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Cheapest History Colleges in California

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable History education at just $3,659 net cost, while Cal State LA graduates earn $37,568 annually despite charging only slightly more at $4,113. This dramatic earnings gap reflects California's complex job market, where History graduates find opportunities across entertainment, tech, government, and nonprofit sectors. The state's film industry alone employs thousands of researchers, archivists, and content creators who leverage historical knowledge. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 14 of the 15 cheapest programs housed within the Cal State system. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Dominguez Hills' 47% to Long Beach's impressive 70%, suggesting that program quality and student support differ substantially even within the same university system. San Diego Christian College stands as the lone private option under $8,000, though its 24% graduation rate raises questions about student outcomes.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $28,046
Net Price Range
$27,879
Avg. Program Earnings
64.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
5 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
6 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
7 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
8 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
9 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
10 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
11 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
12 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
13 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
14 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
15 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
16 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
17 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
18 $12,744 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
19 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
20 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
21 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
22 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
23 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
24 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
25 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
26 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
27 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
28 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
29 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
30 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
31 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
32 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
33 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
34 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
35 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
36 $19,761 $39,950 55.9% 74.8%
37 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
38 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
39 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
40 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
41 $25,300 $37,150 60.7% 65.9%
42 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
43 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
44 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
45 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
46 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
47 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
48 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
49 $27,923 $38,522 41.7%
50 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $15,604 earnings difference between Cal State LA and San Bernardino History graduates?

Cal State LA graduates earn $37,568 compared to San Bernardino's $16,940, reflecting their proximity to major employers in Los Angeles. The city's entertainment industry, museums, and cultural institutions create more high-paying opportunities for History majors. San Bernardino's inland location limits access to these premium job markets. Geographic placement significantly impacts earning potential even within the same university system.

How do California's public universities keep History programs so affordable?

The Cal Grant program covers full tuition for qualifying students at public universities, explaining why net costs range from $3,659 to $11,580. State funding subsidizes education costs significantly compared to private institutions. In-state tuition remains relatively stable across campuses, typically between $6,800 and $7,800. This public investment makes History education accessible despite California's high living costs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost among these schools?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better outcomes, as evidenced by Long Beach's 70% graduation rate at $8,931 compared to Dominguez Hills' 47% at $3,659. Cal Poly Pomona achieves a solid 67% rate despite charging $11,580. Fresno maintains 55% completion at just $6,480 net cost. Student success depends more on institutional support and selectivity than price.

Where do California History graduates find employment opportunities?

California's $3.5 trillion economy creates varied paths for History majors across entertainment, technology, government, and education sectors. Disney, Netflix, and other media companies hire researchers and content developers. Silicon Valley tech firms value critical thinking skills for product development and user experience roles. The state's 482 museums and numerous historical societies provide traditional career paths.

Is student debt manageable at these affordable California History programs?

Average debt loads remain reasonable, ranging from $10,275 at Stanislaus to $20,000 at East Bay. Most programs keep borrowing under $16,000, making monthly payments manageable even with starting salaries around $25,000. Cal State's affordable structure helps students avoid the crushing debt loads common at private institutions. Financial aid reduces actual costs significantly below published tuition rates.

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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.