Looking for an affordable nursing program in California? This page ranks the nursing schools in our California directory by yearly tuition, lowest first, so you can see where your money goes furthest. The list updates automatically as we add more schools.
Lowest-tuition nursing schools in California
| # | School | City | Type | In-state / yr | Out-of-state / yr | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Los Angeles College | Monterey Park | Public | $1,200 | $11,000 | ADN |
| 2 | Pasadena City College | Pasadena | Public | $1,200 | $11,400 | ADN, LPN/LVN |
| 3 | Santa Ana College | Santa Ana | Public | $1,200 | $11,100 | ADN |
| 4 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica | Public | $1,200 | $10,700 | ADN |
| 5 | American River College | Sacramento | Public | $1,300 | $12,500 | ADN, LPN/LVN |
| 6 | Fresno City College | Fresno | Public | $1,300 | $10,700 | ADN |
| 7 | Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | Public | $1,400 | $11,100 | ADN |
| 8 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach | Public | $1,600 | $13,300 | ADN, LPN/LVN |
| 9 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Public | $7,500 | $20,800 | BSN, MSN |
| 10 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge | Public | $7,800 | $21,200 | BSN |
Yearly tuition as listed on each school profile, from public federal education data. Private schools charge one rate for everyone. Always confirm current costs with the school.
Want to see every school, not just the ten cheapest? Use the nursing school finder to filter California schools by program level and tuition, or read our full California nursing schools guide.
How to read the tuition numbers
Tuition is only part of what a nursing program costs, so treat this ranking as a starting point rather than a final price. Two things matter most:
- In-state vs. out-of-state. Public colleges usually charge residents much less than non-residents. If you live in California, the in-state column is the one that applies to you.
- School type. Public community and state colleges tend to cost the least. Private schools charge one rate to everyone, which is why their in-state and out-of-state prices match.
Tuition also does not include books, uniforms, lab and clinical fees, background checks, or licensing exam fees. Ask each school for its full program cost before you decide.
Ways to lower the cost of nursing school
- Start at a community college. An ADN from a public college is often the lowest-cost route to becoming an RN. You can bridge to a BSN later, sometimes while working. See ADN vs. BSN and RN-to-BSN programs.
- File the FAFSA. It is the starting point for federal grants, work-study, and loans, and many schools use it for their own aid too.
- Ask about nursing scholarships. Many schools, hospitals, and foundations offer them. Check the financial aid office of each school you are considering.
- Look at employer support. Some hospitals help pay for nursing school in exchange for a work commitment.
Run your own numbers with the nursing school cost calculator, or put up to four schools side by side with the compare tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest nursing school in California?
The table above ranks California schools by yearly in-state tuition, lowest first. Public community colleges that offer an ADN or LPN/LVN program usually sit near the top. The ranking updates as we add schools, so check back.
Is the cheapest school the best choice?
Not always. Price matters, but so do accreditation, how long the program takes, clinical placements, and how well graduates do on the NCLEX licensing exam. Compare a few schools on all of these before you apply. Our NCLEX-RN basics guide explains the exam.
Do I need to live in California to get in-state tuition?
Usually yes. Public colleges set residency rules, often requiring that you have lived in the state for a period of time before you enroll. Check the residency policy on each school website or ask the admissions office.
Where does this tuition data come from?
School details come from public federal education data. Schools change their prices every year, so always confirm current costs with the school. See about us for how this directory works, or contact us with a correction.