Best
Value Colleges in Pasadena in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pasadena builds skills for organizing teams, analyzing markets, and making sound decisions. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, business law, finance, operations, human resources, and management. Students may pursue associate or bachelor's pathways at Pasadena City College and the Pasadena-based University of the People, which offers online business administration degrees. Graduates work as office managers, marketing coordinators, sales representatives, human resources specialists, or operations analysts, with experience supporting advancement into leadership.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pasadena, California, can include courses in developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal, and research psychology, plus statistics, laboratory methods, and ethical professional practice. Pasadena City College offers psychology pathways, while Fuller's School of Psychology provides training in clinical psychology. Programs develop assessment, communication, and research skills. Graduates commonly pursue roles as behavioral health technicians, case managers, human-resources assistants, or research assistants; licensed counseling and clinical psychologist positions generally require advanced degrees, supervised experience, and state licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pasadena, CA offers access to rigorous coursework and nearby technology opportunities. Students typically study programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Pasadena City College provides lower-cost computer science pathways, while the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers advanced undergraduate study and research. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or software engineers. Projects, internships, and research can help students build experience.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Pasadena, California, can prepare you to support individuals, couples, and families through care. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, assessment, ethics, human development, multicultural counseling, group therapy, and practicum. Pasadena-based options include Pacific Oaks College and Fuller Theological Seminary, both offering graduate counseling or marriage-and-family therapy programs. Graduates pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or community mental-health counselors after supervised experience and licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pasadena, California, combines learning with clinical practice. At Pasadena City College, students can pursue an associate degree in nursing and prepare for licensure as registered nurses. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, and mental health nursing. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, facilities, and health settings; they may continue toward a bachelor's degree or specialize in areas such as emergency, pediatric, or health nursing.

Best Colleges in Pasadena, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $34,039, compared with $58,244 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $24,205.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 93% of students, versus 60% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 60%. Schools receive an average of 3,170.2 applicants, compared with 8,898 at top 10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 204 men and 210 women.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,275.17. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 56.4 and 76.6, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 44.67%, while the average for top 10% schools is 86.5%. Median graduation rates are 34% for men and 44.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• There are six coeducational schools, with no schools for men and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside graduation outcomes. Also consider admissions selectivity, applicant and enrollment figures, degree offerings, and whether a school's coeducational setting suits your preferences.

How much does studying at a college in Pasadena, CA cost?

For a Pasadena, CA, student, the average total cost of studying is $35,036. This is the benchmark for planning a degree, though it should be treated as a study-cost estimate rather than the full price of every multi-year program. Average tuition and fees are $34,528.83, while housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses can affect what you pay. Pasadena offers different college experiences, from Pasadena City College to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), so compare each school's cost of attendance and financial-aid options before deciding. Your own bill may change with residency status, course load, living arrangements, scholarships, grants, and whether you attend full or part time. If you live with family or receive aid, your out-of-pocket costs could be lower; living near campus may add expenses. Starting with the $35,036 average gives you a practical baseline, and checking aid early can make pursuing a Pasadena degree feel more achievable.

How long does it take to finish college in Pasadena, CA?

A bachelor's degree in Pasadena typically takes four years full-time; an associate degree at Pasadena City College (PCC) usually takes two. Programs at ArtCenter College of Design and Caltech may follow specialized schedules, so check department requirements.

Completion varies: the averages show a 44.67% graduation rate overall and 86.5% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 52.4% for men and 46.17% for women. Use these as context, not a campus-specific prediction; compare local program outcomes and support before you enroll.

To finish sooner, Pasadena students can:

• Use AP/IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits to meet requirements sooner, after confirming acceptance with your college.
• Take summer courses or heavier - but manageable - course loads; PCC's counseling and transfer planning can help you avoid classes that do not advance your degree.
• Ask about accelerated terms, credit for prior learning, and year-round schedules; steady advising makes an earlier finish feel achievable without sacrificing well-being.

Salary

Graduates in Pasadena, CA can use a median alumni salary of $43,934.50 as a starting benchmark; graduates of top 10% schools have a median of $79,325.50. Your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and the role you pursue.

Pasadena students attend institutions such as California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, and ArtCenter College of Design. These figures are broad benchmarks, not salary guarantees for graduates of any one school. Still, they offer an encouraging sense of the earning potential a degree may support as you build your career in or beyond Pasadena.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Pasadena?

Pasadena has six major campus-based colleges and universities: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena City College, ArtCenter College of Design, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pacific Oaks College, and Providence Christian College. Counts can vary depending on whether online institutions or smaller specialized schools are included, but these six offer a useful starting point for exploring local options.

What is the largest university in Pasadena?

Pasadena City College is the largest local higher-education institution by student enrollment, serving tens of thousands of students. It is a community college rather than a university, with an especially broad range of programs and pathways. For a prospective student, that scale can mean lots of course choices and a lively campus community.

How many universities are there in Pasadena?

If you mean institutions with a physical campus in the city, the practical answer is six. The number is not completely fixed because "university" is sometimes used loosely to include colleges, and online or administrative institutions may be counted differently. Checking each school's location and programs can help narrow down your choices.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Pasadena, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a Pasadena research university known for science and engineering. For a student already based in Pasadena, its local location can make campus access convenient. It enrolls 2,369 students, reports a 94% graduation rate and a 3% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $63,402, while median alumni salary is $109,249. These figures offer useful context when comparing academic selectivity, expenses and outcomes before choosing a degree and planning to study close to home in Pasadena.

Art Center College of Design is a Pasadena-based college focused on art and design. Its 2,237 enrolled students and 75% acceptance rate may interest applicants seeking a specialized creative education. The reported graduation rate is 79%. Total cost of studying is $53,086, and median alumni salary is $49,402. For Pasadena residents, its local setting can simplify exploring campus and commuting options. Compare program offerings, portfolio expectations and financial aid directly before deciding whether this design-centered college fits your goals and budget.

Pacific Oaks College, located in Pasadena, offers a locally accessible option for students interested in education, human development and related fields. It enrolls 1,068 students and has a 34% acceptance rate; graduation-rate data is unavailable. Annual total study cost is listed as $32,040, with median alumni salary of $47,166. These figures can help Pasadena applicants frame affordability and outcomes, but individual results vary. Review degree choices, learning format and financial-aid opportunities, then compare full costs with your plans before applying.

Providence Christian College is a small Christian liberal arts college in Pasadena, offering a faith-centered campus environment. It enrolls 173 students, reports a 20% graduation rate and a 100% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $36,038, and median alumni salary is $35,742. For Pasadena applicants, its location may make campus visits easier. Consider how religious perspective, programs and campus culture align with your priorities. Verify degree options and financial aid, and assess whether cost fits your personal budget.

Los Angeles College of Music is a Pasadena music college for students pursuing focused, career-oriented music study. It enrolls 262 students, with an 88% acceptance rate and a 41% graduation rate. Listed total study cost is $25,650, and median alumni salary is $24,298. For Pasadena residents, its nearby campus can make local visits and commuting practical. Explore its current programs, performance opportunities and financial aid, and compare the cost and reported outcomes with your goals before committing to music study.