Top 10 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in California

Updated on 9/18/2025

When you're entering the job market, it helps to have a degree. Unfortunately, earning a degree can be expensive. The good news is that many states, including California, offer various financial aid options to help students cover their educational expenses.

Through various state-funded programs, students in California can get free or significantly reduced tuition at public schools. Keep reading to learn more about how to get free college in California.

Are There Free Online Colleges in California?

There is one online college in California that does not charge for tuition: the University of the People. It's tuition-free, but like all colleges, it does have fees that students need to pay. These fees vary by program.

Otherwise, all other schools charge for tuition. However, through financial aid, you may be able to completely cover your costs to get a free bachelor's degree online. In addition to federal aid, California offers numerous state-sponsored programs.

The California College Promise Grant, for example, covers tuition for California students at in-state community colleges, while the CalGrant covers tuition at four-year schools. Students who don't qualify for the CalGrant may qualify for the State University Grant through the California State University (CSU) system. The Middle Class Scholarship is another state-sponsored opportunity for California residents at University of California schools, CSU schools, and California community colleges.

How To Qualify for Free or Reduced College Tuition in California

There are several programs and opportunities for students to receive free college in California. We've highlighted some of these below.

1. California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant waives tuition costs for eligible California residents at California Community Colleges. Students will need to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or, if they are undocumented, the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). You can apply at CCCApply.org.

Eligibility for the California College Promise program is determined based on your financial need. To stay eligible, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

2. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Training Grants

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a law designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. There are WIOA programs for many types of students, including adults, youth, and farmworkers.

You can access this program through American Jobs Center locations. There are dozens of these branches throughout California.

3. Cal Grant Programs

The Cal Grant is a program that can potentially provide free tuition to undergraduate California residents. There are three tiers, with the highest covering up to $12,570 per year at University of California schools, up to $5,742 per year at CSU schools, and up to $9,220 per year at qualifying private California colleges.

Eligibility is based on several factors, and students must meet all GPA and income requirements. There's no special application for this state funding; you just need to fill out your FAFSA or the CADAA.

4. Nonprofit and Local Workforce Scholarships

There are many, many organizations that offer scholarship opportunities to students. Scholarships tend to be less income-based and are more based on merit or special factors, such as your major.

Several scholarship finders are available online, including one on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website. This type of financial aid may be ideal if you're not a low-income student or if you're a non-resident in California.

5. The California Dream Act

The California Dream Act is a series of California laws that allow undocumented but otherwise eligible students to receive state-sponsored financial aid for school. Because undocumented students cannot typically fill out FAFSA, this provides students another way to determine their financial aid eligibility.

Students will fill out the CADAA, then use the results for California financial aid applications. The information you share through CADAA will not be shared with the federal government.

6. Federal Financial Aid

One of the primary uses of the FAFSA is to determine which students meet the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. There are several federal programs for college students.

The Pell Grant, for example, is a program that provides up to $7,395 per year to students based on financial need, your tuition costs, and whether you study full-time or part-time. It covers not just tuition but things like enrollment fees.

Federal aid also includes things like federal student loans, which typically have better rates than private loans. Work-study programs, in which students work for the school to pay tuition, are federally funded as well.

7. Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits package. Through this program, your employer may pay the school directly, or they may reimburse you for whatever you pay.

Your eligibility will depend on the program itself; most employers require you to have worked there for a minimum amount of time before you can claim this benefit. Additionally, the amount the program covers will depend on your employer.

Online Colleges in California With Free or Low-Cost Tuition

Through state-sponsored programs, several colleges in California could potentially be free to eligible students. We've featured free colleges as well as those that could be free below.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a private, nonprofit online institution based in Pasadena, CA. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, information technology, and health science.

The university does not charge for tuition, but rather charges an assessment fee per course. This rate is $160 for bachelor's programs, allowing students to earn the full 120 credits at a cost of less than $7,000 total, and students can pay as they go. The school cannot accept FAFSA as it does not charge for tuition, but it does offer scholarships to help students cover their fees.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free tuition with fees
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Foothill College

At Foothill College, students can earn associate degrees or complete their bachelor's degrees online. Nearly 50 online associate degrees are available, while online bachelor's degrees are offered in dental hygiene and respiratory care.

Foothill College, a public school, is located in Los Altos Hills, CA. Tuition here is typically $31 per credit, but through the California College Promise Grant, eligible students can receive tuition waivers to attend for free.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with the CCPG
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

3. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business, education, healthcare, and social sciences. CSUEB is a public university in Hayward, CA.

Tuition for in-state residents is typically around $3,996.50 per semester. However, with programs like the Cal Grant, State University Grant, or Middle Class Scholarship, you may not pay anything.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. San Joaquin Delta College

Over two dozen online associate degrees are available at San Joaquin Delta College (Delta). Areas of study include business, criminal justice, computer science, and humanities.

Delta, located in Stockton, CA, is a public community college. Tuition is normally $46 per credit, but the CCPG free tuition program can eliminate that cost.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with the CCPG
• Accreditation: AACJC

5. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico (Chico State) is a public university in Chico, CA. It offers several online bachelor's and master's degrees in areas like business administration, liberal arts, nursing, and social science.

The typical cost of attendance, before aid, is nearly $9,000 per year for undergrad students at Chico State. However, programs like the Cal Grant, State University Grant, or Middle Class Scholarship can potentially bring that number to zero.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. Ca?ada College

Students at Ca?ada College can earn over two dozen associate degrees online in fields like business, education, arts, and healthcare. Tuition, normally $46, is free with the CCPG.

Ca?ada College, a public school, is located in Redwood City, CA. It also offers additional aid, like fee waivers and textbook support, to students who qualify for the CCPG.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with the CCPG
• Accreditation: AACJC

7. California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) offers bachelor's and master's degrees online in fields such as business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and nursing. CSUSM is a public university in San Marcos, CA.

The average price tag for first-year students is just over $8,000 per academic year. Financial aid, including the Cal Grant and State University Grant, can reduce or completely cover tuition. Note that students cannot use the Cal Grant for summer terms at CSUSM.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

8. West Valley College

Online associate degrees and certificates are available at West Valley College. Areas of study include business, communication, liberal arts, and paralegal studies.

West Valley College, located in Saratoga, CA, is a public school. Tuition, normally $46 per credit, can be covered under the CCPG.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with the CCPG
• Accreditation: AACJC

9. San Jose State University

San Jose State University (SJSU) is a public institution in San Jose, CA. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, health science, information science, and social science.

Tuition for online bachelor's degrees at SJSU is $500 per credit. With the Cal Grant and other financial aid options, including paid online student ambassador positions, students can cover their costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. Allan Hancock College

Through Allan Hancock College, students can earn associate degrees online. Fields of study include business, liberal arts, and computer technology.

Allan Hancock College, a public school, is located in Santa Maria, CA. In addition to the CCPG, the school's Hancock Promise provides local high school graduates with two years of tuition and fees free.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free with the CCPG or Hancock Promise
• Accreditation: AACJC

FAQs About Free Online Colleges in California

When schools offer free tuition or comprehensive student aid, it can significantly reduce financial barriers for students. We've answered some frequently asked questions about free college in California below.

Is Community College Free in California?

Community college in California is not automatically free. However, through programs like the California College Promise Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and institutional programs, many California residents qualify for free community college.

How Long Do You Need To Be a California Resident To Get Free Community College?

In general, you need to be living in California for at least a year to qualify for state-funded financial aid or in-state tuition. Depending on the program, there may be additional requirements.

Are There Free Online Certificate Programs in California?

Many of the colleges listed above offer certificate programs. Whether or not those programs are covered under financial aid will depend on the school.

Who Qualifies for the California College Promise?

To qualify for the California College Promise Grant, you must be a California resident, meet the income requirements, and be attending a California community college.

How Does the California College Promise Grant Work?

The California College Promise program works by waiving the enrollment fee at California community colleges for eligible California residents. Some schools offer additional financial support to CCPG participants as well.

?!!What Programs Are Available for Free College Tuition in California?

The various California financial aid programs, like the CCPG and Cal Grant, are primarily available for undergraduate programs. However, there are no restrictions on the major or area of study.

Find an Affordable College Near You

Start your journey toward a debt-free degree by exploring the affordable programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to your school's financial aid office to learn more about tuition costs and student aid options.