Cheapest Gerontology Colleges in California

California State University-Sacramento offers the most affordable path into gerontology at just $10,512 annually, while graduates earn $34,942 within years of completing their degree. The $21,415 gap between Sacramento State and Mount Saint Mary's University reflects California's stark divide between public and private education costs. As California's aging population grows faster than the national average, these programs prepare students for expanding opportunities in elder care, social services, and healthcare administration across the state's varied metropolitan areas.

Programs

$10,512 – $31,927

Net Price Range

$32,314

Avg. Program Earnings

57.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Gerontology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, California	$10,512	$7,602	55.8%	93.2%
2	San Diego State University San Diego, California	$16,174	$8,290	78.3%	39.3%
3	Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, California	$25,009	$48,132	53.4%	75.8%
4	Ashford University San Diego, California	$25,321	$13,160	8.8%
5	University of Southern California Los Angeles, California	$31,927	$68,237	92.0%	12.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Sacramento stand out for gerontology students?

Sacramento State combines the lowest net cost at $10,512 with the highest graduate earnings at $34,942 among these programs. The 93.21% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants gain admission to this affordable option.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private gerontology programs?

University of Southern California leads with a 92% graduation rate, while San Diego State achieves 78.30% at roughly half the cost. Ashford University's 8.80% graduation rate raises concerns despite its lower tuition structure.

Does the Cal Grant program help with gerontology degree costs?

Cal Grant can cover full tuition at public universities like Sacramento State, reducing costs to just room, board, and fees. Private institutions like Mount Saint Mary's still require significant out-of-pocket expenses even with maximum aid.

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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.