College Affordability in California

Californians value higher education but are concerned about college affordability.

• A majority (71%) of parents with school-aged children want their children to graduate from a four-year college or higher, and another 21% hope their children will complete community college or career technical training, according to a recent PPIC Statewide Survey. Yet most parents (69%) are concerned about affording college.
• Overall, college is a good investment as graduates earn higher wages, secure higher-quality jobs, and fare better during recessions. However, outcomes also vary depending on the college, choice of major, and other factors.

Tuition costs vary across California colleges, and nontuition expenses are substantial.

• Tuition and fees can range from an average of about $1,300 per year at community colleges to over $50,000 at nonprofit, four-year private institutions.
• California State University (CSU) has approved a plan that will raise tuition by 6% annually for five years after staying relatively flat for a decade. The University of California's (UC) Tuition Stability Plan ties annual tuition increases to inflation for each incoming undergraduate class; tuition stays the same until they graduate-for up to six years.
• Nontuition costs for living off-campus not with family account for 61% of total expenses at UC, 76% at CSU, and 96% at California Community Colleges (CCC), with food and housing making up 41% of overall costs at UC, 56% at CSU, and 72% at CCC. Most aid recipients at CCC (62%) live with family off-campus to reduce costs, while 83% at UC and 44% at CSU live on campus, where costs are similar to off-campus independent living.