Looking for the cheapest universities in California for international students? Look no further. We have put together the 15 cheapest universities in California for international students that would help you choose affordable academic in the United States
Among the best economies in the United States, California serves as a global center for the information, education, and technology sectors. California is an outstanding area to study because of its top-notch colleges, friendly attitude towards international students, great environment, high standard of living, and state-of-the-art new technologies.
Californian universities are renowned for their well-developed, affordable engineering and technology programs, as well as their excellent academic standards. For overseas students, California offers a large number of inexpensive institutions that offer the highest caliber of education at a reasonable price.
Therefore, if you want to study in California but can’t afford it, this site will help you find the finest affordable universities in the state by providing information on rankings, tuition costs, and other factors.
Benefits of Studying at the cheapest universities in California for international students
Numerous foreign students from all over the world attend Californian institutions and colleges. Through higher education, these universities significantly contribute to the transformation of states and people’s lives.
You will receive vital education access and degrees that can change your life from California’s largest university system, which boasts a variety of the cheapest universities in the state. Here are some benefits of studying in one the cheapest universities in California for international students
- World-Class Faculty: Addressing their disparities in equality, the faculty members at California’s most inexpensive universities are some of the best and brightest in the field. They assist students in learning both theoretical and practical methods that will prepare them for the future as leaders working with students.
- Jobs: California is home to several of the world’s leading tech businesses, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Netflix. Enrolling in institutions in California, regardless of expense, will place you at the forefront of contemporary learning chances. It’s the ideal area for you to launch your career because of these prestigious companies. With its strong economy and plethora of professional options, you can find ideal jobs that match your qualifications.
- International Community: This state has one of the highest levels of diversity among the USA due to its rich global cultural heritage and history. California is a cosmopolitan state, with about 43% of the population speaking a language other than English. Additionally, there are almost 2000 international students at UC Berkeley alone, hailing from nations like China, South Korea, India, and others. You will be able to network with the university’s international student body thanks to this.
READ ALSO: Moving to the UK? See all you need to know
You are now aware of a few advantages of attending school in California. Let’s examine a few of the cheapest universities in California for international students:
15 CHEAPEST UNIVERSITIES IN CALIFORNIA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
1. California State University, Bakersfield
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:17,112 USD to 18,030 USD
One of the cheapest universities in California for international students is California State University Bakersfield. Since 1970, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) has been educating students. The university offers over 50 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and education.
CSUB develops responsible and skilled individuals. Furthermore, university students are often referred to as Roadrunners because they are known to be efficient and fast learners.
More than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled at either the main campus in Bakersfield or the Antelope Valley Centre in Lancaster, California, as of fall 2021. More than 59,000 people have graduated from CSU Bakersfield’s four schools: Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Administration, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and Social Sciences and Education. The university is primarily a commuter campus that serves Bakersfield.
The petroleum geology program at CSU Bakersfield is only offered by a public university west of the Rockies.[11] The university caters to Hispanic students. Local, state, and federal politicians have graduated from the program, including one Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
2. Sonoma State University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:17,622 USD
Sonoma State University is a California State University campus in Rohnert Park City that is among the cheapest universities in California for international students and serves Hispanic students.
Despite its small size, the university provides excellent opportunities to its 7000+ students. Furthermore, it is in a very convenient location because, in addition to having a beautiful campus, it is only one hour away from San Francisco.
According to QS rankings, the university is ranked 201st in the United States. As of 2017, Sonoma State University offered 46 majors and 49 minors to undergraduate students. A joint master’s degree program in mathematics with San Francisco State University, as well as a wine-business program, are available at the school.
In 2018, the most popular undergraduate majors were Business Administration (Management and Operations) (18.43%), Psychology (General) (9.02%), and Sociology (7.05%). Graduates most commonly majored in Business Administration (Management and Operations) (24.70%), Education (General) (16.33%), and Student Counselling and Personnel Services (11.95%). The transfer graduation rate at SONOMA State is the highest in the CSU System.
3. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:17,622 USD
The California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is one of the state’s largest universities, located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It offers nearly 100 degree programmes in the humanities, arts, sciences, and technology, but engineering degrees are the most popular.
Indeed, the programs of its College of Engineering are regarded as among the best undergraduate degrees in the United States. It has also distinguished itself for its teaching methods that prioritize practical work and problem-solving by requiring a final research project for all majors and providing a variety of internship opportunities.
Cal Poly Pomona is one of the cheapest universities in California for international students that currently offers 94 bachelor’s degrees, 39 master’s degree programs, 13 teaching credentials, and a doctorate across 9 academic colleges. The university is part of a small group of polytechnic universities in the United States that are primarily dedicated to teaching technical arts and applied sciences.
Cal Poly Pomona is a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) with the potential to become an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI). The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos compete in the NCAA Division II as part of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
4. San Diego State University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:11,682 USD
San Diego State University has grown to be a leading public university in California, as well as a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution. Every year, the university allows over 36,000 students to participate in an academic curriculum designed with direct contact with faculty and an international emphasis to prepare them for the future.
It provides more than 97 bachelor’s degrees, 84 master’s degrees, 23 doctoral degrees, and 82 certificate programs. The university is regarded as one of the most affordable master’s degree programs in California.
San Diego State University is among the cheapest universities in California for international students and consistently one of the most applied-to universities in the country, receiving over 60,500 undergraduate applications (including transfer and first-time freshmen) for the fall 2018 semester and accepting nearly 21,300 for a 35.1 percent admission rate across the university, the third-lowest admission rate in the 23-campus California State University system.[68]
SDSU received 24,993 transfer admission applications for fall 2021 and accepted 7,312 (an admission rate of 29.3 percent). Transfer students had an average incoming GPA of 3.43.[67]
The average high school GPA of admitted freshmen in Fall 2018 was 3.93, the average ACT score was 27.0, and the average SAT score was 1,264 (out of 1,600; the writing section is not considered).
5. Southern States University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 9,768 USD
Southern States University (SSU) is a for-profit private university based in San Diego, California and one of the cheapest universities in California for international students. Tepper Technologies, Inc. owns it and operates three locations: two in Southern California (San Diego and Irvine) and one in Nevada (Las Vegas). The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has granted SSU accreditation.
Southern States University offers bachelor’s degrees in business administration (BBA), master’s degrees in business administration (MBA), and master’s degrees in information technology (MSIT). Certificate programs in marketing, business, and information technology are also available.
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has granted it accreditation. The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education and the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education have also approved it.
6. University of Massachusetts Global
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:15,000 USD
The University of Massachusetts is one of the cheapest universities in California for international students. A world-class research university with a revolutionary spirit that inspires academics to challenge conventions, rethink expectations, and work tirelessly to change the world. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs, both full-time and part-time, as well as interdisciplinary majors and a robust online learning community.
Through a bachelor’s degree with an individual concentration program, the university allows you to design your major. The university has five schools that offer degree programs: the Marybelle and S. Paul Musco School of Nursing and Health Professions, the School of Education, the School of Business and Professional Studies, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Extended Education.
UMass Global employs the iDEAL (Instructional Design for Engaged Adult Learning) curriculum model and its faculty positions are all non-tenured. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the university, and it is a member of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
Furthermore, the School of Nursing and Health Professions adheres to the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The School of Education’s teacher training programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the undergraduate social work program.
click the link to learn more: https://www.umassglobal.edu/
7. California State University, Dominguez Hills
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:15,246 USD
California State University, Dominguez Hills is one of the 23 campuses that comprise the California State University system and is located in the city of Carson. It was established in 1960 and provides a wide range of study programs. University programs are designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Within its six colleges, CSUDH offers 53 bachelor’s degree programs, 26 master’s degree programs, and a variety of single, multi-subject, and specialized teaching credentials, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate certificate programs. The university has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution.
The campus is located on the historic Rancho San Pedro, the area’s oldest land grant. The Dominguez family owned the land for seven generations, from its concession to Juan Jose Dominguez in 1784 to its acquisition by the state of California for the university. The Toro, which is Spanish for bull, is the campus mascot.
To know more click the link:https://www.csudh.edu/
8. Life Pacific University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:14,640 USD to 19,512 USD
When Life Pacific University opened its doors, it was a modest two-year college. It is now a four-year religious university with campuses in California and Virginia. Bachelor’s and master’s programs are available, though master’s courses are only available online. Bachelor’s programs are also quite limited, with a focus on bible studies and related disciplines.
The Warriors are the athletic teams at Life Pacific. Since the 2017-18 academic year, the university has been a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). They were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), competing primarily as an independent in the Division I West Region.
Life Pacific participates in six varsity intercollegiate sports. Basketball and soccer are examples of men’s sports, while basketball, soccer, volleyball, and beach volleyball are examples of women’s sports.
9. California State University, Chico
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 17,318 USD
California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) or Chico State is one of the oldest member institutions of the California State University system and also one of the cheapest universities in California for international students, having been founded in 1887.
Since its inception, CSU Chico has trained thousands of students. This public research university offers high-quality educational programs in a variety of fields of study. Furthermore, its campus is regarded as one of the most beautiful and serene in the country, with modern facilities, buildings, and laboratories.
Chico State was ranked 13th for “Best Colleges for Veterans” in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report college rankings, tied 10th in Top Public Schools, 22nd in Top Performers on Social Mobility, 70th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programmes, 12th in Civil Engineering, and 206th in Nursing.
Chico State was ranked 17th for “Best Colleges for Veterans,” 18th for Top Public Schools, 24th for Top Performers on Social Mobility, 75th for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programmes, and 251st for Nursing in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report college rankings.
To know more click the link below: school website
10. California State University, San Bernardino
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:17,622 USD
One of California State University’s 23 campuses is at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains is among the cheapest universities in California for international students. Cal State San Bernardino is known as CSUSB.
CSUSB is a prestigious research-intensive institution in Southern California, ranking in the top 4% of the country according to the QS rankings. Every year, approximately 20,000 students are admitted to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certificate programs.
The university is classified as “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”, and it offers bachelor’s degrees in 123 programs, master’s degrees in 61 programs, two Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs (K–12 and Community College specializations), along with 23 teaching certificates.
The Coyotes represent CSUSB in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The nickname was inspired by the coyotes that live in the area surrounding the campus, which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains’ foothills.
The CSUSB women’s volleyball team has won thirteen CCAA championships, eight West Region championships, and a national championship. The men’s football team advanced to the NCAA Division II national semi-finals, earning the university its first California Collegiate Athletic Association championship.
To know more click the link below: School website
11. Golden Gate University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 13,860 USD
Golden Gate University was founded on a man’s desire to obtain a college education and now serves over 3000 students. It focuses on advanced education and professional training in accounting, business, and law. Golden Gate University has a diverse student body, with students from all over Asia and the world attending.
In 1901, Golden Gate University School of Law was established. The JD, Master of Legal Studies, LLM, and JSD (Doctor of Juridical Science) degrees are available at the School of Law. The Associate of Arts, BA, and BS degrees are available through the School of Undergraduate Studies.
MA, MS, MBA, EMBA, EMPA (Executive Master of Public Administration), and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) are all available at the Ageno School of Business. Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and Master of Arts in Industrial Psychology degrees are also available.
The Master of Taxation is offered by the Braden School of Taxation, and the MS in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSA) is offered by the School of Accounting.
12. California State University, San Marcos
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 15,246 USD
California State University San Marcos is a university that provides comprehensive training in business, engineering, and mathematics, as well as a full set of equipment to aid students’ productivity. The university is also another cheapest universities in California for international students that ensures it participates in various research collaborations to further its internationalization.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission has granted the university accreditation.
There are four colleges at the university:
Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Global Business Management, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Global Supply Chain Management are the seven undergraduate departments in the College of Business Administration (COBA).
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Fully Employed MBA, and Specialized MBA are the three graduate programs available.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) College: Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science and Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics are the seven departments.
Humanities, Arts, Behavioural, and Social Sciences (CHABSS) College: American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Film Studies, Global Studies, History, Liberal Studies, Literature and Writing Studies, Modern Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and the School of Education are among the 22 departments.
To learn more, click the link below: School website
13. National University
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 16,650 USD to 17,460 USD
The National University is also among the cheapest universities in California for international students, a private institution for adult learners. It is also the flagship institution of the National University System. NU, City University of Seattle, and Northcentral University are part of the system. NU, like the other members of the system, is privately owned but non-profit. NU offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and credential programs.
By total enrollment, National University is California’s second-largest private, non-profit higher education institution. Its students have an average age of 32. Approximately 23,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students are currently enrolled with 9% of the student body also serving in the military.
With 23,909 students enrolled, the National University is also one of the largest graduate student institutions of higher education in the United States. The university has roughly 190,000 alumni from all 50 states and around the world.
To learn more, click the link below: School website
14. California State University, Long Beach
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum:16,338 USD
CSU Long Beach is always among the cheapest universities in California for international students that seeks to enrich the lives of its students by providing globally informed, high-impact educational experiences through superior teaching, research, creative activity, and service to the public good.
Through its various colleges and departments, the university offers a wide range of programs in the arts, business, education, engineering, health and human service, liberal arts, professional and continuing education, and natural science and mathematics.
Cal State Long Beach has become the most applied-to campus in the California State University system, with over 102,000 applicants and a low acceptance rate of 28%, edging out San Diego State in terms of number of applicants and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) in terms of percentage accepted. The Beach is ranked eighth in the country in terms of transfer student enrollment.
To learn more, click the link below: School website
15. California State University, Stanislaus
International Bachelor’s Tuition Per Annum: 15,247 USD
CSUS is a distinguished public university known for its welcoming environment and dedication to academic excellence. It provides a broader range of majors taught by some well-known dedicated faculty. Its excellent academic program includes over 171 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as master’s degrees in 14 programs.
A doctorate in education, credentials in teaching preparation and professional areas, and over 2,000 courses are also available. With all the incentives this school has to offer, it deserves to be on our list of the cheapest universities in California for international students and should be on your list of considerations.
The five most popular bachelor’s degree programs in the autumn of 2017 were BS Business Administration, BA Psychology, BA Liberal Studies, BA/BS Biological Sciences, and BA Criminal Justice.
Students can access a variety of resources at the university. The Vasche Library’s Tutoring and Writing Center provides individual and group tutoring. Essay planning, organization, development, revision, writing across the curriculum, ESL, and WPST test preparation are among the services offered.
The university also has a bookstore with marble herms by sculptor Andrew Wilson, as well as a university police department and a financial aid office. The new Stanislaus State Student Centre is set to open in the spring of 2020.
To know more click the link below: School website
READ ALSO: Federal Government Scholarship 2023/2024 for Nigerian Undergraduate, Masters & PhD
Conclusion
California’s educational landscape is not only diverse and rich in opportunities, but it also offers affordable options for international students. From the bustling city life of Los Angeles to the serene surroundings of San Luis Obispo, these cheapest universities in California for international students offer a variety of options for those seeking a high-quality education at a low cost. Consider visiting these institutions to make your academic journey in California both enriching and affordable.