15 Education, General Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, California
|
$11,750 | $15,265 | 87.6% | 23.7% |
| 2 |
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, California
|
$12,840 | $14,237 | 86.0% | 21.2% |
| 3 |
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California
|
$12,882 | $7,424 | 50.1% | 94.2% |
| 4 |
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
|
$14,317 | $35,558 | 55.9% | 75.0% |
| 5 |
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, California
|
$19,761 | $39,950 | 55.9% | 74.8% |
| 6 |
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, California
|
$25,009 | $48,132 | 53.4% | 75.8% |
| 7 |
Ashford University
San Diego, California
|
$25,321 | $13,160 | 8.8% | |
| 8 |
Westcliff University
Irvine, California
|
$26,455 | $21,000 | 59.8% | 67.4% |
| 9 |
University of La Verne
La Verne, California
|
$26,925 | $47,000 | 65.4% | 73.5% |
| 10 |
Hope International University
Fullerton, California
|
$27,653 | $36,250 | 45.7% | 32.2% |
| 11 |
Biola University
La Mirada, California
|
$28,101 | $46,704 | 68.8% | 56.6% |
| 12 |
National University
San Diego, California
|
$31,058 | $13,320 | 50.0% | |
| 13 |
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
|
$31,927 | $68,237 | 92.0% | 12.0% |
| 14 |
Chapman University
Orange, California
|
$47,527 | $62,784 | 80.4% | 72.5% |
| 15 |
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, California
|
$50,218 | $50,666 | 76.3% | 93.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes UC San Diego's $11,750 Education program so affordable compared to other California schools?
UC San Diego benefits from state funding that keeps net costs low for California residents, with in-state tuition at just $15,265. The school maintains an 87.60% graduation rate while accepting only 23.71% of applicants. This combination of affordability and academic strength makes it the clear value leader among California's Education, General programs.
How do graduation rates vary between the cheapest and most expensive programs?
UC San Diego graduates 87.60% of its Education students at the lowest cost, while Dominican University graduates 76.30% at the highest cost of $50,218. However, Ashford University shows the most concerning pattern with only 8.80% graduation rate despite a $25,321 net cost. San Francisco State offers middle-ground value with 50.10% graduation rate at $12,882 net cost.
Is the earning potential worth the cost difference between public and private Education programs?
California Education graduates earn remarkably similar amounts regardless of program cost, ranging from $24,325 to $25,774 annually. UC Irvine graduates earn $24,325 after paying $12,840 net cost, while Chapman University graduates earn $25,774 after paying $47,527. The $449 salary difference hardly justifies the $34,687 cost gap between these programs.
Where do the most selective Education programs rank in terms of affordability?
USC accepts only 12.02% of applicants but costs $31,927 net, placing it in the middle range rather than among the most expensive options. UC San Diego and UC Irvine, the two most affordable programs, accept 23.71% and 21.15% respectively. Hope International University shows the highest selectivity among mid-priced options, accepting just 32.22% of applicants at $27,653 net cost.
More Education, General Rankings
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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.