Studying abroad is a dream for many international students, especially in places like California known for its prestigious educational institutes. However, the financial aspect can be a significant barrier. Apart from tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses add to the financial burden.
If you’re an international student looking for quality education in California without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place! In this article, you will find the top affordable institutes in California, providing options that fit your budget and align with your academic goals. Let’s get started!
Affordable Schools in California for International Students
1. California State University
California State University is a public university with 23 campuses dating back to 1857. CSU is an excellent choice for international students who are looking for top-tier education that fits their budget. The university’s dedication to serving the community is evident from its strong alumni, including Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist and labor leader.
CSU offers a variety of programs with reasonable tuition fees. This includes engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. While the tuition fee may vary for some study programs, it is still cheaper compared to other universities. You can enroll at any of its campuses within California: CSU Bakersfield, CSU East Bay, CSU Stanislaus, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU San Marcos, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fresno, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU San Bernardino, CSU Long Beach, CSU Sacramento, CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, and CSU Northridge
2. Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University was founded in 1909 and stands out as a prestigious university in San Fransisco, California. The institute specializes in professional education and is well-known for top programs like law, business, taxation, technology, and accounting. It boasts a diverse student body from over 50 countries and offers affordable and flexible master’s programs.
These features make it an attractive option for international students, especially prospective graduate students. It is most famous for its flexible admissions policy and application deadlines. Its alumni network consists of Richard Belluzzo, former president and COO of Microsoft. This highlights the university’s high-quality education and rigorous training programs.
3. San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest institute in California. Founded in 1897, the university has become a top-tier nationally and internationally famous university. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and arts.
The university is number 5th in the US for its international student body of 3,000 students from abroad. SDU is well known for its affordable tuition rates. The university also consistently ranks as the number one university in California, proving its excellence in education.
4. Southern States University
Southern States University, established in 1983, is well-known for its business programs. It has campuses spread across San Diego, Irvine, and Las Vegas. The university offers degrees in Information Technology, Business Administration, and certification programs in Marketing, Business, and IT.
SSU offers career services to its students, an ideal factor for international students looking to establish careers in the USA. These services include resume building, job search, interview preparation, and personalized career guidance. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorizes the university which means it meets the required standards to accommodate international students.
5. Clovis Community College
Clovis Community College is part of the ‘Achieving the Dream Network’ which supports equity and student success. The program consists of several colleges focused on enhancing the socioeconomic mobility of their students. This feature makes it an excellent option for international students.
It is also known for its affordable education, striving to make education accessible to all students, even international students. Students can pick majors in several programs including accounting, art, biological sciences, computer science, and many others! It also provides support services to students such as Academic Counseling and Career Technical Education.
6. San José State University
San Jose State University (SJSU) is the oldest public university on the West Coast, established in 1857. It offers top-quality education focusing on practical learning to equip students with the skills needed to excel in their respective fields. The university has more than 350 student organizations, allowing its students to engage in many extracurricular activities.
International students benefit from its low-cost education, Apart from affordability, the university offers many internships, networking, and career development opportunities. Its famous alumni are evidence of their top-quality education. This includes the famous author Amy Tan and Olympic medalists like Lee Evans.
7. National University
National University was established in 1971 in San Diego, California. The university offers 190 bachelor’s and graduate programs, both online and on-campus. Its blended courses and online learning platforms allow international students to manage their education and work life simultaneously.
Apart from the learning flexibility, the university’s tuition fees are competitively priced which makes it a desirable option for international students. San Diego is known as a hub of technology, healthcare, and business, providing networking opportunities to international students.
8. Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University was founded in 1902 by the Church of the Nazarene, focusing on individual attention and authentic relationships. Since it was founded by a church, the university strongly focuses on spirituality and philosophical exploration.
The university offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 60 fields of study. It is most famous for its MBA and Doctor of Nursing Practice or Clinical Nursing programs.
9. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University, located in Southern California is a Christian university dating back to 1899. It offers over 100 online and on-campus programs, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs in education, health sciences, and music.
APU boasts several notable alumni such as Darnell Abraham, famous for his roles in Disney’s Festival of the Lion King and Hamilton. This reflects the university’s strong focus on creativity and top-quality education, making it a preferred university for international students.
10. Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University is a research institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs to students. The university primarily focuses on liberal arts and is based on Jesus’ tradition. This means that it strongly emphasizes social justice, service, and ethical leadership. Its diverse student body, consisting of students from over 90 countries, reflects its values.
One of its unique features includes Career Development Services that guide students in selecting a major, internship and job search, LinkedIn profile development, and much more. The International Student Advisor specifically caters to international students, providing support when needed.
FAQ: Studying at a University in California
What Are the General Requirements to Study in California?
Just like universities in other states of America, Californian universities have certain requirements for international students. On top of this list is English proficiency, especially for international students whose native language is not English. Most universities require students to submit academic qualifications including high school diplomas, transcripts, and GPA.
International students must consider taking standardized tests like SAT or ACT. However, this is not always required. Some courses have specific prerequisites. Thus, it’s crucial to check the admission criteria for the specific major you’re applying for.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in California?
Although most federal, state and need-based financial aid is mostly available to US citizens only, international students can avail of financial support through private scholarships, departmental awards, and graduate assistance.
Some universities offer grants that do not need to be repaid. For instance, the University of Berkeley offers an Undergraduate Tuition and Fees Grant that can be availed once per semester. Similarly, students can apply for Graduate Student Financial Aid if they meet specific requirements.
What is the Cost of Living in California?
Compared to other states, California is known to be more expensive than the national average. Housing is usually the largest expense, averaging $2,893 for a single person.
Rent and utilities cost around $1,959 while food costs an average of $659. California is the third most expensive state in America and is rated 1.32 times more expensive than other areas of America.
Studying abroad in California is an exciting opportunity to build your career and a global network. However, financial constraints prevent many international students from achieving their dreams. Exploring affordable colleges in your preferred distribution is the key to fulfilling your career goals.
We hope you make use of this article once you plan to apply to one of California’s affordable universities. If you are unsure of what study program to take, here’s a list of Available Programs for International Students! You can also check our USA Study Guide Page for more insightful articles.
