Do you want to study in California as an international student? If so, you need to be aware of the tuition fees imposed at universities in California. As an overseas student, you are always looking for ways to lower your academic costs. Since most students are always on the lookout for low-cost education, we have compiled a list of institutions particularly in California that provide quality education with affordable tuition.

Read on to learn which schools are best suitable for your needs!

What Tuition Rate is Set for International Students in the USA?

In the United States, most public universities categorize students as in-state and out-of-state students. These categories impose different tuition rates. In-state students usually refer to domestic students residing in the state, while out-of-state students are students living outside the state including international students. Out-of-state students are expected to pay higher tuition fees than in-state students.

For private universities, all students, regardless of nationality pay for the same tuition as local students.

Are there Scholarships Available for International Students?

Students with excellent GPAs, SAT, and/or ACT, can receive generous scholarships from universities in California. Since the scholarship requirements are different for each university, it is recommended to check with the assigned committee the specific eligibility and requirements.

Scholarship grants are not limited to universities, the US government and other foundations offer numerous scholarships for international students. It can cover from partial tuition to full funding, so it would be best to apply for one to help lower your academic costs.

How to Apply to Universities in California as an International Student?

The application procedure is almost the same for every international student. You follow the same application process as the local students with a few exceptions. First, you are not eligible to file the FAFSA if you are applying for scholarships because you are not qualified for federal aid. Second, you need to demonstrate English proficiency by taking TOEFL or IELTS.

These two are the main differences between the application procedure for international students and domestic students. Since the application procedures for each university are different, you need to look at the university website’s admissions page and check the specific instructions.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Affordable Universities in California for International Students

1. San Diego State University

Being one of the universities in the Californian public college system, San Diego State University has done its absolute best to lower the cost of attendance to a minimum since they don’t want students graduating with a heavy financial burden. Though SDSU has the right to increase fees, the university tries to keep it at a minimal cost.

2. Sonoma State University

Similar to our first-mentioned university, Sonoma State University is also one of the institutions in the public university system in California. All public universities in the state of California charge similar tuition fees since they are all under the same collegiate system. If you are looking to apply to a university in California, look at their offered programs since their specialties will differ per institution.

3. San Franciso State University

Being part of the California State University, San Francisco State University puts its emphasis on its students. SFSU has put a lot of effort and resources into creating networks, they would newly accepted students to a current student or a mentor so that they can easily adjust to the new environment in San Francisco.

In addition, the tuition is cheaper than most universities in California, which is a plus for international applicants.

4. San José State University

Being one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast of California, San José State University is one of the first campuses established by the California State University System. Situated in San José, this institution was named one of the most diverse campuses in the United States due to the high number of enrollments from international students.

5. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Formerly known as Humboldt State University, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt offers a diverse array of academic programs at all levels. Unfortunately, there are no doctoral programs offered at the university, but what it additionally offers are certificates for short courses.

6. California State University, Stanislaus

Even though this institution is also part of the CSU system, the California State University, Stanislaus is the only campus in the entire system that offers a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies. Being the 15th campus in the California State University System, Stanislaus State is famous for its undergraduate programs in business administration, psychology, liberal studies, biological sciences, and criminal justice.

7. California State Polytechnic Pomona

Also being part of the top polytechnic universities at CSU, Cal Poly Pomona is one of the top institutions for engineering, and when it comes to the number of academic programs, CPP offers nearly 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 postgraduate degrees. If you are interested in studying engineering in the USA, enrolling CalyPoly Pomona is your best option.

 

We hope you make use of this article once you plan to apply to one of California’s affordable universities. If you are unsure of what study program to take, here’s a list of Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

Share this article via

Leave A Comment