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2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

42 Ranked Colleges
6,724 Degrees Awarded
$8,200 Avg Net Price*
Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2020-2021, 40,481 people earned their degree in English, making the major the 19th most popular in the United States.

Across California, there were 6,724 English graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 42 colleges that offer a degree in English. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality English programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the English program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

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. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for English (Income $0-$30k) in California

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Stanford University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k. Stanford University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 51 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

Stanford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend Stanford University is $1,233 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.5% 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 impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Stanford University English Report

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Berkeley. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k. University of California - Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 254 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california english language students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC Berkeley has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $8,450 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UC Berkeley.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English at University of California - Berkeley

3

Out of the 42 schools in the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #3 spot on the list. University of California - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 312 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

UCLA also made our “Best English Schools in California” list, coming in at #3. The estimated yearly cost for UCLA is $9,037 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full UCLA English Report

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Davis. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k. This large school is located in Davis, California, and it awarded 206 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california english language students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC Davis has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UC Davis is $10,006 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% 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 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about English at University of California - Davis

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k. California State University - Los Angeles is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 101 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $1,887 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Cal State LA.

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%.

Read full report on English at California State University - Los Angeles

6

University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of California - Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 176 ’s English language degrees to qualified students.

UCSB also took the #5 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Barbara is $10,568 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.8% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about English at University of California - Santa Barbara

7

University of California - San Diego did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. University of California - San Diego is located in La Jolla, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 24 ’s English language degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSD, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,823 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of California - San Diego.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about English at University of California - San Diego

8

With a ranking of #8, University of California - Irvine did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. UC Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 152 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Irvine also made our “Best English Schools in California” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Irvine is $6,540 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% 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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read more about English at University of California - Irvine

9

California State University - Fullerton came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school handed out 180 diplomas to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $4,590 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% 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 English at California State University - Fullerton

10

California State University - Long Beach came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - Long Beach is a public institution located in Long Beach, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 284 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSULB, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $6,663 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Long Beach.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about English at California State University - Long Beach

11

With a ranking of #11, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Northridge is a large public school situated in Northridge, California. It awarded 204 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUN also took the #18 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $6,266 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%.

Read more about English at California State University - Northridge

12

University of California - Riverside did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Riverside, California, this large public school handed out 189 degrees to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCR, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UCR is $6,810 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on English at University of California - Riverside

13

California State University - Fresno landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Fresno State is a public institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 83 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Fresno State is $3,859 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Fresno English Report

14

California State University - Sacramento did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. Located in Sacramento, California, this large public school awarded 181 degrees to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

Sac State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend Sac State is $8,163 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% 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 Sac State English Report

15

With a ranking of #15, California State University - Stanislaus did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Stan State is a fairly large public school situated in Turlock, California. It awarded 85 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Stan State is $4,122 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%.

Read more about English at California State University - Stanislaus

16
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. Located in San Diego, California, this large public school awarded 98 degrees to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

SDSU also took the #15 spot in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $7,169 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend SDSU.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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%.

Full SDSU English Report

17

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo landed the #17 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 90 ’s English language degrees to qualified students.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is $12,173 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% 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%.

Read more about English at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

18

California State University - San Bernardino landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. CSUSB is located in San Bernardino, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 95 ’s English language degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $5,985 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend CSUSB.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read more about English at California State University - San Bernardino

19
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 27 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california english language students whose families make $0-$30k list, USC has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best English Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $17,287 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend USC.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.3% 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%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read more about English at USC

20
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in San Jose, California, this large public school awarded 112 diplomas to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

San Jose State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. It costs about $12,158 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend San Jose State University.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Read full report on English at San Jose State University

21
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

San Francisco State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. SFSU is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 205 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

SFSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for San Francisco State University is $10,705 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% 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%.

Read more about English at SFSU

22

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cal Poly Pomona is located in Pomona, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 115 ’s English language degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Cal Poly Pomona is $10,349 for california english language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 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 English at Cal Poly Pomona

23

California State University - East Bay did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. Located in Hayward, California, this fairly large public school handed out 68 degrees to qualified ’s English language students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $9,975 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Cal State East Bay.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% 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 - East Bay English Report

24

With a ranking of #24, California State University - San Marcos did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - San Marcos is a fairly large public school situated in San Marcos, California. It awarded 81 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUSM did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #25 on our “Best English Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - San Marcos is $9,397 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on English at California State University - San Marcos

25

California State University - Chico landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Chico, California, and it awarded 74 ’s English language degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $11,754 for California English Language students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Chico.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English at California State University - Chico

Notes and References

References

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