The cost of college in California — and what it pays back
Across the 334 California institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $19,905/yr, $2,999 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $42,450 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 118 of the 334 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$19,905
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$42,450
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
3.8 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
118/334
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How California's 334 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong73
Solid24
Slow13
Weak224
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moorpark College | -$2,296 | $49,044 | -6.7 yrs |
| Canada College | $32 | $50,087 | 0 yrs |
| College of San Mateo | $536 | $54,172 | 0.2 yrs |
| Skyline College | $1,738 | $55,702 | 0.5 yrs |
| Stanford University | $13,807 | $124,080 | 0.7 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moorpark College | -$2,296 | $49,044 | -6.7 yrs |
| Oxnard College | -$1,128 | $41,393 | no payback |
| Ventura College | -$982 | $43,430 | no payback |
| Canada College | $32 | $50,087 | 0 yrs |
| College of the Sequoias | $480 | $39,092 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in California?
The median net price across California colleges is $19,905/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in California cheaper than the national average?
No — the median California net price of $19,905/yr runs about $2,999/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do California college graduates earn?
A median $42,450 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which California college pays for itself fastest?
Moorpark College — about -6.7 years to clear its -$4,592 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-california page.