Cheapest Information Science/Studies Colleges in California

California State University-Los Angeles delivers Information Science training for just $4,113 net cost annually, while private alternatives like National University charge $31,058. This nearly eight-fold price gap reflects California's dual education model serving the state's massive tech sector. With Silicon Valley companies increasingly hiring information specialists for data architecture and user experience roles, graduates from Cal State programs enter a market where starting salaries around $49,312 provide strong returns on these affordable investments. The state's Cal Grant program further reduces barriers for qualifying students pursuing these data-driven careers.

Programs

$4,113 – $31,058

Net Price Range

$49,312

Avg. Program Earnings

69.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Information Science/Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$4,113	$6,813	52.6%	86.9%
2	California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, California	$5,646	$7,073	69.2%	66.7%
3	California State University-Stanislaus Turlock, California	$5,671	$7,826	58.0%	96.6%
4	California State University-Northridge Northridge, California	$7,599	$7,095	56.2%	91.2%
5	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
6	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
7	San Diego State University San Diego, California	$16,174	$8,290	78.3%	39.3%
8	California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California	$18,902	$63,255	93.2%	2.7%
9	California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, California	$26,433	$50,670	74.0%	87.2%
10	National University San Diego, California	$31,058	$13,320	50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Los Angeles the most affordable option?

Cal State LA offers Information Science programs at $4,113 net cost, significantly below even other CSU campuses like Fullerton at $5,646. The university benefits from state funding and Cal Grant eligibility that can cover full tuition for qualifying students.

How do graduation rates compare across price points?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with UC Irvine achieving 86% graduation at $12,840 net cost. However, Cal State Fullerton maintains a solid 69.2% rate while keeping costs under $6,000 annually.

Does the $49,312 starting salary justify these program costs?

At the lowest-cost schools, students graduate with minimal debt and strong salary prospects. Cal State Fullerton graduates carry just $13,071 in debt while earning $49,312, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios for early career professionals.

Where do California Information Science graduates typically find employment?

Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like SpaceX, and biotech organizations drive demand across the state. The industry's growth in data analytics and user experience design creates opportunities from San Diego to the Bay Area.

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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.