The USA has some of the best colleges in the world, and California is home to many of them. Studying at one of the cheapest colleges in California for non-residents in 2024 is one great way to get quality for little.
California is one of the largest economies in the world. It is an international epicenter for the entertainment, information, education, and technology industries.
Regarding higher education, the universities and colleges in California are well organized and known for their excellent reputation in academics and research.
So, this article compiles a list of the best colleges in California for international students.
Let’s review the table of content below to get an overview of what the article entails.
Table of contents
- Historical Background Of California
- More About Colleges For Non Residents In California
- Admission Requirements Needed For Non Residents in California
- What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living And Studying in California?
- What Is The General Cost Of Living In California?
- How Do I Obtain A Student Visa As A Non-Residents In California?
- List Of The Cheapest Colleges In California For Non Residents
- FAQS FOR THE CHEAPEST COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA FOR NON-RESIDENT
- CONCLUSION ON THE CHEAPEST COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA FOR Non-RESIDENTS
- Reference
- Recommendation
Historical Background Of California
California is a state in the Pacific Region of the United States. It is the most populated U.S. state and the third-largest by area. It is also the world’s thirty-fourth most populated sub-national entity and the most populated subnational entity in North America.
California’s economy, with a gross state product of $3.0 trillion, is the largest sub-national economy in the world. If it were a country, California would be the fifth-largest economy in the world (larger than the United Kingdom, France, or India) and the 37th-most populous.
However, California is a global leader in popular culture, communication, information, innovation, environmentalism, economics, politics, and entertainment.
As a result of the state’s diversity and migration, California integrates foods, languages, and traditions from other areas across the country and around the globe.
Also, It is considered the origin of the American film industry, the hippie counterculture, barbecue, fast food, beach, car culture, the Internet, and the personal computer, among others.
The San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles Area are widely seen as centers of the global technology and entertainment industries, respectively.
However, when it comes to the economy, California’s economy is very diverse: 58% of it is based on finance, government, real estate services, technology, and professional, scientific, and technical business services.
Although it accounts for only 1.5% of the state’s economy, California’s agriculture industry has the highest output of any U.S. state.
California remains among the most active and inviting American states in recruiting international students.
More About Colleges For Non Residents In California
The well-organized California network of colleges and universities has an excellent reputation for providing quality education in higher education.
This means students studying in California can look forward to the acknowledgement of the quality and influence of their diplomas upon graduation, both nationally and internationally. California universities that are consistently top-ranking in the United States
Many foreign students have narrowed California down to their number one pick. In fact, the University of Southern California enrolls more international students each year than any other university in the United States!
Living in California means experiencing and embracing novel languages, foods, cultures, peoples, ideas, celebrations, and activities daily.
While tuition and costs of living may be higher when studying in California, it is also worth noting that there are various ways to secure substantive financial aid packages.
However, with the variety of lifestyles and multi-person living situations students studying in California embrace, the costs of living in California can be considerably minimized with proper planning. If you’re considering living off-campus, you should explore your housing options online.
So, Choosing a roommate is a big decision that will affect your quality of life, so take time to get to know them and be sure it’s a great match before committing.
If you are willing to research and plan, you will discover many opportunities for assistance and resources available to students while living and studying in this great state.
You can read this 13 Best Online Masters Data Analytics with Less Cost | 2024
Admission Requirements Needed For Non Residents in California
California government believes that non-residents students bring diverse backgrounds that add importance to the educational experience and campus community.
In other words, as a non-residents student you must meet the admission requirements.
- Apply for admission.
- You will need a minimum of 15 subjects to complete(A-G courses) with a letter grade of c or better. (For Freshman students)
- Earn a grade point average(GPA) of 3.4 in any of these courses with no grade lower than a C.
- You must demonstrate proficiency in the English language(TOEFL/IELTS).
- All students are required to take either the ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay. Self-report your scores on your application and submit official test results to UC by the stated deadline.
- You must have a valid passport from their government and a visa from the United States before they can enter the country(For international students).
- Living accommodation: Various housing options are available, but some require applying early.
- Health care and insurance: Health insurance policies and costs vary from campus to campus. Generally, campus insurance plans will be more cost-effective than other plans available in the U.S. market.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living And Studying in California?
Studying in California means looking forward to the acknowledgement of the quality and influence of their diplomas upon graduation, both nationally and internationally.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages of living and studying in California, which are:
ADVANTAGES
#1. It Makes You A More Interesting Person:
Being in a foreign country and seeing how other cultures approach life makes you challenge your opinions. It makes you see things from another point of view, which turns you into a more rounded and open-minded person.
#2. IT LOOKS GOOD ON YOUR RÉSUMÉ/ CV:
When you put studying abroad in your CV, it tells employers that you are a well-travelled person who is open to different cultures and different points of view.
#3. BETTER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Studying in California makes receiving the best possible teaching in your chosen field of study easier. Because you can apply to study at the leading institutions in the world for your subject rather than settling on the institutions close to home.
#4. IT TAKES YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE:
Studying in California forces you to be independent and not rely on family members for support. You will have to work out for yourself how everything works in your host country.
This allows you to face any social fears you may have and become a more confident person as a result.
#5. YOU GET TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE:
If you study abroad in a country where they don’t speak your native language, you will have an excellent opportunity to learn theirs.
Disadvantages
#1. MORE INTENSE HOMESICKNESS:
Studying away from home can be tough enough, even if you have only moved across the country, to another state, or a country vastly different from what you are used to.
Also, Being halfway around the world will also make it more difficult to go home for the holidays or the weekend.
#2. HIGH COST:
It is usually the case that tuition fees are higher for international students. Plus, you may not be entitled to the same student loans you would receive back home.
#3. LONGER TRAVELLING TIME:
Studying abroad inevitably entails longer traveling times, possibly with connecting flights and stopovers. An exhausting and time-consuming journey could turn into something you dread.
#4. HIGHER RISK:
If you are unlucky enough to dislike your course or come up against some personal issues and need to return home prematurely, you will have wasted a lot more time, effort and money than if you had chosen to study at home.
What Is The General Cost Of Living In California?
California cost of living index is based on US average of 100. If the amount is below 100, California is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means California is more expensive.
California cost of living is $149.9
| COST Of Living | California | United State |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | $149.9 | $100 |
| Grocery | $105.1 | $100 |
| Health | $92.4 | $100 |
| Housing | $239.1 | $100 |
| Median Home Cost | $552,800 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | $102.4 | $100 |
| Transportation | $133.1 | $100 |
| Miscellaneous | $103.7 | $100 |
Note: All these ranges might change based on how you spend and how big your family is.
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How Do I Obtain A Student Visa As A Non-Residents In California?
You will need a visa whether you are coming to California for work or studies. A resident or a student visa is needed, depending on the study duration and nationality.
Foreign students who wish to travel to the U.S. to study in California need an F-1 student visa. The following requirements must be met before getting a visa.
- Getting accepted to an academic institution,
- Having enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses in the U.S., and
- Intending to leave the U.S. after school ends.
The F-1 visa application process costs a total of $360 and takes up to a year.
Below are qualifications to obtain student visa to study in California.
- As a Non-resident, your home country should not be in the U.S.
- You have already been accepted by a U.S. school pre-approved by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
- When you have ties to his/her home country, such as family and bank accounts.
- You should have sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living expenses.
- Also, you intend to return to his/her home country after school ends.
The Application Process
Below are the application process for the student visa
- The non-resident get accepted to a SEVP-approved California school of his/her choice. You should apply from 6 months to 1 year to school beginning.
- You pay the required SEVP fee.
- Then you complete 1-20 form(which is the certificate eligibility to apply for a student visa)
- You complete a DS-160 form.
- You attend a visa interview at his/her local U.S. embassy or consulate. Also, you may be required to produce various documentation at the interview, such as a passport, past degrees, and standardized test scores.
Note: Note that applicants under 14 and over 79 are usually not required to have an interview.
List Of The Cheapest Colleges In California For Non Residents
Are you looking for affordable colleges in California but aren’t a state resident? These are the least expensive out of state colleges to consider.
Additionally, if you are a foreign citizen and cannot qualify for in-state tuition, these are the cheapest colleges in California for international students.
However, affordable doesn’t mean finding a school with a low published out of state tuition. It’s important to research the typical financial aid package offered by a school, the average net price actually paid, and most importantly, the quality of education you receive for your tuition dollar.
Below are the list of the cheapest colleges for non-residents in California
Taft University System
Taft University System is a four-year private college in Santa Ana, California. Full-time enrollment is 441, and part-time is 224.
Taft University System has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
However, students attending this school may pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees. For a 4-year bachelor’s degree at Taft University System is $90,640 for students graduating in normal time.
While undergraduate tuition for Taft University System is $3,292(Non-resident) according to the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024-2024 IPEDS Survey and reflects reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Bethesda University Of California
The Bethesda University of California is a four-year private college in Anaheim, California. The school is affiliated with the Other (none of the above) faith. Full-time enrollment is 254, and part-time is 117.
Students attending this school may pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, the tuition for the Bethesda University of California is $7,875.
Also, the annual tuition and living expense budget for Bethesda University of California was $25,171 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Further more, At the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at Bethesda University of California is $100,684 for students graduating in normal time.
The National Hispanic University
The National Hispanic University is a four-year private college in San Jose, California. Full-time enrollment is 350, and part-time is 265. Students attending this school may pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
However, tuition for The National Hispanic University is $7,896. NHU’s annual tuition and living expense budget was $19,946 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
In other words, the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees, and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at NHU is $79,784 for students graduating in normal time.
The price data is based on the U.S. Department of Education’s 2018-2019 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Patten University
Patten University is a four-year private college located in Oakland, California. The school is affiliated with the Undenominational faith. Full-time enrollment is 404 and part-time is 470.
Patten University has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Students attending this school may pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees. In other words, tuition for Patten University for non resdentsis $8,036.
However, the annual tuition and living expense budget to go to Patten University is $18,174 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
So, the estimated total tuition, fees, and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at Patten University is $72,696 for students graduating in normal time.
The price data is based on the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024-2024 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
California Christian College
California Christian College is a four-year private college located in Fresno, California. The school is affiliated with the Free Will Baptist Church faith. Full-time enrollment is 6 and part-time is 7. Only undergraduate degrees are offered at this school.
Tuition for California Christian College is $8,880. So, The annual tuition and living expense budget to go to California Christian College was $21,611 for the 2024-2024 academic year, which implies to all students regardless of California residence status as there is no in-state discount.
However, the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at California Christian College is $86,444 for students graduating in normal time.
So, the price data is based on the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024-2024 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Trident University International
Trident University International is a four-year private college located in Cypress, California. Full-time enrollment is 4,287 and part-time is 2,574.
The University has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
So, Trident University International tuition is $9,240 per year for in-state residents. Out-of-state students who don’t have California residence can expect a one year cost of $18,104.
At the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at TUI is $72,416 for students graduating in normal time.
The price data are reprinted from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024-2024 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC San Diego
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC San Diego is a four-year private college located in San Diego, California. Full-time enrollment is 590 and part-time is 398.
However, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC San Diego has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
The school is for both undergraduate and graduate degrees students. Tuition for Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC San Diego is $9,571
So, the annual tuition and living expense budget to go to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC-San Diego was $33,595 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
At the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine LLC-San Diego is $134,380 for students graduating in normal time.
Therefore, The price data are reprinted from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024-2024 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2024-2024 academic year.
University of Phoenix San Diego Campus
University of Phoenix San Diego Campus is a four-year private college in San Diego, California. Full-time enrollment is 5,842, and part-time is 0.
The open admission policy means that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for the University of Phoenix San Diego Campus is $10,515, and The annual tuition and living expense budget to go to University of Phoenix-San Diego Campus was $17,505
However, At the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix-San Diego Campus is $70,020 for students graduating in normal time.
University Of Phoenix Sacramento Valley Campus
University of Phoenix Sacramento Valley Campus is a four-year private college in Sacramento, California. Full-time enrollment is 3,642, and part-time is 0.
However, the University of Phoenix Sacramento Valley Campus has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for University of Phoenix Sacramento Valley Campus is $10,543. Also, the annual tuition and living expense budget to go to University of Phoenix-Sacramento Valley Campus was $17,533 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Furthermore, At the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at the University of Phoenix-Sacramento Valley Campus is $70,132 for students graduating in normal time.
The University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus
University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus is a four-year private college in San Jose, California. Full-time enrollment is 1,880, and part-time is 0.
The University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for the University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus is $10,548. So, the annual tuition and living expenses budget to go to the University of Phoenix-Bay Area Campus was $17,538 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
In other words, At the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix-Bay Area Campus is $70,152 for students graduating in normal time.
University of Phoenix Central Valley Campus
University of Phoenix Central Valley Campus is a four-year private college in Fresno, California. Full-time enrollment is 2,404, and part-time is 0.
The University of Phoenix Central Valley Campus has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for the University of Phoenix Central Valley Campus is $10,549. So, the annual tuition and living expenses budget to go to the University of Phoenix-Central Valley Campus was $17,539 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
However, At the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at the University of Phoenix-Central Valley Campus is $70,156 for students graduating in normal time.
University of Phoenix Southern California Campus
University of Phoenix Southern California Campus is a four-year private college in Costa Mesa, California. Full-time enrollment is 9,611, and part-time is 0.
The University of Phoenix Southern California Campus has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for University of Phoenix Southern California Campus is $10,560. So. Attending University of Phoenix-Southern California Campus’s annual tuition and living expense budget was $17,550 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
At the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix-Southern California Campus is $70,200 for students graduating in normal time.
Lincoln University
Lincoln University is a four-year private college located in Oakland, California. Full-time enrollment is 548, and part-time is 25.
So, Lincoln University has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Tuition for Lincoln University is $10,680. So the annual tuition and living expense budget for Lincoln University was $21,960 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
However, At the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University is $87,840 for students graduating in normal time.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is a four-year private college in Redding, California. The school is affiliated with the Baptist faith. Full-time enrollment is 24, and part-time is 28.
Tuition for Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is $11,200. So, the annual tuition and living expense budget to go to Shasta Bible College and Graduate School was $25,900 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
Therefore, the current published rates, an estimated total tuition, fees and living expense price for a 4 year bachelor’s degree at Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is $103,600 for students graduating in normal time.
Santa Barbara Business College Bakersfield
Santa Barbara Business College Bakersfield is a four-year private college in Bakersfield, California. Full-time enrollment is 272, and part-time is 0.
Santa Barbara Business College Bakersfield has an open admission policy meaning that any prospective student who has completed high school or attained a GED certificate may enroll in classes.
Only undergraduate degrees are offered at this school. Tuition for Santa Barbara Business College Bakersfield is $11,558.
The annual tuition and living expense budget for SBBCollege was $26,351 for the 2024-2024 academic year.
However, at the current published rates, estimated total tuition, fees, and living expense price for a 4-year bachelor’s degree at SBB College is $105,404 for students graduating in normal time.
You can check 25 Most Affordable States to Study in the USA for International Students.
FAQS FOR THE CHEAPEST COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA FOR NON-RESIDENT
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Education Code § 68130.5, as amended, commonly known as AB 540 California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, allows certain students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and allows them to apply for different types of California Dream Act financial aid.
Non-resident tuition is charged to all students who are not residents of California. This includes residents of other states and foreign students. Non-Resident Student Tuition for 2024 – 2024 school year has been set at $249.00 per unit.
Out of state or non-resident refers to students who do not live in the state of the public college. This means that for Texas public colleges, you would be considered a resident and receive lower tuition rates than students outside of Texas.
How to apply for a USA student visa. An F1 visa allows international students to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved university in the United States. F1 visa costs are around $510 per application, and you should apply at least three months before your course start date.
CONCLUSION ON THE CHEAPEST COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA FOR Non-RESIDENTS
So, California has it all! California boasts one of the largest economies in the world and is an international epicenter for the entertainment, information, education, and technology industries.
Therefore, Studying in California as a non-resident student can look forward to the acknowledgment of the quality and influence of their diplomas upon graduation, both nationally and internationally.
Reference
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California
- https://www.sendmybag.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-studying-abroad
- https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/california
- https://www.collegecalc.org/lists/california/most-affordable-out-of-state-tuition/
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