Cheapest Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Colleges in California

California State University-San Bernardino offers the state's most affordable Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations program at just $5,918 net cost, while Point Loma Nazarene reaches $50,168. This eight-fold price difference reflects California's split between accessible public education and premium private options. With 574,000 small businesses employing 48% of California's private workforce, these programs prepare students for the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem spanning tech startups in Silicon Valley to entertainment ventures in Hollywood. Public universities dominate affordability, with San Jose State charging $13,741 despite sitting in the heart of startup country.

Programs

$5,918 – $50,168

Net Price Range

$36,743

Avg. Program Earnings

60.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino, California	$5,918	$7,675	54.7%	91.1%
2	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
3	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, California	$19,798	$43,600	64.4%	87.0%
4	Ashford University San Diego, California	$25,321	$13,160	8.8%
5	California Baptist University Riverside, California	$27,384	$39,720	59.5%	79.9%
6	John Paul the Great Catholic University Escondido, California	$29,124	$29,500	65.3%	79.6%
7	University of Silicon Valley San Jose, California	$30,799	$22,480	34.9%	64.7%
8	Pitzer College Claremont, California	$31,663	$62,692	83.2%	18.4%
9	University of San Francisco San Francisco, California	$39,495	$58,222	71.1%	71.2%
10	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	$45,723	$58,974	79.8%	41.3%
11	Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, California	$50,168	$43,550	73.8%	81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-San Bernardino so affordable for entrepreneurship students?

Cal State San Bernardino's $5,918 net cost stems from California's Cal Grant system covering tuition for qualifying students. The 91% acceptance rate means most applicants gain access to this affordable option, though the 55% graduation rate suggests academic challenges.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of San Francisco graduates earn $39,909 annually despite the school's $39,495 net cost. Cal State San Bernardino graduates earn $32,744 with much lower debt at $19,998, creating better debt-to-income ratios.

Does attending school in Silicon Valley guarantee higher earnings?

San Jose State graduates earn $39,369 annually at just $13,741 net cost, proving location advantage without premium pricing. However, University of Silicon Valley charges $30,799 with only 35% graduation rates, showing location alone doesn't ensure quality.

What explains the wide graduation rate spread among these programs?

Ashford University's 9% graduation rate contrasts sharply with Pitzer College's 83% rate, reflecting different student populations and support systems. Most California public universities maintain 55-65% graduation rates for entrepreneurship majors.

More Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Rankings

Best Value Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations in California Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Under $20,000 in California

All Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Programs Best Colleges in California Best Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations in California

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