2023 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies (Income $30-$48k) in California
76
Ranked Colleges
112,228
Degrees Awarded
$6,000
Avg Net Price*
When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking.
Liberal Arts General Studies is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 1st of all the majors we analyze. In 2020-2021, 556,813 degrees were awarded to students with this major. In 2019-2020, liberal arts general studies 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 general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $27,456 and $14,718 respectively.
This year’s “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 76 colleges that offered a degree in liberal arts general studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality liberal arts general studies programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.
When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the liberal arts general studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.
You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k
The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k.
Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies (Income $30-$48k) in California
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Golden West College. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. Huntington Beach, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 4,346 students in 2020-2021.
Golden West College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend Golden West College is $4,414 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Full Golden West College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Ventura College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in Ventura, California, and it awarded 1,949 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $1,269 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Ventura College.
Full Ventura College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
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 Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. California State University - Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 145 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $2,701 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - Los Angeles.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full California State University - Los Angeles Liberal Arts General Studies Report
Out of the 76 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, MiraCosta College landed the #4 spot on the list. Oceanside, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 1,875 students in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend MiraCosta College is $3,861 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at MiraCosta College
Out of the 76 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, West Valley College landed the #5 spot on the list. Saratoga, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 678 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at West Valley College, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $3,654 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend West Valley College.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at West Valley College
California State University - Dominguez Hills ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in Carson, California, and it awarded 176 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
CSUDH did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Dominguez Hills is $3,329 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
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 General Studies Report
Orange Coast College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Orange Coast College is a public institution located in Costa Mesa, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,218 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Orange Coast College is $4,748 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Full Orange Coast College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
With a ranking of #8, Cerritos College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Cerritos College is a fairly large public school situated in Norwalk, California. It awarded 1,647 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend Cerritos College is $2,179 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Full Cerritos College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
Imperial Valley College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. This medium-sized school is located in Imperial, California, and it awarded 1,043 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $1,790 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Imperial Valley College.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at IVC
California State University - Northridge landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Northridge, California, and it awarded 336 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
CSUN did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend CSUN is $7,103 for California Liberal Arts 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 CSUN Liberal Arts General Studies Report
California State University - Stanislaus ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. 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 California State University - Stanislaus is $4,903 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. 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%.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at California State University - Stanislaus
College of the Sequoias ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. College of the Sequoias is located in Visalia, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 708 ’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.
The yearly cost to attend College of the Sequoias is $1,289 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Full College of the Sequoias Liberal Arts General Studies Report
California State University - Bakersfield came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Bakersfield, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 361 students in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for CSUB is $6,046 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at California State University - Bakersfield
California State University - Sacramento ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Sacramento, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 194 students in 2020-2021.
Sac State also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” list, coming in at #7. The yearly cost to attend Sac State is $9,055 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at California State University - Sacramento
California State University - Fresno did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. This large school is located in Fresno, California, and it awarded 534 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fresno is $4,655 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at California State University - Fresno
San Diego State University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in San Diego, California, this large public school awarded 246 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2020-2021.
SDSU also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” list, coming in at #1. The estimated yearly cost for San Diego State University is $9,274 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Full SDSU Liberal Arts General Studies Report
Los Angeles Southwest College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #17. Los Angeles Southwest College is a small school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 1,105 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend Los Angeles Southwest College is $9,903 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Full Los Angeles Southwest College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
With a ranking of #18, Los Angeles City College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Los Angeles, California, this fairly large public school awarded 1,232 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k list, Los Angeles City College has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,811 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Los Angeles City College.
Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Los Angeles City College
Los Medanos College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Los Medanos is a public institution located in Pittsburg, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,003 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $6,077 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Los Medanos.
Full Los Medanos College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
San Diego Mesa College landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. San Diego Mesa College is located in San Diego, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 312 ’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.
It costs about $5,543 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend San Diego Mesa College.
Full San Diego Mesa College Liberal Arts General Studies Report
Mt. San Jacinto College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Mt. San Jacinto College is a fairly large public school situated in San Jacinto, California. It awarded 1,155 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend Mt. San Jacinto College is $5,715 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Mt. San Jacinto College
Soka University of America ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Soka University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Aliso Viejo, California. It awarded 85 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
Soka University also took the #13 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Soka University of America is $10,095 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 92%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Soka University
Chaffey College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Rancho Cucamonga, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 2,083 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k list, Chaffey College has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $11,083 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Chaffey College.
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%.
Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Chaffey College
Cuesta College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Cuesta College is a public institution located in San Luis Obispo, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,410 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $10,288 for California Liberal Arts students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cuesta College.
Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Cuesta College
Los Angeles Pierce College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Pierce College is a fairly large public school situated in Woodland Hills, California. It awarded 1,981 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.
Pierce College also took the #16 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Los Angeles Pierce College is $11,956 for california liberal arts students whose families make $30-$48k.
Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Los Angeles Pierce College
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