Most
Affordable Colleges in Pasadena in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pasadena, CA, offers access to local colleges and Southern California's business community. At Pasadena City College, students can pursue business administration coursework and transfer preparation; University of the People, headquartered in Pasadena, offers an online bachelor's degree in business administration. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, statistics, and organizational behavior. Graduates commonly seek roles such as marketing coordinator, sales representative, human resources assistant, operations supervisor, or entry-level business analyst.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pasadena, California, can begin with foundational coursework in cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. Pasadena City College offers undergraduate psychology study, while Fuller Theological Seminary's School of Psychology provides graduate pathways. Popular career options include case manager, behavioral technician, human resources specialist, research assistant, and mental health counselor; some positions require advanced degrees or licensure. Students also build communication, assessment, and data-analysis skills through coursework and supervised practical experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pasadena, California, offers rigorous university and community college programs. Caltech is known for its computer science degree, while Pasadena City College provides foundational coursework and transfer pathways. Typical classes include programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, and artificial intelligence. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, or application developer roles across technology, finance, healthcare, and research organizations. Local internships can complement classroom learning around Pasadena, too.

Counseling

Studying counseling programs in Pasadena, CA, can prepare students to support individuals, couples, and communities. Coursework commonly covers counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical skills. Local options include Pacific Oaks College and Fuller Theological Seminary, which offer relevant graduate pathways. Graduates may pursue roles such as marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, school counselor, or substance-use counselor, depending on degree, licensure requirements, and additional supervised experience in California settings.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pasadena, California, typically combines classroom learning, simulation, and supervised clinical rotations. At Pasadena City College, students can pursue an associate degree in nursing; coursework commonly includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing, and medical-surgical care. Graduates commonly seek registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, and community health settings, subject to licensure. Pasadena's college options are limited, so prospective students should verify current program availability and admissions requirements before applying.

Best Colleges in Pasadena, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is $34,039, compared with $58,244 for schools in the top 10%, a difference of $24,205.
• An average of 89.6% of students receive financial aid; among top 10% schools, the average is 60.0%.
• The average acceptance rate is 60.0%. Schools receive an average of 3,170.2 applicants, compared with an average of 8,898.0 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 204.0 men and 210.0 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 53.6%, compared with 88.0% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 34.0% for men and 57.0% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, five offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• There are six coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates and graduation outcomes. Consider how the available degree levels and coeducational options fit your goals, and note that top 10% schools have higher median costs and average applicant numbers but also higher average graduation rates.

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

The average cost of getting a degree in Pasadena, CA, is about $35,036. This gives you a starting point for comparing options such as Pasadena City College and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), while remembering that your bill depends on the school, program, and how long you attend.

Average cost figures include:

• $34,528.83 for tuition and fees
• $19,092.75 for room and board
• $2,172.33 for books and supplies

These are budgeting benchmarks, not a personalized quote; confirm how each college defines its costs and whether housing or course materials apply to you. If you're based in Pasadena, living at home may change your housing expenses, while commuting and financial aid can affect what you pay. Ask financial aid offices about grants, scholarships, payment plans, and aid eligibility. With these averages in hand, you can compare schools confidently and build a plan for earning your degree.

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

For a bachelor's degree in Pasadena, CA, expect about four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes about two. Your timeline depends on course availability, enrollment pace, and transfer credits. Pasadena City College offers associate-degree and transfer pathways, while Caltech and ArtCenter College of Design provide other options.

Across the schools represented, the average graduation rate is 53.6%; it is 88.0% for the top 10%. Rates average 52.4% for men and 55.4% for women. These figures show that completion varies and are not individual guarantees. Compare program requirements before enrolling.

To finish sooner, consider:

• Ask whether AP, IB, or previous college credits can satisfy requirements.
• Take summer courses or heavier course loads when manageable and available.
• Plan transfers with an adviser to avoid duplicated coursework; Pasadena City College students can map eligible credits toward a bachelor's program.
• Check accelerated formats while protecting time for work and wellbeing, too.

Salary

Graduates in Pasadena, CA can use a median alumni salary of about $47,166 as a helpful earnings benchmark. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is approximately $85,310. Your own pay will depend on your field, experience, degree, and employer.

Pasadena offers several well-known options, including California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, and ArtCenter College of Design. Their programs lead to different career paths, so earnings can vary substantially: a graduate entering a technical or design-focused role may have different prospects from someone pursuing another field. Comparing programs by career outcomes and the kinds of jobs they prepare you for can help you feel more confident about your investment in a degree.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Pasadena?

Costs depend greatly on the college, your residency, and whether you mean tuition alone or the full cost of attendance. At Pasadena City College, California residents pay $46 per unit in enrollment fees - about $1,104 for 24 units, before other fees, books, and living expenses. Private colleges in Pasadena can cost tens of thousands of dollars in tuition annually.

What college in Pasadena has the lowest tuition?

For a California resident, Pasadena City College is generally the lowest-cost option among Pasadena colleges: its enrollment fee is $46 per unit. Your actual bill may also include campus fees, books, and supplies, and financial aid may lower what you pay. Check the college's current fee schedule before enrolling, since rates and charges can change.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Pasadena, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

Pacific Oaks College offers a small, community-oriented setting in Pasadena, with programs especially associated with education, human development, and social change. Its 1,068 enrolled students may appeal to learners seeking a less sprawling college environment near home. The reported acceptance rate is 34%; graduation-rate data are unavailable. Listed total study cost is $32,040, while median alumni salary is $47,166. For a Pasadena student, staying local can simplify commuting and connect coursework with the region's diverse schools, communities, and organizations.

University of the People is an online, nonprofit institution known for accessible, low-cost higher education, making it an option for Pasadena residents who want to study from home. It enrolls 43,542 students, and its reported graduation rate is 34%; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The listed total study cost is $0, although students should confirm any fees or current charges directly with the college. Median alumni salary data are not available. Online study gives Pasadena residents flexibility around work and family.

California Institute of Technology, commonly called Caltech, is a small, highly selective Pasadena university renowned for science, engineering, and research. Its 2,369 enrolled students experience an academically intensive environment close to the city's cultural and outdoor amenities. The acceptance rate is 3%, and the graduation rate is 94%. Listed total study cost is $63,402; median alumni salary is $109,249. For local applicants, Caltech offers a globally recognized education without leaving Pasadena, though its admissions selectivity and costs warrant careful planning.

Los Angeles College of Music, or LACM, is a specialized school in Pasadena focused on contemporary music and the working music industry. With 262 students, it offers a notably intimate setting for aspiring performers, producers, and songwriters. Its reported acceptance rate is 88%, and graduation rate is 41%. Total study cost is listed as $25,650, while median alumni salary is $24,298. For Pasadena-area students pursuing music careers, its focused curriculum may be appealing; compare program and career support before enrolling.

Providence Christian College is a small Christian liberal arts college in Pasadena, offering an explicitly faith-centered campus community. Its 173 enrolled students create a close-knit scale that may appeal to learners seeking personal interaction and a values-based education. The reported acceptance rate is 100%, while the graduation rate is 20%. Total study cost is $36,038, and median alumni salary is $35,742. For Pasadena students, its local setting is convenient; review academic offerings, faith commitments, and outcomes to assess fit carefully.