Affordable Universities in California for International Students
Worrying about study abroad expenses is a common concern, and when it comes to pursuing higher education opportunities in California, USA, it is natural to contemplate your finances. But there are several of the cheapest colleges in California that offer budget-friendly and cost-effective academic programs in the range of ₹20-30 Lakhs per year.
These institutions are part of the California State University system, as well as independent ones. In this blog, we have discussed the affordable universities in California, including their general description and average tuition fees per year.Â
List of Affordable Universities in California
- Some of the popular budget-friendly universities in California for international students are tabulated below, along with their average tuition fees per year.
- The average tuition fees in these universities range between USD 15,465-30,692 or INR 13 Lakhs-26 Lakhs per year, depending on the institute, course level, and degree programs.
| University | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| California State University at Bakersfield | USD 19,152 (INR 16 Lakhs) |
| California State University at Dominguez Hills | USD 17,876 (INR 15 Lakhs) |
| California State University at Los Angeles | USD 17,750-20,126 (INR 15 Lakhs-17 Lakhs) |
| California State University at Fullerton | USD 30,692 (INR 26 Lakhs) |
| California State University at San Bernardino | USD 15,465-19,179 (INR 13 Lakhs-16 Lakhs) |
| Sonoma State University | USD 21,224 (INR 18 Lakhs) |
| Long Beech University | USD 17,922-18,972 (INR 15 Lakhs-16 Lakhs) |
| San Francisco State University | USD 26,034 (INR 22 Lakhs) |
| Golden Gate University | USD 11,000-18,000 (INR 9 Lakhs-15 Lakhs) |
Popular Courses in Cheap Universities in California
Below, we have mentioned some of the popular and demanding courses in the budget-friendly universities in California.Â
- Accounting & Finance
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Business Management
- Computer Science & Information Security
- Criminal Justice
- Data Science
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Fine Arts & Performing Arts
- International Studies
- Journalism
- History & Literature
- Law
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public HealthÂ
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Affordable Universities in California
Depending on the course level, academic programs, and university, the eligibility criteria to study at the cheap universities in California might differ.
- For bachelor’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have completed their 10+2 education from a government-recognised school (CBSE/ISC/state board) with at least 70-90% marks.
- For master’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have completed their 3-4-year bachelor’s degree education from a government-recognised college/university with at least 65-85% marks.
Required Documents for University Application
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- GMAT
- GRE
- ACT
- SAT
- English Language Proficiency Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- PTE
- DuolingoÂ
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
How to Apply for Affordable Universities in California?
- Indian applicants can apply for California State University on its common application portal.Â
- They can apply to multiple CSU campuses and submit any required documents all in one place.
- In the case of other universities, except CSUs, apply on their official websites.
- There is a separate application portal for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
California is known for its high cost of living, but several affordable universities offer quality education at lower tuition rates. Many California State University (CSU) campuses provide budget-friendly options compared to expensive private institutions. In-state tuition and financial aid opportunities make education more accessible for residents, while some universities offer scholarships for international students.
Students can further reduce expenses by choosing universities in low-cost cities like Fresno or Bakersfield instead of high-cost areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
FAQs
What are the cheap colleges in California for international students?
Some of the affordable universities in California for Indian students are California State University at Bakersfield, California State University at Dominguez Hills, California State University at Los Angeles, California State University at Fullerton, California State University at San Bernardino, Sonoma State University, San Francisco State University, etc.
What are some cheap universities in California that offer computer science programs?
Some of the affordable universities in California for computer science programs are California State University at Bakersfield, California State University at Dominguez Hills, California State University at Los Angeles, Sonoma State University, and San Francisco State University.
How much can I earn as an international student in California?
As an international student, you can earn around USD 20-25 or INR 1,700-2,100 per hour, depending on your employer and job role. However, keeping in mind the high cost of living, you may need to pursue multiple jobs to cover your expenses.
How much does affordable higher education in California cost?
The affordable higher education in California costs around USD 15,465-30,692 or INR 13 Lakhs-26 Lakhs per year, depending on the institute, course level, and degree programs.
How much will it cost for Indian students to live in California?
The average cost of study in the USA for Indian students varies depending on the course level, program, and university. However, it ranges between USD 10,000-25,000 or INR 8 Lakhs-21 Lakhs per year.
