Most Affordable Colleges & Universities California [2025 Guide]
When you think of California colleges, the word expensive inevitably comes to mind. However, this doesn't have to be the reality of attending a California school.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
California boasts a rich landscape of higher education options, offering students a wide array of choices for their academic pursuits. With over 300 four-year institutions, both public and private, the state stands as a beacon for those seeking quality education at various price points.
The commitment to education is evident in California's substantial investment of more than $21 billion in state funds for higher education in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
For students concerned about costs, many California colleges provide tuition rates that fall below the national average. This guide explores some of the most affordable colleges in the Golden State, considering not just the sticker price but also the average "net price" after accounting for fees and available scholarships. With a vast undergraduate population of 2.3 million, California's educational landscape offers numerous paths to academic success without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- California offers over 300 four-year colleges with many below-average tuition rates
- The state invested over $21 billion in higher education for the 2022-23 fiscal year
- Net prices, considering fees and scholarships, provide a clearer picture of college affordability
Popular Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Rankings
This ranking is based solely on the average net prices of colleges and universities in California.
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top colleges in California so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Most Affordable Colleges in California for 2025
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CA
Admission Rate: 89%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,903
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,958
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,060
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,940
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,807
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,162
California State University-Stanislaus
Location: Turlock, CA
Admission Rate: 97%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,836
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,968
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,734
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,614
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,540
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,188
California State University-Bakersfield
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Admission Rate: 87%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,108
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,410
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,637
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,517
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $16,600
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,009
California State University-Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, CA
Admission Rate: 67%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,249
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,337
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,007
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,887
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,951
California State University-San Bernardino
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Admission Rate: 91%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,712
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,750
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,486
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,366
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,715
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,977
California State University-Northridge
Location: Northridge, CA
Admission Rate: 91%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,103
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,585
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,069
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,949
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,872
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,115
California State University-Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, CA
Admission Rate: 40%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,780
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,983
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,884
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,764
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,289
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,403
Lincoln University
Location: Jefferson City, MO
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,323
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,301
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,386
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,616
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $28,875
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,463
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Location: Pomona, CA
Admission Rate: 55%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 25,080
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,655
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,439
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,319
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $16,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,902
San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA
Admission Rate: 39%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,810
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,482
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,174
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,054
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,909
San Francisco State University
Location: San Francisco, CA
Admission Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,035
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,609
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,524
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,404
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,371
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,077
University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA
Admission Rate: 24%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,092
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,274
In-state Tuition and Fees: $14,906
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $44,978
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $84,943
Lincoln University
Location: Lincoln University, PA
Admission Rate: 81%
Average SAT Score: 952
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,704
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,546
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,910
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,456
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $28,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,167
University of California-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Admission Rate: 9%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,423
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,689
In-state Tuition and Fees: $13,401
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $43,473
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $82,511
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges Ranking
How Much Does College Cost in California?
College costs in California are a mix of good and bad news for students. Tuition at public four-year schools is slightly cheaper than the U.S. average. In-state students pay about $8,640 yearly, while the national average is $9,750.
But living costs in California are high. This pushes up the total price of going to college. When you add in room and board, a year of college jumps to around $24,920. That's more than the U.S. average of $22,390.
Here's a breakdown of yearly college costs in California:
| School Type | Average Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $8,637 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $32,967 |
| Private 4-Year | $42,017 |
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $1,286 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $9,338 |
Out-of-state students face much higher costs at public schools. Private colleges are the most expensive option. Two-year schools offer the lowest tuition, especially for in-state students.
Students should plan for high living costs in California. The state's "living wage" is about twice the national average. This affects college budgets significantly.
Common Questions About Budget-Friendly Colleges in California
- Where is the most affordable University of California campus?
- When did UC Merced open its doors?
- How many students attend UC Merced?
- What academic programs does UC Merced offer?
- What is special about the town of Merced?
UC Merced stands out as the most cost-effective option in the UC system. This newer campus began educating students in 2004. Today, over 9,000 people study there. The school provides degrees in fields like engineering, sciences, and humanities. Merced itself is known for its cultural scene and natural beauty. Its nickname, the "Gateway to Yosemite," hints at its closeness to outdoor attractions.
Discover California's Higher Education Landscape
Top-Rated Online Programs in the Golden State for 2025
California offers many excellent online college options. Students can find programs that fit their goals and schedules. Top online schools in California provide quality education with flexibility. They use advanced technology for virtual learning. Many offer career-focused degrees in growing fields. Students should compare programs carefully to find the best fit.
Support for California College Students
California has many resources to help college students succeed. Financial aid offices can explain grants, loans, and scholarships. Academic advisors guide course selection and degree planning. Career centers assist with job searches and internships. Libraries provide research tools and study spaces. Health centers offer medical and mental health services. Student groups foster community and extracurricular involvement. Housing offices help with on and off-campus living. Disability services ensure equal access. Writing centers improve academic skills. These resources aim to support students throughout their college journey.
List of Colleges and Universities in California
| School Name | City | State | Setting |
| Academy for Jewish Religion-California | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences | Oakland | CA | City |
| Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College-Berkeley | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Allan Hancock College | Santa Maria | CA | City |
| American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American Baptist Seminary of the West | Berkeley | CA | City |
| American Conservatory Theater | San Francisco | CA | City |
| American Film Institute Conservatory | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American Jewish University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| American River College | Sacramento | CA | Suburb |
| Annenberg School of Nursing | Reseda | CA | City |
| Antelope Valley College | Lancaster | CA | Suburb |
| Antioch University-Los Angeles | Culver City | CA | Suburb |
| Antioch University-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Art Center College of Design | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa | CA | Suburb |
| Azusa Pacific University College | San Dimas | CA | Suburb |
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield | CA | City |
| Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education | Baldwin Park | CA | Suburb |
| Barstow Community College | Barstow | CA | Town |
| Beaumont Adult School | Beaumont | CA | Suburb |
| Bergin University of Canine Studies | Rohnert Park | CA | Suburb |
| Berkeley City College | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Bethel Seminary-San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| Bethesda University | Anaheim | CA | City |
| Biola University | La Mirada | CA | Suburb |
| Brandman University | Irvine | CA | City |
| Butte College | Oroville | CA | Rural |
| Butte County Regional Occupational Program | Chico | CA | City |
| Cabrillo College | Aptos | CA | Suburb |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | CA | City |
| California Christian College | Fresno | CA | City |
| California College of the Arts | San Francisco | CA | City |
| California Institute of Advanced Management | El Monte | CA | Suburb |
| California Institute of Integral Studies | San Francisco | CA | City |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena | CA | City |
| California Institute of the Arts | Valencia | CA | Suburb |
| California International Business University | San Diego | CA | City |
| California Jazz Conservatory | Berkeley | CA | City |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks | CA | City |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | CA | Suburb |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo | CA | City |
| California State University-Bakersfield | Bakersfield | CA | City |
| California State University-Channel Islands | Camarillo | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Chico | Chico | CA | City |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | Carson | CA | City |
| California State University-East Bay | Hayward | CA | City |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno | CA | City |
| California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach | CA | City |
| California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | Seaside | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge | CA | City |
| California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | City |
| California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino | CA | City |
| California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos | CA | Suburb |
| California State University-Stanislaus | Turlock | CA | Suburb |
| California University of Management and Sciences | Anaheim | CA | City |
| California Western School of Law | San Diego | CA | City |
| Canada College | Redwood City | CA | Suburb |
| Casa Loma College-Van Nuys | Van Nuys | CA | City |
| CBD College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Cerritos College | Norwalk | CA | Suburb |
| Cerro Coso Community College | Ridgecrest | CA | Rural |
| CES College | Burbank | CA | City |
| CET-Coachella | Coachella | CA | Suburb |
| CET-Colton | Colton | CA | Suburb |
| CET-El Centro | El Centro | CA | City |
| CET-Oxnard | Oxnard | CA | City |
| CET-Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | City |
| CET-Salinas | Salinas | CA | City |
| CET-San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| CET-San Jose | San Jose | CA | City |
| CET-Santa Maria | Santa Maria | CA | City |
| CET-Soledad | Soledad | CA | Town |
| CET-Watsonville | Watsonville | CA | City |
| Chabot College | Hayward | CA | City |
| Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga | CA | Suburb |
| Chapman University | Orange | CA | City |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Church Divinity School of the Pacific | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Citrus College | Glendora | CA | Suburb |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Claremont Graduate University | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont Lincoln University | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Claremont School of Theology | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Clovis Adult Education | Clovis | CA | Suburb |
| Clovis Community College | Fresno | CA | City |
| Coastline Community College | Fountain Valley | CA | City |
| Coleman University | San Diego | CA | City |
| College of Alameda | Alameda | CA | Suburb |
| College of Marin | Kentfield | CA | Suburb |
| College of San Mateo | San Mateo | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Desert | Palm Desert | CA | Suburb |
| College of the Redwoods | Eureka | CA | Rural |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia | CA | City |
| College of the Siskiyous | Weed | CA | Town |
| Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program | Redlands | CA | City |
| Columbia College | Sonora | CA | Rural |
| Columbia College Hollywood | Tarzana | CA | City |
| Community Christian College | Redlands | CA | City |
| Concordia University-Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| Contra Costa College | San Pablo | CA | Suburb |
| Copper Mountain Community College | Joshua Tree | CA | Rural |
| Cosumnes River College | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Crafton Hills College | Yucaipa | CA | Rural |
| Cuesta College | San Luis Obispo | CA | Suburb |
| Cuyamaca College | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Cypress College | Cypress | CA | Suburb |
| De Anza College | Cupertino | CA | City |
| Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre | Blue Lake | CA | Rural |
| Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill | CA | Suburb |
| Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael | CA | City |
| Dongguk University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Downey Adult School | Downey | CA | Suburb |
| East Los Angeles College | Monterey Park | CA | City |
| East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program | West Covina | CA | Suburb |
| El Camino College-Compton Center | Compton | CA | Suburb |
| El Camino Community College District | Torrance | CA | Suburb |
| Epic Bible College | Sacramento | CA | Suburb |
| Evergreen Valley College | San Jose | CA | City |
| Feather River Community College District | Quincy | CA | Rural |
| Fielding Graduate University | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Folsom Lake College | Folsom | CA | City |
| Foothill College | Los Altos Hills | CA | Suburb |
| Franciscan School of Theology | Oceanside | CA | Suburb |
| Fresno City College | Fresno | CA | City |
| Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | CA | City |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Fullerton College | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Gavilan College | Gilroy | CA | Suburb |
| Gemological Institute of America-Carlsbad | Carlsbad | CA | City |
| Glendale Community College | Glendale | CA | City |
| Golden Gate University-San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Golden State College of Court Reporting | Pleasanton | CA | City |
| Golden West College | Huntington Beach | CA | Suburb |
| Grace Mission University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Graduate Theological Union | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Grossmont College | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education | La Puente | CA | Suburb |
| Hartnell College | Salinas | CA | City |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| High Tech High Graduate School of Education | San Diego | CA | City |
| Holy Names University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Homestead Schools | Torrance | CA | City |
| Hope International University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Humboldt State University | Arcata | CA | Town |
| Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses | Stockton | CA | City |
| Hypnosis Motivation Institute | Tarzana | CA | City |
| Imperial Valley College | Imperial | CA | Rural |
| International Technological University | San Jose | CA | City |
| Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope | Duarte | CA | Suburb |
| Irvine Valley College | Irvine | CA | City |
| John F. Kennedy University | Pleasant Hill | CA | Suburb |
| John Paul the Great Catholic University | Escondido | CA | Suburb |
| Keck Graduate Institute | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| La Sierra University | Riverside | CA | City |
| Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach | CA | Rural |
| Lake Tahoe Community College | South Lake Tahoe | CA | Rural |
| Laney College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Las Positas College | Livermore | CA | Suburb |
| Lassen Community College | Susanville | CA | Rural |
| Life Chiropractic College West | Hayward | CA | City |
| Life Pacific College | San Dimas | CA | Suburb |
| Lincoln University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | CA | Suburb |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach | CA | City |
| Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Harbor College | Wilmington | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Mission College | Sylmar | CA | City |
| Los Angeles ORT College-Los Angeles Campus | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles ORT College-Van Nuys Campus | Van Nuys | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Pierce College | Woodland Hills | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Southwest College | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Los Angeles Valley College | Valley Glen | CA | City |
| Los Medanos College | Pittsburg | CA | Suburb |
| Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Marshall B Ketchum University | Fullerton | CA | Suburb |
| Marymount California University | Rancho Palos Verdes | CA | Suburb |
| Mendocino College | Ukiah | CA | Rural |
| Menlo College | Atherton | CA | Suburb |
| Merced College | Merced | CA | City |
| Merritt College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Mills College | Oakland | CA | City |
| Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute | Claremont | CA | City |
| MiraCosta College | Oceanside | CA | Suburb |
| Mission College | Santa Clara | CA | City |
| Modesto Junior College | Modesto | CA | City |
| Monterey Peninsula College | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Moorpark College | Moorpark | CA | Suburb |
| Moreno Valley College | Moreno Valley | CA | Suburb |
| Mount Saint Mary's University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | CA | Suburb |
| Mt San Jacinto Community College District | San Jacinto | CA | Suburb |
| Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD | Concord | CA | Suburb |
| Napa Valley College | Napa | CA | City |
| National University | La Jolla | CA | City |
| Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey | CA | Suburb |
| Norco College | Norco | CA | Suburb |
| Notre Dame de Namur University | Belmont | CA | Suburb |
| NTMA Training Centers of Southern California | Santa Fe Springs | CA | Suburb |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Ohlone College | Fremont | CA | Suburb |
| Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa | CA | City |
| Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Oxnard College | Oxnard | CA | City |
| Pacific Oaks College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Pacific School of Religion | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Pacific States University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin | CA | Rural |
| Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | Rural |
| Palo Verde College | Blythe | CA | Rural |
| Palomar College | San Marcos | CA | Suburb |
| Pardee RAND Graduate School | Santa Monica | CA | City |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu | CA | Suburb |
| Phillips Graduate University | Chatsworth | CA | City |
| Pitzer College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego | CA | City |
| Pomona College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| Porterville College | Porterville | CA | City |
| Presidio Graduate School | San Francisco | CA | City |
| Providence Christian College | Pasadena | CA | City |
| Reedley College | Reedley | CA | Town |
| Rio Hondo College | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| Riverside City College | Riverside | CA | City |
| Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career Education | Indio | CA | City |
| Sacramento City College | Sacramento | CA | City |
| Saddleback College | Mission Viejo | CA | Suburb |
| Saint Mary's College of California | Moraga | CA | Suburb |
| Samuel Merritt University | Oakland | CA | City |
| San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino | CA | City |
| San Diego Christian College | Santee | CA | Suburb |
| San Diego City College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego Mesa College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego Miramar College | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Diego State University | San Diego | CA | City |
| San Francisco Art Institute | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | City |
| San Francisco Theological Seminary | San Anselmo | CA | Suburb |
| San Joaquin College of Law | Clovis | CA | Suburb |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton | CA | City |
| San Jose City College | San Jose | CA | City |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | CA | City |
| Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute | La Jolla | CA | City |
| Santa Ana College | Santa Ana | CA | City |
| Santa Barbara City College | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | CA | City |
| Santa Monica College | Santa Monica | CA | City |
| Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa | CA | City |
| Santiago Canyon College | Orange | CA | City |
| Saybrook University | Oakland | CA | City |
| Scripps College | Claremont | CA | Suburb |
| Shasta Bible College and Graduate School | Redding | CA | City |
| Shasta College | Redding | CA | Suburb |
| Shepherd University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Sierra College | Rocklin | CA | Suburb |
| Simpson University | Redding | CA | City |
| Skyline College | San Bruno | CA | Suburb |
| Soka University of America | Aliso Viejo | CA | Suburb |
| Solano Community College | Fairfield | CA | Suburb |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park | CA | Suburb |
| South Baylo University | Anaheim | CA | City |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Southern California Seminary | El Cajon | CA | Suburb |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| Southwestern College | Chula Vista | CA | Suburb |
| Southwestern Law School | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| St John's Seminary | Camarillo | CA | Rural |
| Stanford University | Stanford | CA | Suburb |
| Starr King School for the Ministry | Berkeley | CA | City |
| SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary | El Dorado Hills | CA | City |
| Taft College | Taft | CA | Town |
| Teachers College of San Joaquin | Stockton | CA | City |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| The Colburn Conservatory of Music | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| The Master's University and Seminary | Santa Clarita | CA | Suburb |
| The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law at Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | City |
| The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law at Ventura | Ventura | CA | City |
| The University of America | Murrieta | CA | Suburb |
| The Wright Institute | Berkeley | CA | City |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula | CA | Rural |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Law | San Diego | CA | City |
| Touro University California | Vallejo | CA | City |
| Touro University Worldwide | Los Alamitos | CA | Suburb |
| Trinity Law School | Santa Ana | CA | City |
| Ukiah Adult School | Ukiah | CA | Town |
| University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley | CA | City |
| University of California-Davis | Davis | CA | Suburb |
| University of California-Hastings College of Law | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of California-Irvine | Irvine | CA | City |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| University of California-Merced | Merced | CA | Rural |
| University of California-Riverside | Riverside | CA | City |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla | CA | City |
| University of California-San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | CA | Suburb |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | CA | City |
| University of La Verne | La Verne | CA | Suburb |
| University of Redlands | Redlands | CA | City |
| University of San Diego | San Diego | CA | City |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco | CA | City |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton | CA | City |
| University of the People | Pasadena | CA | City |
| University of the West | Rosemead | CA | Suburb |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa | CA | City |
| Ventura Adult and Continuing Education | Ventura | CA | City |
| Ventura College | Ventura | CA | City |
| Victor Valley College | Victorville | CA | City |
| West Hills College-Coalinga | Coalinga | CA | Town |
| West Hills College-Lemoore | Lemoore | CA | Rural |
| West Los Angeles College | Culver City | CA | Suburb |
| West Valley College | Saratoga | CA | Suburb |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Pomona | CA | Suburb |
| WestMed College | San Jose | CA | City |
| Westminster Theological Seminary in California | Escondido | CA | Suburb |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara | CA | Suburb |
| Whittier College | Whittier | CA | Suburb |
| William Jessup University | Rocklin | CA | Rural |
| Woodbury University | Burbank | CA | City |
| Woodland Community College | Woodland | CA | Suburb |
| World Mission University | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary | Los Angeles | CA | City |
| Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine | Los Angeles | CA | Suburb |
| Yuba College | Marysville | CA | Suburb |
| Zaytuna College | Berkeley | CA | City |
