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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers business education for just $3,659 net price, making it the most affordable option among 14 programs statewide. This reflects a massive cost gap where private institutions like Santa Clara University charge $50,959 annually for similar business training. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $61,651 median salary, the highest among these programs, while maintaining reasonable costs at $15,624 net price. California's economy depends heavily on business innovation across Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace giants like SpaceX, and biotech firms that actively recruit business graduates. The Cal Grant program helps qualifying students access these educational pathways without overwhelming debt burdens.
14
Programs
$3,659 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$48,790
Avg. Program Earnings
64.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
3 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
4 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
5 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
6 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
7 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
8 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
9 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
10 $28,101 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
11 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
12 $33,294 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
13 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
14 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge price difference between public and private business programs in California?

Public universities like CSU-Dominguez Hills charge $3,659 net price while private schools like Santa Clara reach $50,959. California's public system receives state funding that keeps tuition lower for residents, especially when combined with Cal Grant aid that covers much of the remaining costs.

How do graduation rates compare between cheaper and more expensive business programs?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo achieves 85.2% graduation rates at $15,624 net cost, while Santa Clara reaches 88.5% at $50,959. However, CSU-Dominguez Hills graduates only 46.9% of students despite its $3,659 price tag, showing cost alone doesn't predict success rates.

Does attending a more expensive business school guarantee higher earnings in California?

Not necessarily. Cal Poly graduates earn $61,651 median salary at moderate cost, while Pacific Union College graduates earn just $31,839 despite charging $20,979 net price. The school's industry connections and location matter more than tuition levels for career outcomes.

Where do California business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like Northrop Grumman, and biotech startups drive demand across the state. California's economy ranks as the world's fifth-largest, creating abundant opportunities for business majors in finance, operations, and management roles throughout major metropolitan areas.

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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.