Cheapest Natural Sciences Colleges in California

California State University-Los Angeles delivers Natural Sciences education at an average net price of just $4,113, creating an extraordinary cost advantage over private alternatives like Santa Clara University at $50,959. The 12-fold price difference reflects California's commitment to accessible public education in STEM fields that feed directly into the state's $3.5 trillion economy. With companies like SpaceX, Genentech, and Google demanding skilled scientists, California's public universities provide important workforce development. San Jose State University graduates earn strong returns at $13,741 net cost with a 64.7% graduation rate, positioning students near Silicon Valley's biotech and tech sectors.

Programs

$4,113 – $50,959

Net Price Range

63.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Natural Sciences 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-Bakersfield Bakersfield, California	$5,825	$7,696	49.3%	86.6%
3	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$12,882	$7,424	50.1%	94.2%
4	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
5	California State University-Chico Chico, California	$14,838	$8,064	63.6%	95.0%
6	Pacific Union College Angwin, California	$20,979	$35,214	51.5%	48.5%
7	University of La Verne La Verne, California	$26,925	$47,000	65.4%	73.5%
8	The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, California	$32,121	$36,930	63.7%	78.2%
9	University of Saint Katherine San Marcos, California	$33,072	$28,800	43.5%	65.6%
10	Pepperdine University Malibu, California	$45,409	$66,742	84.7%	48.7%
11	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	$45,723	$58,974	79.8%	41.3%
12	Santa Clara University Santa Clara, California	$50,959	$59,241	88.5%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost gap between public and private Natural Sciences programs in California?

Public universities like Cal State LA cost $4,113 on average while private schools reach $50,959 at Santa Clara University. California's solid state funding and Cal Grant program significantly reduce costs for residents, while private institutions rely on tuition revenue and typically offer smaller class sizes.

How do acceptance rates vary among California's most affordable Natural Sciences programs?

Public universities show remarkably high acceptance rates, with California State University-Chico at 95% and San Francisco State at 94.2%. Private alternatives are more selective, with Loyola Marymount accepting just 41.3% of applicants and Pacific Union College at 48.5%.

Does location within California affect Natural Sciences program costs and outcomes?

San Jose State University costs $13,741 but offers direct access to Silicon Valley's biotech industry and 64.7% graduation rates. Meanwhile, Cal State Bakersfield in the Central Valley costs only $5,825, reflecting lower regional living costs while still providing quality science education.

What graduation rates can students expect from California's budget-friendly Natural Sciences programs?

Graduation rates range from 49.3% at Cal State Bakersfield to 63.6% at Cal State Chico among the most affordable options. These public university rates compare favorably considering the cost savings, with students paying under $15,000 annually versus $45,000+ at private institutions.

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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.