2025 Cheapest California 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 110 four-year California Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $35,050, reflecting a -1.34% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 110 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 84 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 4 colleges.

University of the People ranks as the least expensive California colleges. With tuition and fees at just $1,200, University of the People offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are Columbia College - San Diego at$8,256 and Columbia College - Imperial at$8,256 both consistently recognized among the California Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

Comparison between California Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. California Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		University of the People Pasadena, CAPrivate, 4-year $1,200
-		--41,961-34.00%28 to 1
2Columbia College - San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate, 4-year $8,256------
2Columbia College - Imperial Imperial, CAPrivate, 4-year $8,256------
4Columbia College - Los Alamitos Los Alamitos, CAPrivate, 4-year $8,304------
4Columbia College - Naval Base San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate, 4-year $8,304------
6
4		University of Phoenix-California Ontario, CAPrivate, 4-year $9,552
-		$16,485
$222		-34-22.00%24 to 1
7
4		American Jewish University Los Angeles, CAPrivate, 4-year $10,870
$274		$28,870
$708		-424-44.00%10 to 1
8
4		Golden Gate University San Francisco, CAPrivate, 4-year $11,343
-		$17,070
-		-3,098--7 to 1
9
4		Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas, CAPrivate, 4-year $12,360
$385		$12,240
$360		-1,881-21.00%24 to 1
10
4		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
Average$9,099
($12,540)		$17,669
($13,680)		-9,399-32.80%20 to 1