Studying abroad is a dream for many international students, especially in California, which is home to many well-known colleges and universities. However, tuition, housing, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses can create a significant financial burden.
If you are an international student looking for an education in California without breaking the bank, you are in the right place. This article covers institutions that may be relatively affordable depending on your program, financial aid, transfer credits, and living arrangements. Let’s take a look at these affordable universities for international students!
Affordable Schools in California for International Students
1. California State University
California State University is a public university system with 22 universities. Its oldest institution, San José State University, traces its history to 1857. CSU can be a relatively affordable option, particularly for California residents, although nonresident and international students must pay supplemental tuition.
CSU offers programs in fields such as engineering, business, the arts, and health sciences. Tuition and mandatory fees vary by campus and program. You can explore institutions such as 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 1901 and is a private, nonprofit university in San Francisco, California. It specializes in career-focused education and offers programs in areas such as accounting, business, finance, law, taxation, and technology.
The university offers online and hybrid programs designed primarily for working adults. Its flexible formats and multiple program options may appeal to graduate and international students. International applicants should confirm that their chosen program and delivery format meet applicable student visa requirements.
3. San Diego State University
- Admissions | In-State, Out-of-State, and International Tuition | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $6,838 per academic year in basic undergraduate tuition, plus approximately $2,942 in mandatory campus fees. Nonresident and international students pay an additional $471 per unit. Students are also charged an out-of-state and international student fee of $1,554 per term.
San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Founded in 1897, SDSU is a public research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and the arts.
International students should account for nonresident tuition, the cohort-based out-of-state and international student fee, and required health insurance when estimating their total costs. Although SDSU may cost less than some private California universities, affordability depends on the student’s credit load, program, housing, and other expenses.
4. San José State University
- Admissions | In-State, Out-of-State, and International Tuition | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Estimated undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees are approximately $9,553 per academic year for California residents. The university estimates $20,538 in annual tuition and mandatory fees for international undergraduates taking 12 units per semester. Housing, insurance, books, and personal expenses are additional.
San José State University is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast, tracing its history to 1857. It emphasizes applied learning and offers students access to internships, research, and professional opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area. The university has more than 350 student organizations.
In addition to its comparatively moderate public-university tuition, SJSU offers internship, networking, and career-development opportunities. Its notable alumni include author Amy Tan and Olympic gold medalist Lee Evans.
FAQ: Studying at a University in California
What Are the General Requirements to Study in California?
Admission requirements vary by university, degree level, and program. International applicants commonly need to submit academic records, such as secondary-school or university transcripts, and evidence that they completed the level of education required for admission. Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English may also need to demonstrate English proficiency.
International students may also need to provide proof that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses before a school can issue the documentation required for a student visa. SAT and ACT policies differ by institution, and many colleges do not require these tests. Applicants should check the current requirements for their chosen university and program.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in California?
Most international students are not eligible for US federal student aid. Federal aid generally requires an applicant to be a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen. However, international students may be able to obtain financial support through university-funded merit scholarships, private scholarships, departmental awards, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Eligibility and availability vary by institution and program.
Some universities also offer limited emergency or need-based grants to currently enrolled international students. For example, the University of California, Berkeley, offers a need-based Undergraduate Tuition and Fees Grant through the Berkeley International Office. Eligible students may receive this grant once per semester and no more than twice during their undergraduate studies. Berkeley also provides information about limited financial assistance for graduate international students, subject to eligibility rules and funding availability.
What is the Cost of Living in California?
The cost of living varies substantially across California. Major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, San José, Los Angeles, and San Diego are generally more expensive than smaller inland communities. Housing is often the largest expense for students.
The latest state-level price data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis show that California’s overall price level was approximately 10.7% above the national average in 2024. Housing rents were approximately 54.3% above the national average. Students should use each university’s official cost-of-attendance estimate and research local housing, transportation, food, insurance, and personal expenses before preparing a budget.
Studying in California can provide opportunities to develop your career and build an international network. However, financial constraints prevent many students from achieving their study-abroad goals. Comparing tuition, scholarships, total program costs, and living expenses at institutions in your preferred destination is essential when planning your studies.
We hope you find this article useful as you prepare to apply to one of California’s universities or colleges. If you are unsure which program to pursue, here is a list of Available Programs for International Students! You can also visit our USA Study Guide Page for more helpful articles.
