Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

Alison Plaut
By
Updated on April 11, 2024
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Hispanic-serving institutions in California offer excellent academics and support. Graduate and launch your career for less at the five most affordable HSIs.

  • 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.

#1 Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

California State University-Dominguez Hills

  • Location-markerCarson, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled18,687
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

California State University-Los Angeles

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled26,745
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

California State University-Fresno

  • Location-markerFresno, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled25,497
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

California State University-Bakersfield

  • Location-markerBakersfield, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled11,745
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institutions in California

California State University-Stanislaus

  • Location-markerTurlock, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • 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.

All 4-Year Hispanic Serving Institutions in California
SchoolTotal Student EnrollmentHispanic Student PopulationAvg. Annual Net PriceAcceptance RateNumber of Applicants
Azusa Pacific University7,16939.3%$26,66687%3,438
California Lutheran University3,61541.4%$30,41687%5,150
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt6,02533.9%$14,32598%8,505
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona27,50353.2%$12,48055%49,079
California State University, Bakersfield9,61368.3%$7,52187%13,834
California State University, Chico14,18338.1%$15,51795%21,417
California State University, Dominguez Hills16,42669.6%$5,06889%19,165
California State University, East Bay13,67339.3%$11,46496%12,461
California State University, Fresno23,99960.7%$7,50795%18,551
California State University, Fullerton40,38650.9%$7,92567%48,748
California State University, Long Beach38,97350.0%$9,34640%74,718
California State University, Los Angeles26,46075.4%$5,80187%33,939
California State University, Monterey Bay7,04555.5%$11,43592%12,568
California State University, Northridge37,57957.6%$8,93691%25,965
California State University, San Bernardino19,80371.9%$8,80591%15,501
California State University, San Marcos15,10951.5%$10,46395%14,774
California State University, Stanislaus10,15462.6%$7,55597%6,077
Concordia University Irvine3,74426.0%$29,50869%3,576
Dominican University of California1,87726.2%$49,90793%1,746
Fresno Pacific University3,03258.8%$15,25575%832
La Sierra University1,61450.1%$25,07692%1,878
Loyola Marymount University10,16524.0%$52,81541%21,695
Mount Saint Mary’s University2,44061.1%$28,71776%2,405
National University18,63137.1%$30,527100%N/A
Saint Mary’s College of California2,76530.0%$32,12988%3,353
San Diego State University37,40236.3%$13,01739%77,250
San Francisco State University25,28238.8%$13,26794%29,932
San Jose State University35,75131.6%$14,21977%34,002
Sonoma State University6,63738.8%$15,50794%10,806
University of California, Irvine35,93729.4%$14,03321%119,191
University of California, Merced9,10360.0%$13,54989%29,920
University of California, Riverside26,80941.2%$14,48769%54,683
University of California, Santa Barbara26,42028.3%$16,87426%110,995
University of California, Santa Cruz19,47829.2%$17,97547%65,912
University of La Verne5,66261.5%$25,10374%6,172
University of Redlands3,46043.4%$28,15782%3,872
Whittier College1,19254.9%$28,36875%3,014
William Jessup University1,62420.8%$27,59166%710
Woodbury University94341.6%$32,18263%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.

Cost Of College In California 2020-2021
Institution TypeAvg. 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
Source: NCES

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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