Community colleges are a great way to attain a bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost. Community colleges have become very popular and they offer many different types of programs in order to help students achieve their educational goals. There are many community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in California, and other states as well. In this post, we explore the facts of Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor Degrees In California, solano community college bachelors degree, community colleges in california, degrees offered at community colleges and community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in texas.

Best Colleges to Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Solano Community College is one of the best community colleges that offers bachelor degrees in California. They offer many different types of programs including: Associate’s Degree Programs, Certificate Programs, Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Completion. These programs are designed for people who want to further their education and earn a higher degree while they still have time on their hands so they can get out into the workforce sooner than later! Read on to know more about Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor Degrees In California, solano community college bachelors degree, community colleges in california, degrees offered at community colleges and community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in texas.

There are many other community colleges in California that offer bachelor degrees such as: West Hills College Coalinga Campus, West Hills College Lemoore Campus and Santiago Canyon College which is located in Orange County CA! These three schools offer Associate’s Degree programs where students can get up-to-date information about what’s happening around town today, what’s happening tomorrow morning at school or even watch live events in real time from home!

Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor Degrees In California

We begin with Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor Degrees In California, then solano community college bachelors degree, community colleges in california, degrees offered at community colleges and community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in texas.

CA COMMUNITY COLLEGES OFFERING BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Some California Community Colleges are now offering specialized Bachelor’s Degrees. These degrees are not offered in any UC or CSU. All are scheduled to begin by the 2017-18 academic year. Please note that many of these are pilot programs and therefore information may change.

1. Airframe Manufacturing Technology, Antelope Valley College
2. Automotive Technology, Rio Hondo College
3. Biomanufacturing, Mira Costa College
4. Biomanufacturing, Solano College
5. Dental Hygiene, Foothill College
6. Dental Hygiene, West Los Angeles College
7. Equine and Ranch Management, Feather River College
8. Health Information Management, Mesa College
9. Health Information Management, Shasta College
10. Industrial Automation, Bakersfield College
11. Interaction Design, Santa Monica College
12. Mortuary Science, Cypress College
13. Occupational Studies, Santa Ana College
14. Respiratory Care, Modesto Junior College
15. Respiratory Care, Skyline College

GENERAL EDUCATION

Most students arrive at the community college with the understanding that “General Education” is an important part of the course requirements that they must complete to transfer to a university.

solano community college bachelors degree

Next, we consider solano community college bachelors degree, community colleges in california, degrees offered at community colleges and community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in texas.

Sonoma State University Liberal Arts Baccalaureate Degree

Sonoma State University offers an upper-division program at Solano Community College, Vallejo Center leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. The program offers a wide variety of courses from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Courses taught by SSU faculty are scheduled evenings, weekends, and online for the working student. 

Sonoma State University Business Baccalaureate Degree

 Sonoma State University will begin offering their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the Vallejo Center beginning Fall 2020. Similar to the Liberal Arts program, courses will be offered at the Vallejo Center and will be taught by SSU faculty.

Solano’s Biomanufacturing Baccalaureate Degree

Biomanufacturing means growing living cells (bacterial, yeast, and animal cells) in large tanks and inducing them to produce a protein that can be used in the making of many different products, such as medicines, stem cells, biofuels, biomaterials, and biologically created chemicals. That protein must then be separated from other cellular components, and purified using techniques that exploit its properties to isolate it from other cellular proteins. Technicians then use analytical techniques to prove the purity of the isolated proteins.

Sacramento State University Baccalaureate Degree

Sacramento State University offers an upper-division program at Solano Community College leading to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Early Development, Care and Education.  Students take courses at the Fairfield Campus, two evenings a week, over 8 semester.  Students attend fall, spring and summer semesters.  For further information, click on the following links: Brochure, FAQ. 

community colleges in california

More details coming up on community colleges in california, degrees offered at community colleges and community colleges that offer bachelor degrees in texas.

Irvine Valley College

Irvine Valley College offers a variety of academic services to around 13,000 students. IVC sits on a 60-acre campus and provides learners with dozens of associate degree and professional certificate options.

In addition to traditional on-campus coursework, students can choose from IVC’s roster of online classes. Learners can complete most general education classes through the school’s online learning platform. Many of the academic tracks are also available entirely online.

IVC is home to 11 academic schools, including business sciences, humanities, and mathematics and computer science. IVC also provides the community with an adult ESL center, an English language center, and an economic and workforce development department.

Moorpark College

Serving roughly 12,000 students, Moorpark College offers various academic and professional tracks that students can complete on campus, online, or in a hybrid setting. The school provides associate and transfer degree options in many departments, including business, information, and technology; health and wellness; and even exotic animal training and management.

MC also offers certificates in many fields, like accounting, business administration, and biotechnology. In response to the expansion of online learning opportunities, California’s Online Education Initiative ensures that students develop the skills they need for a successful distance-learning experience. Many MC students can complete the majority of their coursework online.

Located in Los Angeles-adjacent Ventura County, MC provides many student services to help learners reach their academic and professional goals. These include daycare, housing, and social services. Resources are also available through the Dreamers Workgroup.

Mt San Antonio College

Mt. San Antonio College provides students with an extensive list of professional training options and community-based education programs. Mt. SAC offers more than 100 associate degree programs and over 200 certificate programs.

Associate degree programs include addictions counseling, applied laboratory science technology, and hospitality and restaurant management. Certificate tracks include fire certification and technology, computer systems technology, and radio broadcasting.

In addition to over 3,000 online classes, distance learners also have access to online counseling and tutoring services.

Mt. SAC, located in the city of Walnut, also gives students, faculty, and staff access to personal, academic, and professional support through resources like its Equity Center, El Centro Latinx Chicanx student program, and Mountie Fresh Basic Needs Resources effort.

degrees offered at community colleges

Most community colleges do not offer a bachelor’s degree. Instead, community colleges award certificates and associate degrees. An associate’s degree is designed to be finished in two years (after about 60 credits) and is made up of core classes like English, history, math, government, arts, and science.

Certificates are usually offered for specific careers like nursing or teaching adults who want to learn English as a second language. They can be completed in one year (after about 30 credits).

Many community colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees, but these are usually more expensive than taking classes at a state university—and they may not be as widely recognized by employers outside of the state where the college is located.

California Community Colleges

If you’re looking for a bachelor’s degree in Texas, there are three new options that are just what you’re looking for.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, South Texas Community College in McAllen and Midland College in Midland to offer bachelors degrees.

Brazosport College will offer its first bachelor’s degree program—in nursing—starting this fall. The program will be made available through an articulation agreement with the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).

South Texas Community College will be offering its first bachelor’s degree program—in business administration—starting this fall as well. The program will be made available through an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK).

Midland College will offer its first bachelor’s degree program—in criminal justice—starting this fall as well. The program will be made available through an articulation agreement with Sam Houston State University (SHSU).

The California Community Colleges system consists of 116 colleges, with a large number of additional campus centers and classrooms throughout the state. The colleges are spread over a wide range of geography, from mountains to coasts, and rural regions to big cities. Each college offers a diverse array of educational programs, with specializations that reflect the unique character of the local region.

A broad range of student goals can be met by the California Community Colleges, from personal growth to professional training, from associate degree to university transfer. There are many student services to help you choose your path and stay on it, including academic counseling, financial aid, tutoring, child care, and much more.

Most of the colleges also offer alternative modes of taking classes, such as online courses, “distance education” by radio and video, off-campus classes in facilities like high schools and shopping malls, and some even offer opportunities to study abroad. Costs are very low compared to other higher-education options, and admission is open to all who can benefit.

Please visit the following information pages to learn more about the California Community Colleges and what they offer:

Bachelor Degree Colleges in California

Students looking for the best affordable colleges in California for bachelor’s degrees can choose from more than 400 colleges and universities. This might make the process of narrowing down schools slightly confusing and maybe a little overwhelming. However, we’ve developed a list of the top 20 best-value colleges in California to help you on your search. We can guarantee that the time you spend selecting your ideal school will be worth it.  After all, California truly has everything:

20. California State University-San Marcos

SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

California State University-San Marcos is the 20th campus in the California State University System.  It’s an affordable accredited university founded in 1989. It enrolling nearly 17,000 students CSUSM is comprised of four colleges:

• the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences
• the College of Business Administration
• the College of Education, Health & Human Services
• the College of Science & Mathematics

Popular low-cost majors include:

• communication and journalism
• business and management
• social sciences
• family and human sciences

CSUSM is known for real-world experiences as well as cutting-edge science and research. These empower students to succeed in increasingly technical career fields. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognized CSUSM for engaging the local community through:

• teaching
• research
• service.

In-State Tuition: $7,713
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,593
Student/Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent

19. California State University-Chico

CHICO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

California State University-Chico is the second-oldest campus in the 23-school California State University System. It was founded in 1887 as the northern branch of the California State Normal School. It offers more than 160 low-cost bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 17,000 students.. CSU Chico professors are consistently recognized for not only their teaching abilities but also their research prowess. The school is comprised of colleges in industries such as:

• the natural sciences
• humanities and fine arts
• communication and education
• business
• behavioral and social sciences
• engineering
• computer science
• construction management.

CSU Chico is also known for its sustainable campus. It has a distinguished status as a Sierra Club Cool School. It was named to the Green Honor Roll by The Princeton Review.

In-State Tuition: $7,608
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,488
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

18. California State University-Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as Sacramento State College in 1947, California State University-Sacramento is a best-value accredited university in California. It enrolls more than 31,000 students and has an alumni base of more than 240,000 members worldwide. CSUS is comprised of seven academic colleges that offer 58 inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, 41 graduate degrees, three doctoral programs, and six post-baccalaureate certificates. Students may also design their own major with faculty approval. CSUS offers low-cost degree programs through its colleges and schools in:

• business administration
• arts and letters
• continuing education
• engineering and computer science
• education
• social sciences and interdisciplinary studies
• natural sciences and mathematics
• health and human services.

The CSUS campus sits on 300 acres that are covered with more than 3,500 trees, 1,200 of which are located in the University Arboretum. Arbor Day Foundation named it the “Tree Campus USA” in 2012.

In-State Tuition: $7,310
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,190
Student/Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent

17. California State University-Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1965, California State University-Bakersfield is one of the most affordable California universities. CSUB offers top-value undergraduate and graduate programs designed to advance the personal and intellectual development of its 10,000 students. With a commitment to life-long learning and scholarship, the school offers more than 50 low-cost bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its four schools:

• Social Sciences & Education
• Business and Public Administration
• Arts and Humanities, and Natural Sciences
• Mathematics and Engineering

Popular areas of study include:

• business
• criminal justice and safety studies
• psychology
• history
• education,
• the liberal arts and sciences.

CSUB also offers majors and minors through a number of interdisciplinary programs. The school’s Extended University provides courses and degrees designed for busy working professionals.

In-State Tuition: $7,309
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,189
Student/Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent

16. California State University-East Bay

HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as the State College for Alameda County in 1956, California State University-East Bay is one of the most affordable universities in California. CSUEB offers more than 100 low-cost fields of study through its four colleges:

• the College of Education and Allied Studies
• the College of Business and Economics
• the College of Science
• the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Science.

CSUEB’s most popular inexpensive majors include:

• business
• health service preparatory studies
• psychology
• sociology
• criminal justice and safety studies
• nursing
• biology,
• human development

Students have many opportunities to get involved through:

• volunteering
• student government
• multicultural services and programs
• Greek life
• more than 130 student clubs and organizations.

In-State Tuition: $6,983
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,863
Student/Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent

15. California State University-Dominguez Hills

CARSON, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as South Bay State College in 1960, California State University-Dominguez Hills is an affordable accredited California university. The school enrolls more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students. More than half are among the first in their families to pursue a college degree. CSUDH is also known as one of the most economically and ethnically diverse institutions of higher learning on the West Coast. It enrolls the most African-American students of any CSU campus. Students may choose from inexpensive undergraduate programs through the school’s:

• College of Arts & Humanities
• College of Business Administration & Public Policy
• College of Education
• College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences
• the College of Health, Human Services, & Nursing

CSUDH also supports opportunities such as the “America Happens Here” contest. Students are encouraged to use creative means to represent the school’s diversity as well as their college experience.

In-State Tuition: $6,942
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,822
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent

14. California State University-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Points: 6
School Website

California State University-Los Angeles is a Hispanic-serving institution and a member of the California State University System. Cal State LA offers more than 100 cutting-edge and affordable academic programs. It’s ranked as the top school in the U.S. for upward mobility. Cal State LA is comprised of seven colleges offering:

• 57 low-cost undergraduate majors
• 51 master’s degrees
• four doctoral programs

Popular areas of study include:

• business
• sociology
• psychology
• early childhood education
• communications
• nursing,
• social work and youth services

The school’s location in LA provides numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience such as:

• studying star formation at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• conducting cancer research at the City of Hope
• interning with NBC’s “Dateline.”

In-State Tuition: $6,749
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,629
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent

13. University of the West

ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

The University of the West is a not-for-profit, private low-cost university . It was established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1990. The school enrolls nearly 400 students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, allowing for a more effective and personalized learning environment. UWest is a Buddhist-affiliated university, but students are welcome from any religious background. Undergraduates may choose from several inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, including :

• English with concentrations in TESOL and literature
• the liberal arts
• psychology
• business administration

UWest also offers economical graduate degrees in:

• religious studies
• psychology
• business administration
• Buddhist chaplaincy

Outside the classroom, UWest’s campus reflects the school’s core values of:

• joy
• contemplation
• vibrancy
• diversity

Students have the opportunity to join a number of student organizations ranging from badminton to music to martial arts.

In-State Tuition: $12,592
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,592
Student/Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent

12. San Diego State University

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

San Diego State University was founded as San Diego Normal School in 1897. It enrolls nearly 35,000 students. It’sa nationally recognized leader in LGBT inclusion and campus diversity. SDSU is also a top-value college in the state for students looking to pursue a global learning experience. It offers nearly 400 international exchange and study-abroad programs in 67 countries. SDSU offers:

• 95 bachelor’s degrees
• 78 master’s degrees
• 22 doctoral degrees

The top five majors include:

• psychology
• criminal justice
• business administration – finance
• business administration – marketing
• kinesiology – pre-physical therapy.

SDSU is also known for encouraging students to turn passions into prototypes. The school’s Zahn Innovation Center provides resources and mentorship for entrepreneurial students.The Lavin Entrepreneurship Center blends hands-on learning opportunities with business curricula to help students put their ideas into motion.

In-State Tuition: $7,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,340
Student/Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Graduation Rate: 74 percent

11. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

POMONA, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona was founded in 1938. It’s one of only two polytechnics in the California State University System. It offers degrees to more than 24,000 students through its eight academic colleges:

• Science
• Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Environmental Design
• Engineering; Education and Integrative Studies
• Business Administration
• Agriculture
• the Collins College of Hospitality Management.

Undergraduates looking for active learning should consider low-cost degree programs in:

• environmental design
• education
• engineering
• business
• agriculture

Outside of the classroom, many students are involved in one of more than 250 academic and social organizations and clubs, including:

• Greek Life
• athletics
• student government

The school also regularly hosts art exhibitions at its two on-campus galleries as well as theater and music performances.

In-State Tuition: $7,353
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,233
Student/Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

10. San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

San Francisco State University was established in 1899. The accredited university enrolls nearly 30,000 students. SFSU is comprised of six colleges:

• College of Liberal & Creative Arts
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Ethnic Studies
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Science and Engineering.

Students may choose from 73 low-cost degree programs and benefit from real-world experience through:

• volunteering
• field work
• internship opportunities

Ranked among the top 25 universities in the U.S. for upward mobility, SFSU makes it affordable for students to graduate and find well-paying jobs. Alumni are leaders in such fields including:

• film
• creative writing
• journalism
• education
• government
• business
• science
• technology.
• In-State Tuition: $7,260
• Out-of-State Tuition: $19,140
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 23:1
• Graduation Rate: 54 percent

9. California State University-Monterey Bay

MARINA, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1994, California State University-Monterey Bay was established in 1994. It’s one of the many accredited affordable colleges in California. CSUMB enrolls more than 7,500 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. CSUMB is comprised of six colleges that deliver low-cost degrees, minors, and other academic offerings, including:

• 24 bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 concentrations
• more than 30 minors
• several teacher certification options
• seven graduate degrees.

Popular majors include:

• psychology
• business
• the liberal arts and humanities
• physical education teaching and coaching
• human services
• biology

Outside of the classroom, CSUMB’s Service Learning Institute is recognized nationally for its work in helping students examine issues in

• social responsibility
• diversity
• justice.

In-State Tuition: $7,143
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,023
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent

8. California State University-Stanislaus

TURLOCK, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Stanislaus is the only CSU campus to offer a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies. Considered a “best buy” in higher education, Stan State has grown from a class of 800 in 1960 to more than 10,000 students as of 2017. The school is known for its affordable nursing, teacher education, and business administration programs. Stan State also offers:

• 43 low-cost bachelor’s degrees
• 16 master’s degrees
• a doctorate in educational leadership
• seven credential programs

The academic programs are offered within four colleges:

• College of Business Administration
• College of Science
• College of Education,Kinesiology & Social Work
• College of the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.

Students are encouraged to develop a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences during their first two years before selecting a specialized degree.

In-State Tuition: $7,072
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,952
Student/Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent

7. California State University-San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-San Bernardino was established in 1965. It’s one of 23 schools that make up the California State University System. CSUSB enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. About 80 percent of the student body are first-generation college students. Seventy nine percent of undergraduates receive some type of financial aid through scholarships and grants. CSUSB offers low-cost bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as teaching credentials through its:

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Business and Public Administration
• College of Education
• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

CSUSB’s most popular majors include:

• business
• psychology
• criminal justice and safety studies
• physical education teaching and coaching
• sociology,
• the liberal arts and humanities.

Students may also take advantage of numerous ways to get involved in:

• athletics
• the performing arts
• student employment and internships,
• community engagement.

In-State Tuition: $6,922
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,802
Student/Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent

6. California State University-Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1958, California State University-Northridge is an affordable accredited college. It enrolls more than 39,000 students. It has the largest undergraduate student body as well as the second-largest total student body of the California State University System. It’s one of the largest institutions of higher learning in not only the state but the country as well. As such, CSU Northridge brings together an impressive collection of high-tech facilities, resources, and students onto one 356-acre campus. The school’s nine colleges offer:

• 60 bachelor’s degrees
• 41 master’s degrees
• 28 education credentials
• opportunities in extended learning

Popular majors include

• psychology
• sociology
• business

CSU Northridge also sponsors the Educational Opportunity Program. This helps first-generation, low-income college students be successful in their studies and graduate with their degree on time. Alumni include an assortment of notable members, including:

• an astronaut
• successful journalists,
• Grammy award-winners

In-State Tuition: $6,893
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,773
Student/Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent

5. California State University-Fullerton

FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Fullerton was established in 1959 as Orange County State College. It enrolls more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it the largest campus of the 23-school California State University System. A Hispanic-serving institution, Cal State Fullerton offers more than 100 low-cost degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in areas such as:

• military science
• environmental engineering
• comparative religion
• Asian American studies
• radio, television, and film.

Cal State Fullerton is also known for its 20-year history of instituting green, sustainable, and efficient practices. These practices save money and improve the campus community with the installation of solar panels, green building construction, and lighting upgrades.

In-State Tuition: $6,886
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,766
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

4. California State University-Channel Islands

CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Channel Islands is an affordable accredited college in established in 2002. It’s the newest campus of the 23-school California State University System. A Hispanic-serving institution, CSUCI employs such notable faculty members as:

• biologist Sean Anderson
• artist Jack Reilly
• Sung Won Sohn, one of the country’s top economic forecasters

CSUCI enrolls more than 7,000 students and offers more than 50 areas of study, including low-cost bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as teaching credentials. Popular majors include:

• psychology
• business
• communications
• sociology
• nursing
• biology
• the liberal arts and humanities.

About 80 percent of students receive financial aid. Nearly 60 percent of the student population are first-generation college students.

In-State Tuition: $6,817
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,697
Student/Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent

3. California State University-Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Long Beach is an accredited inexpensive university in California. It’s the third-largest campus of the 23-school California State University System. Enrolling more than 37,000 students, the school is known for its competitive admissions process and for being a military-friendly school. In addition, CSULB is among the country’s leaders in terms of the number of degrees awarded to students of color and minorities. More than 60 academic departments provide majors such as:

• engineering, including aerospace, computer, and chemical concentrations
• art, including film and electronics, dance, and design
• the liberal arts, including peace studies and comparative world literature.

CSULB is also known as one of the top affordable California colleges for students pursuing careers in film. Among its alumni are multiple Academy Award-winning producers, directors, and screenwriters, including Chris Carter and Steven Spielberg.

In-State Tuition: $6,798
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,678
Student/Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent

2. California State University-Fresno

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 7
School Website

California State University-Fresno, enrolls around 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Fresno State offers low-cost degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It also offers teaching credentials and certificates of advanced study. Fresno State is comprised of eight schools and colleges in:

• the arts and humanities
• health and human services
• science and mathematics
• social sciences, business
• agricultural sciences and technology
• education and human development
• engineering

Outside the classroom, Fresno State’s unique on-campus facilities include:

• a commercial winery
• vineyards
• a planetarium,
• the third-largest library in terms of square footage in the CSU System.

Fresno State also has horse stables for its equestrian team, which consistently ranks among the top 10 in the country.

In-State Tuition: $6,587
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,467
Student/Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

1. California State University Maritime Academy

VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA

Points: 8
School Website

California State University Maritime Academy was established in 1929 as California Nautical School. It’s ranked as the best affordable college in California. It’s one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the country and the only one located on the West Coast. Cal Maritime offers seven bachelor’s degrees that focus on a different aspect of the dynamic but little-known maritime industry as well as related careers at sea or on land. Majors include:

• business administration
• global studies and maritime affairs
• marine transportation
• mechanical engineering
• facilities engineering technology
• marine engineering technology,
• oceanography

Required internships aboard commercial ships or with shore-side companies and government agencies complete the critical connection between real-world practices and classroom instruction. Although students must wear uniforms during their classes, Cal Maritime is not considered a military academy. Students are not required to join the military after graduation.

In-State Tuition: $7,056
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,936
Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent