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Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in California

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

Stanford University charges students just $12,136 net for Religion/Religious Studies despite its $62,484 sticker price, making it remarkably accessible alongside California's public universities. The state's 20 programs range from $5,646 at Cal State Fullerton to $16,174, with earnings spanning $16,015 to $33,993 for graduates. California's varied religious market creates opportunities for religious studies majors in interfaith organizations, nonprofit management, and cultural consulting throughout Silicon Valley's global tech companies and Los Angeles's entertainment industry. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with nine Cal State campuses offering net costs under $14,000. However, acceptance rates vary dramatically, from Stanford's selective 3.68% to Cal State Fresno's open 95.43%. The University of California system provides middle-ground pricing with strong graduation rates, while specialized institutions like Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon offer focused religious education with unique career pathways in religious leadership and community service.
50
Programs
$5,646 – $50,168
Net Price Range
$23,610
Avg. Program Earnings
69.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
2 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
3 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
4 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
5 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
6 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
7 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
8 $12,258 $16,900 20.0% 61.5%
9 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
10 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
11 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
12 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
13 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
14 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
15 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
16 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
17 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
18 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
19 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
20 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
21 $16,599 $14,600 42.3%
22 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
23 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
24 $19,761 $39,950 55.9% 74.8%
25 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
26 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
27 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
28 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
29 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
30 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
31 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
32 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
33 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
34 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
35 $27,923 $38,522 41.7%
36 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
37 $29,871 $49,864 63.4% 75.5%
38 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
39 $31,265 $56,444 81.6% 52.6%
40 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
41 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
42 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
43 $32,492 $66,255 93.8% 13.4%
44 $32,926 $51,790 70.1% 82.0%
45 $33,072 $28,800 43.5% 65.6%
46 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
47 $39,329 $63,446 85.1% 39.4%
48 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
49 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
50 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Stanford's surprisingly low net cost of $12,136 for Religion/Religious Studies students?

Stanford's generous financial aid program reduces the $62,484 sticker price dramatically for qualifying students. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for families earning under $150,000 annually. This makes Stanford more affordable than many public options for middle and lower-income students. The result places Stanford among California's most accessible religion programs despite its elite status.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable California religion programs?

Graduation rates span from 20% at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon to 92.8% at Stanford University. Cal State universities show mixed results, with Fullerton achieving 69.2% compared to Bakersfield's 49.3%. UC campuses consistently maintain rates above 76%, with UCLA reaching 92.7%. The data suggests that institutional support and student preparation significantly impact completion rates across price points.

Is there a connection between program cost and post-graduation earnings in California?

Earnings data reveals unexpected patterns, with Cal State Long Beach graduates earning $33,993 despite an $8,931 net cost. Meanwhile, Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon graduates earn $16,015 with a $12,258 investment. Geographic location appears important, as programs near major metropolitan areas typically produce higher-earning graduates. The variance suggests that career services and alumni networks matter more than program cost alone.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program affordability in California religion studies?

Acceptance rates vary independently of cost, with affordable Cal State Fresno accepting 95.43% of applicants while charging $6,480 net. Conversely, UC San Diego maintains a selective 23.71% acceptance rate at $11,750 net cost. Stanford combines high selectivity at 3.68% with low net cost through aid. This suggests that admission competitiveness reflects institutional mission rather than price point.

Where do California's most affordable religion programs cluster geographically?

The Central Valley dominates ultra-affordable options, with Fresno and Bakersfield offering sub-$6,500 net costs. Southern California provides mid-range affordability through multiple Cal State campuses in the $5,646 to $8,931 range. Bay Area programs typically cost more due to regional living expenses, though financial aid at elite institutions can offset these costs. Rural locations like Arcata offer competitive pricing at $13,167 net cost.

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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.