Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California
Hispanic-serving institutions in California offer excellent academics and support. Graduate and launch your career for less at the five most affordable HSIs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
- 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, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
81%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
78%
18,687
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Carson, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
81%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
78%
18,687
Public
Yes
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus
$5,742
$17,622
76%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
26,745
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus
$5,742
$17,622
76%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
26,745
Public
Yes
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
90%
99%
$7,176
$16,680
87%
25,497
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Fresno, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
90%
99%
$7,176
$16,680
87%
25,497
Public
Yes
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
78%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
78%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
89%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
87%
11,163
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Turlock, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
89%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
87%
11,163
Public
Yes
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
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Updated July 24, 2023
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