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Cheapest Management Information Systems and Services Colleges in California

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

California State University-Northridge delivers the state's most affordable Management Information Systems degree at just $7,599 net cost while producing graduates earning $57,860 annually. The $43,360 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects California's stark divide between public and private education costs. With Silicon Valley tech giants and aerospace companies like SpaceX creating massive demand for MIS professionals, even graduates from budget-friendly Cal State programs can access lucrative career paths. The state's 14 programs range from ultra-accessible options with 95% acceptance rates to selective University of California campuses, giving students multiple pathways into California's $3.6 trillion economy.
14
Programs
$7,599 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$59,765
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Management Information Systems and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
2 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
3 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
4 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
5 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
6 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
7 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
8 $20,170 $11,976 32.5%
9 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
10 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
11 $31,058 $13,320 50.0%
12 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
13 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%
14 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between California MIS programs?

Public universities like Cal State Northridge charge $7,599 while private schools like Santa Clara reach $50,959, creating a $43,360 spread. Cal Grant funding helps eligible students attend public programs virtually tuition-free, making the actual cost gap even wider than sticker prices suggest.

How do graduation rates vary among California's cheapest MIS programs?

The six most affordable programs show graduation rates from 54% at Cal State San Marcos to 86% at UC Irvine. Notably, the $12,840 UC Irvine program delivers both strong affordability and the highest completion rate, proving cost and quality can align.

Does attending a cheaper California MIS program hurt earning potential?

Cal State Northridge graduates earning $57,860 actually out-earn those from some costlier programs like Chico State at $42,682. The data shows no clear correlation between program cost and graduate salaries, with earnings ranging from $42,682 to $80,391 regardless of tuition.

Where do the most accessible MIS programs cluster geographically?

The Cal State system dominates affordable options, with campuses in Northridge, Long Beach, San Marcos, San Jose, and Chico offering sub-$15,000 costs. Five of the six cheapest programs sit within California's major tech corridors, providing direct access to Silicon Valley and Los Angeles tech employers.

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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.