15 Cheapest Universities in California for International Students

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In California, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in California, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 102 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in California, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in California for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in California ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
American Jewish University 7,333 USD 82%
Southern States University 8,538 USD 79%
University of Massachusetts Global 12,000 USD - 15,000 USD 70%
Golden Gate University 13,900 USD 65%
California State University, Stanislaus 15,600 USD - 18,000 USD 61%
NewSchool of Architecture and Design 16,600 USD - 25,800 USD 58%
California State University, Chico 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
San Diego State University 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
California State University Channel Islands 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
San Francisco State University 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
California State University, Bakersfield 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
California State University Maritime Academy 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
San José State University 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%
California State University San Marcos 17,200 USD - 19,800 USD 57%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 39,400 USD for universities in California.

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1. American Jewish University

American Jewish University is a school founded in 1947 as a center and home for the Jewish community. A private university with three libraries and limited offered programs, the school is currently not accepting undergraduate applicants. The school has multiple graduate programs but only has three Master’s level programs under their School for Jewish Education and Leadership. Despite being a center and home for the Jewish community, they have a diverse and inclusive campus life that accepts individuals of any race, gender, ethnicity, and religion. The Jewish tradition is used as a guide in school but is not forced on their students.

2. Southern States University

Southern States University (SSU) is a private American University established over 30 years ago. Our Degree and Certificate Programs have been designed to train you to succeed in the world of business and information technology, and to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders. For many years, Southern States University has attracted international students to come and study at our campuses in California and Nevada. We are proud of having international students (F1/M1) from all over the world. OPT is available in all programs. CPT is available in all degree programs. SSU has campuses in some of the most beautiful locations in the United States: Irvine and San Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

3. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global, previously known as Brandman University, is a private nonprofit university with 25 campuses throughout California and Washington. It is also a virtual campus, allowing people to study even if they are far away from the university. Its people are the true strength of the University of Massachusetts Global. The supervision, faculty, and staff are devoted in nourishing the environment essential for students to succeed. Together, they work continuously to improve educational ventures for their students.

4. Golden Gate University

Borne out of a man’s desire to earn a college education, the Golden Gate University offers quality education to more than 3000 students. It focuses on advanced education and professional training in the fields of accounting, business, and law. Golden Gate University enjoys a diverse student population, with a generous number of students coming from different parts of Asia and the world.

5. California State University, Stanislaus

California State University, Stanislaus is one of the CSU system’s 23 campuses. It is noted as a Hispanic-serving college and the only one in the system to offer an undergraduate degree in cognitive studies. More known as Stan State, it is ranked 501st in the US by Times Higher Education.

6. NewSchool of Architecture and Design

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design strives for providing innovative education that will solve the architectural issues of the future. It offers 10 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a special program for those students that would like to get their license as architects. It focuses on preparing students for the job market, so students must complete an internship and complete different projects with the assistance of the university’s faculty and the design clinic.

7. California State University, Chico

Founded in 1887, California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) or Chico State is known to be one of the oldest member institutions of the California State University system. CSU Chico has trained countless students since it started its operations. This public research university provides top-rated educational programs in various areas of study. Moreover, its location is considered one of the country’s most beautiful and serene campuses comprising modern facilities, buildings, and laboratories.

8. San Diego State University

San Diego State University is an excellent research university. It has already produced thousands of intelligent graduates who have contributed significantly to the community. The university lived up to its cause of embracing a diverse set of students and highly promotes inclusive education.

9. California State University Channel Islands

Founded only two decades ago, California State University Channel Islands offers over 30 undergraduate programs and 7 master’s degree programs. Education at this university focuses on innovation and collaboration. Courses are interdisciplinary and students work on projects with professors, organizations, and businesses. This university also has state-of-the-art facilities that include 4 centers, 2 institutes, and a scientific station on the Channel Islands.

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University or SF State is one of the 23 California State University system campuses. From its origins as a teacher training institution, SF State has grown into a thriving, world-class university with high research output and top rankings across various assessments. It now provides more than a hundred programs in sciences, business, journalism, public service, and many other subjects.

11. California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) has been educating students since 1970. The university has over 50 bachelor’s and master’s programs in the following areas of study: arts, humanities, business, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and education. CSUB cultivates responsible and skillful talents. Additionally, students at the university are often called Roadrunners as they are known to be efficient and fast learners.

12. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

The California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt offers 67 undergraduate and graduate programs across its colleges of professional studies, natural resources, sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences. Cal Poly Humboldt emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental studies by allowing students to create solutions for real-life problems and providing unique facilities for research, like the Schatz Energy Research Center. The rest of the colleges also have their own research facilities, like the Child Development Lab or the Center of Arts, and there are multiple off-campus sites where students have working and learning opportunities with experts.

13. California State University Maritime Academy

California State University Maritime Academy or Cal Maritime is a unique higher education institution in Vallejo, California. This public university offers maritime programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students will benefit from its small campus as each student’s needs will be individually handled and supported by the faculty. Aside from providing high-quality education, the university also offers affordable tuition costs, making it among the preferred marine institutions in the country.

14. San José State University

San José State University was established more than 160 years ago primarily to train teachers. At present, it offers over 200 study programs in different disciplines such as education, engineering, business, and health sciences. It is also known for its significant contributions to the region’s development through the research and projects the university has conducted over the years. 

15. California State University San Marcos

California State University San Marcos is a university that offers comprehensive training in business, engineering, and mathematics. It has a complete set of equipment needed to aid the students’ productivity. The university makes sure to participate in various research collaborations to expand further its internationalization.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in California for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in California ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Point Loma Nazarene University 3,840 USD - 10,700 USD 82%
La Sierra University 4,944 USD - 14,000 USD 76%
University of Silicon Valley 5,988 USD - 8,982 USD 71%
Notre Dame de Namur University 6,180 USD - 18,600 USD 70%
Southern States University 6,274 USD - 8,501 USD 70%
Hope International University 6,600 USD - 14,000 USD 68%
California Baptist University 6,600 USD - 18,000 USD 68%
Life Pacific University 6,720 USD - 10,100 USD 67%
Santa Clara University 7,008 USD - 27,400 USD 66%
Vanguard University of Southern California 7,620 USD - 15,400 USD 63%
Master’s University 7,920 USD - 11,900 USD 62%
Fresno Pacific University 7,920 USD - 14,600 USD 62%
California Lutheran University 8,280 USD - 22,000 USD 60%
Azusa Pacific University 8,280 USD - 12,500 USD 60%
NewSchool of Architecture and Design 8,496 USD - 16,600 USD 59%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,400 USD for universities in California.

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1. Point Loma Nazarene University

As a Christian institution associated with the Church of the Nazarene, Point Loma Nazarene University rears students academically and spiritually. It is also centered around the liberal arts; thus, most of its programs are related to the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. PLNU is ranked 327th in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Point Loma Nazarene University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 3,840 USD to 10,680 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. La Sierra University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is La Sierra University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at La Sierra University is 4,944 USD to 13,986 USD.

La Sierra University is an internationally recognized higher education institute located in Riverside, California. Founded in 1922, the university established itself as a place of religious practice and expression. Their motto, “To Seek, To Know, and To Serve,” is core to their community and aims to extend it to the learning experiences of students from out of the United States. The school currently offers 120 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs divided into five departments found on campus.

3. University of Silicon Valley

The University of Silicon Valley is uniquely balanced to deliver a significant and beneficial education for 21st-century students. Its location and connection to Silicon Valley partners give its students seeking a career in innovative technology a competitive edge. USV’s expert faculty includes working professionals with deep educational backgrounds from dynamic industries.

The tuition fee at University of Silicon Valley for incoming international master’s students is 5,988 USD to 8,982 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Notre Dame de Namur University

Another affordable university to consider in California is Notre Dame de Namur University.

Notre Dame de Namur University is a private university founded in 1851 with affiliations to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The mission is to produce a student body that engages with the community and strives for social justice, and global peace as well. Some of the core values of school are diversity, excellence, integrity, and learning. As of recent date, the school only offers graduate-level programs.

The tuition fee in Notre Dame de Namur University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,180 USD.

5. Southern States University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Southern States University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 6,274 USD yearly.

Southern States University (SSU) is a private American University established over 30 years ago. Our Degree and Certificate Programs have been designed to train you to succeed in the world of business and information technology, and to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders. For many years, Southern States University has attracted international students to come and study at our campuses in California and Nevada. We are proud of having international students (F1/M1) from all over the world. OPT is available in all programs. CPT is available in all degree programs. SSU has campuses in some of the most beautiful locations in the United States: Irvine and San Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

6. Hope International University

Hope International University is a Christian university committed to providing transformative education that serves the community and the Church. Its location in Fullerton, California gives students easy access to visit several tourist attractions such as Disneyland and Newport Beach. The university is also recognized for providing financial aid packages and scholarships to the majority of its students.

7. California Baptist University

California Baptist University was founded by Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association in 1950 in association with the California Southern Baptist Convention. It prides itself on its numerous accreditation, athletic competitiveness, infrastructure, and tradition that attracts both local and international students. The university offers a wide array of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, summing up to 155 in total. As a private Christian university, it follows a tradition of spiritual and religious foundation that students must serve as their guideline in their community life. Up to this day, California Baptist University remains competent in the learning opportunities they provide to concurrent and aspiring students.

8. Life Pacific University

Life Pacific University was a humble two-year college when it opened. Now, it is a religious university with four-year programs and campuses in California and Virginia. Bachelor’s and master’s programs are available, although the master’s courses are in online format only. The selection for bachelor’s programs is quite limited, too, mainly focusing on bible studies and related disciplines.

9. Santa Clara University

Established in the late 18th century, Santa Clara University is a private institution with religious ties to the Catholic faith. Due to its historic establishment, Santa Clara is one of the oldest surviving institutions in the United States, and due to its long history, many people have graduated from this famed institution. When it comes to its alumni achievements, Santa Clara University has the right to boast since its alumni have created Javascript (widely-used programming code), Nvidia (tech company), and Farmer’s Insurance (top-tier insurance company). In addition to all of their achievement, alumni from Santa Clara have won many world-class awards such as Oscars, Pulitzer Prizes, Grammy Awards, and even the MVP Award from the NBA.

10. Vanguard University of Southern California

The Vanguard University of Southern California is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, California. It began as the Southern California Bible School for Christian Workers in 1920. Over 39 undergraduate majors in 15 different fields of study are available at the university. Vanguard has been ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top ten best baccalaureate colleges in the western United States.

11. Master’s University

The Master’s University is higher education institute in Santa Clarita, California, that offers over 150 bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Founded in 1927, they have eight campuses in Santa Clarita and Sun Valley, California, as well as in the country of Israel. They currently have 2,400 enrolled students who afford financial aid at all educational levels. Core values of commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, and intellectual growth guide the service education of the school as well as the community life of their students. Their goal is to create individuals capable of producing long-lasting contributions that positively affect their community. As they come close to their 100th year, the Master’s University continues their indiscriminate honing of the youth.

12. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is a Christian private university located in Fresno, California. It is known as the San Fernando Valley’s only accredited Christian university. They provide over 100 areas of study to undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students.

13. California Lutheran University

Recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, California Lutheran University continues to provide a complete higher education to a diverse population of over 2000 students. The university was built on a ranch handed over by Richard Pederson and was initially referred to as California Lutheran College. Since then, the college was awarded university status and continues to expand its campus and prosper in academic excellence.

14. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian private university located in Azusa, California. It offers numerous programs in different disciplines such as applied sciences, liberal arts, business, and education. It is also known for integrating religious teachings and values into its programs and other university activities. 

15. NewSchool of Architecture and Design

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design strives for providing innovative education that will solve the architectural issues of the future. It offers 10 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a special program for those students that would like to get their license as architects. It focuses on preparing students for the job market, so students must complete an internship and complete different projects with the assistance of the university’s faculty and the design clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in California?

Applying to cheap universities in California requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in California?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in California. For example, one of the best affordable schools in California is the American Jewish University, which offers Early Childhood Education to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Azusa Pacific University offers Composition, Music Industry, and Child Life.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in California, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in California as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in California for international students was helpful!