $384 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $1,136 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $50 | $410 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | - | $460 |
| Private Schools | $966 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in California
At colleges in California, the average living cost is $19,154 when a student lives on campus facility and $23,998 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 | $18,997 | $22,114 |
