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2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

69 Ranked Colleges
112,228 Degrees Awarded
$6,000 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

With 556,813 degrees handed out in 2020-2021, liberal arts / sciences and humanities is the 3rd most popular major in the United States. In 2019-2020, liberal arts / sciences and humanities graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $28,337 and had an average of $17,430 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 112,228 liberal arts / sciences and humanities graduates with average earnings and debt of $27,456 and $14,718 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 69 colleges that offered a degree in liberal arts / sciences and humanities. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great liberal arts / sciences and humanities programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the liberal arts / sciences and humanities program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities (Income $30-$48k) in California

1
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Golden West College. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Golden West College is a public institution located in Huntington Beach, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,346 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Golden West College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend Golden West College is $4,414 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Golden West College

2
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, California

Out of the 69 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Ventura College landed the #2 spot on the list. Ventura, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to 1,949 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $1,269 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Ventura College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Ventura College

3

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 145 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Los Angeles is $2,701 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Cal State LA Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

4
MiraCosta College crest
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend MiraCosta College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. MiraCosta College is a public institution located in Oceanside, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,875 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $3,861 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend MiraCosta College.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at MiraCosta College

5
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend West Valley College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. West Valley College is located in Saratoga, California and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 678 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k list, West Valley College has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $3,654 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend West Valley College.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at West Valley College

6

With a ranking of #6, California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. California State University - Dominguez Hills is a public institution located in Carson, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 176 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUDH did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list. It costs about $3,329 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Dominguez Hills Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

7
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, California

Orange Coast College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. Orange Coast College is located in Costa Mesa, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,218 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Orange Coast College is $4,748 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Orange Coast College

8
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, California

With a ranking of #8, Cerritos College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Cerritos College is a fairly large school located in Norwalk, California that handed out 1,647 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

Cerritos College also made our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list, coming in at #23. The estimated yearly cost for Cerritos College is $2,179 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Cerritos College

9
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Imperial Valley College
Imperial, California

Imperial Valley College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Imperial Valley College is a medium-sized public school situated in Imperial, California. It awarded 1,043 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $1,790 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend IVC.

Full Imperial Valley College Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

10

With a ranking of #10, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Northridge, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to 336 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k list, CSUN has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $7,103 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Northridge Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

11

California State University - Stanislaus did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #11. California State University - Stanislaus is a public institution located in Turlock, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 226 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Stan State is $4,903 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at California State University - Stanislaus

12
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College of the Sequoias
Visalia, California

College of the Sequoias landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. College of the Sequoias is a public institution located in Visalia, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 708 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend College of the Sequoias is $1,289 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full College of the Sequoias Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

13

California State University - Bakersfield came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. CSUB is a public institution located in Bakersfield, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 361 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUB is $6,046 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at CSUB

14

California State University - Sacramento landed the #14 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. California State University - Sacramento is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 194 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State also made our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list, coming in at #6. It costs about $9,055 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - Sacramento.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Sac State Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

15

California State University - Fresno did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. Located in Fresno, California, this large public school handed out 534 degrees to qualified ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Fresno State is $4,655 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Fresno State

16
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

With a ranking of #16, San Diego State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. San Diego State University is a large public school situated in San Diego, California. It awarded 246 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list. It costs about $9,274 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend SDSU.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full San Diego State University Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

17
Los Angeles Southwest College crest
Los Angeles Southwest College
Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Southwest College landed the #17 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to 1,105 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Los Angeles Southwest College is $9,903 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Los Angeles Southwest College

18
Los Angeles City College crest
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles City College landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Los Angeles City College is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,232 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k list, Los Angeles City College has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,811 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Los Angeles City College.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Los Angeles City College

19
Los Medanos crest
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, California

Los Medanos College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Los Medanos is a medium-sized school located in Pittsburg, California that handed out 1,003 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Los Medanos is $6,077 for california liberal arts / sciences & humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Los Medanos College Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

20
San Diego Mesa College crest
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, California

San Diego Mesa College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 312 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $5,543 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend San Diego Mesa College.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at San Diego Mesa College

21
MSJC crest
Mt. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto, California

Mt. San Jacinto College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. San Jacinto, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to 1,155 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Mt. San Jacinto College is $5,715 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Mt. San Jacinto College

22
Soka University crest
Soka University of America
Aliso Viejo, California

Soka University of America ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Soka University of America is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Aliso Viejo, California. It awarded 85 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

Soka University also made our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list, coming in at #12. The yearly cost to attend Soka University is $10,095 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Soka University of America

23
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, California

Chaffey College landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Chaffey College is a fairly large school located in Rancho Cucamonga, California that handed out 2,083 ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees in 2020-2021.

Chaffey College also made our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list, coming in at #9. The estimated yearly cost for Chaffey College is $11,083 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Chaffey College Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Report

24
Cuesta College crest
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, California

Cuesta College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. San Luis Obispo, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts / sciences and humanities degrees to 2,410 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,288 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cuesta College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Cuesta College

25
Pierce College crest
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, California

With a ranking of #25, Los Angeles Pierce College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Los Angeles Pierce College is a public institution located in Woodland Hills, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,981 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Pierce College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in California” list. It costs about $11,956 for California Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Pierce College.

Read more about Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities at Los Angeles Pierce College

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