Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
- Hispanic-serving institutions in California offer strong academics and support.
- California HSIs have low tuition and fees, allowing more students to attend college.
- Latino resources and organizations can support your education and career.
Hispanic-serving Institutions, or HSIs, offer Hispanic students a strong community as they embark on their academic journeys. Title V of the Higher Education Act defines HSIs as not-for-profit colleges where at least 25% of the full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic.
According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Schools, HSIs serve 65% of all Hispanic students but make up only 16% of all colleges. They also increase educational success for Hispanic students. Hispanic serving institutions in California offer low-cost opportunities to earn an excellent degree and launch a career.
5 Affordable HSIs in California
California’s population is over 40% Hispanic. There are 176 HSIs in California that serve 80% of all undergraduate students in California. Nearly 1.4 million Hispanic students make up 43% of all undergraduate students in California, and 3.2 million Hispanic students are enrolled at California public schools.
The most affordable HSIs in California are minority-serving institutions with strong educational opportunities for students in California and beyond.
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled18,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled26,745
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Fresno
- Fresno, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled25,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Bakersfield
- Bakersfield, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,745
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled11,163
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
List of All Hispanic Serving Institutions in California
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit HSIs in California. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Institutions with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Hispanic Student Population | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azusa Pacific University | 7,169 | 39.3% | $26,666 | 87% | 3,438 |
| California Lutheran University | 3,615 | 41.4% | $30,416 | 87% | 5,150 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | 6,025 | 33.9% | $14,325 | 98% | 8,505 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | 27,503 | 53.2% | $12,480 | 55% | 49,079 |
| California State University, Bakersfield | 9,613 | 68.3% | $7,521 | 87% | 13,834 |
| California State University, Chico | 14,183 | 38.1% | $15,517 | 95% | 21,417 |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | 16,426 | 69.6% | $5,068 | 89% | 19,165 |
| California State University, East Bay | 13,673 | 39.3% | $11,464 | 96% | 12,461 |
| California State University, Fresno | 23,999 | 60.7% | $7,507 | 95% | 18,551 |
| California State University, Fullerton | 40,386 | 50.9% | $7,925 | 67% | 48,748 |
| California State University, Long Beach | 38,973 | 50.0% | $9,346 | 40% | 74,718 |
| California State University, Los Angeles | 26,460 | 75.4% | $5,801 | 87% | 33,939 |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | 7,045 | 55.5% | $11,435 | 92% | 12,568 |
| California State University, Northridge | 37,579 | 57.6% | $8,936 | 91% | 25,965 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | 19,803 | 71.9% | $8,805 | 91% | 15,501 |
| California State University, San Marcos | 15,109 | 51.5% | $10,463 | 95% | 14,774 |
| California State University, Stanislaus | 10,154 | 62.6% | $7,555 | 97% | 6,077 |
| Concordia University Irvine | 3,744 | 26.0% | $29,508 | 69% | 3,576 |
| Dominican University of California | 1,877 | 26.2% | $49,907 | 93% | 1,746 |
| Fresno Pacific University | 3,032 | 58.8% | $15,255 | 75% | 832 |
| La Sierra University | 1,614 | 50.1% | $25,076 | 92% | 1,878 |
| Loyola Marymount University | 10,165 | 24.0% | $52,815 | 41% | 21,695 |
| Mount Saint Mary’s University | 2,440 | 61.1% | $28,717 | 76% | 2,405 |
| National University | 18,631 | 37.1% | $30,527 | 100% | N/A |
| Saint Mary’s College of California | 2,765 | 30.0% | $32,129 | 88% | 3,353 |
| San Diego State University | 37,402 | 36.3% | $13,017 | 39% | 77,250 |
| San Francisco State University | 25,282 | 38.8% | $13,267 | 94% | 29,932 |
| San Jose State University | 35,751 | 31.6% | $14,219 | 77% | 34,002 |
| Sonoma State University | 6,637 | 38.8% | $15,507 | 94% | 10,806 |
| University of California, Irvine | 35,937 | 29.4% | $14,033 | 21% | 119,191 |
| University of California, Merced | 9,103 | 60.0% | $13,549 | 89% | 29,920 |
| University of California, Riverside | 26,809 | 41.2% | $14,487 | 69% | 54,683 |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 26,420 | 28.3% | $16,874 | 26% | 110,995 |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | 19,478 | 29.2% | $17,975 | 47% | 65,912 |
| University of La Verne | 5,662 | 61.5% | $25,103 | 74% | 6,172 |
| University of Redlands | 3,460 | 43.4% | $28,157 | 82% | 3,872 |
| Whittier College | 1,192 | 54.9% | $28,368 | 75% | 3,014 |
| William Jessup University | 1,624 | 20.8% | $27,591 | 66% | 710 |
| Woodbury University | 943 | 41.6% | $32,182 | 63% | 1,460 |
How Much Do Colleges in California Cost?
The average cost of college in California ranges from $8,192 for in-state students at public institutions to $38,477 for private universities. HSIs offer costs comparable to these figures, as many of the low-cost California HSIs are public four-year institutions. You can expect to pay close to the state average to attend an HSI in California.
| Institution Type | Avg. Tuition And Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $8,192 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $8,401 |
| Private 4-Year | $38,477 |
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $1,285 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State | $8,491 |
Benefits of Attending an HSI in California
Attending an HSI in California can be a smart financial decision. With average tuition and fees rising yearly, California offers some of the most affordable institutions for the quality of education. You could also access scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to reduce the cost of attendance further.
Beyond cost savings, you’ll get a world-class education at some of California’s best public institutions. You can make lifelong friends while connecting with students who share your history and future career goals. Attending a Hispanic-serving institution in California means you’ll get access to counselors and support systems dedicated to helping you succeed in college and beyond.
5 Resources for Hispanic College Students
ALPFA
ALPFA is the first Latino professional organization in the USA, founded in 1972 as a nonprofit organization. It aims to provide professional development workshops and career resources to members. It also offers members scholarships, career fairs, networking events and mentorship opportunities.
Latino Medical Student Association
The Latino Medical Student Association offers support and opportunities to aspiring Latino medical professionals. It also offers mentorship, LMSA scholarships, LMSA leadership positions, and a career website for professionals.
Hispanic Student Services at California Community Colleges
Hispanic Student Services at California Community Colleges aims to offer support services, student organizations and programs to help Hispanic students. With the goal of helping Hispanic students apply to and complete college and enter a rewarding career, this organization can help you overcome any obstacle.
Latino Greek Life
Latino Greek United operates at colleges throughout the US and supports Latino students in Greek Life. These groups can help you integrate with other students to find and build your community at college.
Counseling Services
Most California colleges have a Latino Center or center of services for Latino students. These professional centers give students access to the resources and support needed to thrive in college and reach career goals after graduation.
Explore More College Resources
College Guide for Hispanic and Latino/a Students
Unique challenges may shape college experiences for Hispanic and Latino/a students. Learn more with our college guide for Hispanic and Latino/a learners.
by Nalea Ko
Updated July 24, 2023
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in California
Discover the average cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition in California and learn about the requirements for qualifying for in-state rates.
Updated February 23, 2024
Is Community College Free in California?
Don’t be misled: California does not offer free community college for all. However, students may qualify for fee waivers. Learn more about your options.
by Nalea Ko
Updated March 28, 2024