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Cheapest Science Colleges in California

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

Stanford University offers the most surprising value in Science, Technology and Society education, with net costs dropping to just $12,136 despite its $62,484 sticker price through generous financial aid. California's seven STS programs span an enormous cost range from $11,580 at Cal Poly Pomona to $38,802 at Scripps College. This field connects perfectly with California's tech-driven economy, where companies like SpaceX and Silicon Valley firms increasingly need professionals who understand both technical systems and their social implications.
7
Programs
$11,580 – $38,802
Net Price Range
$80,779
Avg. Program Earnings
86.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Science, Technology and Society Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
2 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
3 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
4 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
5 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
6 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
7 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Stanford's net price compare to California's public universities for STS?

Stanford's net price of $12,136 falls between Cal Poly Pomona's $11,580 and UC Davis's $15,288. The private university's extensive financial aid brings costs below many public options, while maintaining a 92.8% graduation rate.

What explains the wide cost gap between California's most and least expensive STS programs?

The $27,222 difference between Cal Poly Pomona ($11,580) and Scripps College ($38,802) reflects institutional types and aid policies. Four of the five most expensive programs belong to Claremont Colleges, where small class sizes and extensive resources drive higher net costs.

Does acceptance rate correlate with graduation success in California STS programs?

The most selective schools show the highest completion rates, with Stanford (3.68% acceptance) and Pomona College (7.02% acceptance) achieving over 92% graduation rates. Cal Poly Pomona accepts 55.38% of applicants while maintaining a solid 66.7% graduation rate.

More Science, Technology and Society Rankings

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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.