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Cheapest Engineering Science Colleges in California

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

California State University-Bakersfield offers Engineering Science students the state's lowest net cost at just $5,825 annually, nearly half the price of the next cheapest option. This dramatic affordability gap spans $9,799 between the most and least expensive programs among California's public universities. Engineering Science graduates enter California's tech-driven economy, where aerospace giants like SpaceX and semiconductor companies fuel consistent demand for interdisciplinary engineers who bridge multiple technical fields.
5
Programs
$5,825 – $15,624
Net Price Range
$48,041
Avg. Program Earnings
75.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Engineering Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
2 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
3 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
4 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
5 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CSU-Bakersfield's Engineering Science program so affordable compared to other California options?

CSU-Bakersfield's net cost of $5,825 reflects lower regional living costs compared to expensive areas like the Bay Area. The campus serves California's Central Valley, where housing and daily expenses remain significantly below state averages, helping students minimize total educational costs.

How do graduation rates vary among California's most affordable Engineering Science programs?

UC Berkeley leads with a 92.90% graduation rate despite charging $14,979 net cost, while CSU-Bakersfield graduates 49.30% of students at the lowest price point. UC San Diego achieves 87.60% graduation rates at $11,750 net cost, showing the correlation between selectivity and completion rates.

Does the $48,041 starting salary justify the investment in Engineering Science education?

Engineering Science graduates earn consistent $48,041 starting salaries regardless of which California program they attend. This standardized earning potential means students at CSU-Bakersfield achieve the same financial outcomes as peers paying nearly three times more, maximizing return on investment.

More Engineering Science 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.