Cheapest Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Colleges in California

California's environmental engineering programs show a massive $20,177 cost gap between UC San Diego at $11,750 and USC at $31,927. The state's aerospace giants like SpaceX and clean energy sector create strong demand for environmental engineers who design pollution control systems and sustainable technologies. Stanford delivers the highest graduation rate at 92.8% while charging just $12,136 net cost. Cal Poly Humboldt accepts nearly everyone at 98.18% but graduates less than half its students. The UC system dominates affordable options, with five campuses under $16,000.

Programs

$11,750 – $31,927

Net Price Range

$45,547

Avg. Program Earnings

82.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	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	Stanford University Stanford, California	$12,136	$62,484	92.8%	3.7%
3	University of California-Merced Merced, California	$12,744	$14,167	69.1%	89.5%
4	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
5	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, California	$13,167	$7,913	46.6%	98.2%
6	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
7	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
8	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
9	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, California	$15,624	$11,075	85.2%	30.4%
10	San Diego State University San Diego, California	$16,174	$8,290	78.3%	39.3%
11	California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California	$18,902	$63,255	93.2%	2.7%
12	University of Southern California Los Angeles, California	$31,927	$68,237	92.0%	12.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between public and private schools?

Public UC schools average $13,707 net cost while private institutions like USC charge $31,927. California's Cal Grant program covers full tuition for qualifying residents at public universities. Private schools offer more aid but start from much higher sticker prices.

How do graduation rates vary among the cheapest programs?

Top performers like UC Berkeley graduate 92.9% of students while Cal Poly Humboldt manages only 46.6%. The UC system consistently delivers 76-93% graduation rates. Cal Poly Humboldt's low completion rate reflects its open admission policy accepting 98.18% of applicants.

Where do California environmental engineering graduates earn the most?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $63,005 annually, the highest among programs with available data. This reflects the school's strong industry connections and hands-on approach. San Diego State graduates start at $35,060, nearly $28,000 less.

Does acceptance rate predict program quality in environmental engineering?

Not necessarily - Stanford accepts only 3.68% but costs just $12,136 net due to generous aid. UC Merced accepts 89.46% of applicants while maintaining solid career outcomes with $38,721 graduate earnings. Selectivity often reflects overall university reputation rather than specific program strength.

More Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Rankings

Best Value Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering in California Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Under $20,000 in California

All Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Programs Best Colleges in California Best Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering in California

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