2025 Cheapest California Public Colleges

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 33 four-year California Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $27,841, reflecting a 3.79% increase compared to the previous year.

University of Massachusetts Global ranks as the least expensive public California colleges. With tuition and fees at just $12,540, University of Massachusetts Global offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are California State University-Channel Islands at$19,759 and California State University-Los Angeles at$19,764 both consistently recognized among the California Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

Comparison between California Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. California Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		University of Massachusetts Global Aliso Viejo, CAPublic, 4-year $12,540
($12,540)
$20		$13,680
($13,680)
$398		-8,996-43.00%24 to 1
2
-		California State University-Channel Islands Camarillo, CAPublic, 4-year $19,759
($7,159)
$1,062		$18,763
($8,683)
$1,008		94.81%5,592-51.00%16 to 1
3
-		California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublic, 4-year $19,764
($7,164)
$1,066		$18,768
($8,688)
$1,012		91.25%23,163-53.00%21 to 1
4
-		California State University-Fresno Fresno, CAPublic, 4-year $19,941
($7,341)
$1,081		$18,945
($8,865)
$1,027		95.26%24,427-57.00%22 to 1
5
-		California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublic, 4-year $19,974
($7,374)
$1,086		$18,978
($8,898)
$1,032		46.27%42,003-69.00%23 to 1
6
1		California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublic, 4-year $20,054
($7,454)
$1,110		$19,058
($8,978)
$1,056		93.30%15,182-43.00%21 to 1
7
2		California State University-Northridge Northridge, CAPublic, 4-year $20,058
($7,458)
$1,083		$19,062
($8,982)
$1,029		93.45%38,313-57.00%25 to 1
8
-		California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CAPublic, 4-year $20,070
($7,470)
$1,117		$19,074
($8,994)
$1,063		90.52%43,662-70.00%26 to 1
9San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus Calexico, CAPublic, 4-year $20,098
($7,498)		-
(-)		-----
10
4		California State University-East Bay Hayward, CAPublic, 4-year $20,183
($7,583)
$1,248		$19,187
($9,107)
$1,194		97.39%12,326-48.00%22 to 1
Average$19,244
($7,904)		$18,391
($9,431)		87.78%23,740-54.56%22 to 1