Cheapest Behavioral Sciences Colleges in California

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable Behavioral Sciences program at just $3,659 net cost, making it nearly eight times cheaper than Concordia University-Irvine's $28,046. This striking affordability matters in a state where tech giants like Google and Meta increasingly hire behavioral researchers to study user patterns and improve digital experiences. Public universities dominate the low-cost market, with five Cal State schools offering net prices under $14,000. Meanwhile, private institutions command significantly higher costs, though California Baptist University graduates earn $33,281 annually. The 89% acceptance rate at CSU-Dominguez Hills opens doors for students seeking budget-friendly entry into psychology, counseling, and research careers across California's massive economy.

Programs

$3,659 – $28,046

Net Price Range

$31,815

Avg. Program Earnings

55.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Behavioral Sciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, California	$3,659	$7,064	46.9%	89.1%
2	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, California	$11,580	$7,439	66.7%	55.4%
3	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$12,882	$7,424	50.1%	94.2%
4	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
5	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California	$16,607	$14,560	74.5%	46.9%
6	Life Pacific University San Dimas, California	$22,343	$20,462	56.8%	94.5%
7	Ashford University San Diego, California	$25,321	$13,160	8.8%
8	University of La Verne La Verne, California	$26,925	$47,000	65.4%	73.5%
9	California Baptist University Riverside, California	$27,384	$39,720	59.5%	79.9%
10	Concordia University-Irvine Irvine, California	$28,046	$41,390	62.5%	69.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CSU-Dominguez Hills so much cheaper than other programs?

As a public university, CSU-Dominguez Hills benefits from state funding that keeps costs low, resulting in a $3,659 net price compared to private schools averaging over $25,000. The 89% acceptance rate also suggests less competition for aid, helping more students access affordable education.

How do graduation rates compare across different price ranges?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with UC Santa Cruz achieving 75% graduation despite its $16,607 cost. In contrast, the cheapest option at CSU-Dominguez Hills has a 47% graduation rate, while Ashford University's concerning 9% rate reflects quality issues despite its $25,321 price tag.

Do private schools offer better earning potential after graduation?

Graduate earnings show minimal variation across institution types, ranging from $30,317 to $33,281 annually. California Baptist University leads at $33,281, but the modest difference suggests that program affordability may matter more than prestige for long-term financial outcomes.

Where do California's job opportunities align with Behavioral Sciences training?

Tech companies throughout Silicon Valley hire behavioral researchers for user experience roles, while entertainment industries in Los Angeles need psychology specialists for content development. Healthcare systems across the state also employ behavioral health professionals, creating steady demand for graduates regardless of their school's cost level.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.