California State University-Channel Islands prices its degrees accessibly across the income spectrum. Low-income families pay approximately $6,857 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $9,083, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,473.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,561 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,759 |
| Room and Board | $15,490 |
| Books and Supplies | $944 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,712 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,849 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,857 |
| $30–48k | $7,083 |
| $48–75k | $9,083 |
| $75–110k | $12,286 |
| $110k+ | $20,473 |
California State University-Channel Islands prices its degrees accessibly across the income spectrum. Low-income families pay approximately $6,857 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $9,083, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,473. Azimuth ranks California State University-Channel Islands #84 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Need-based aid plays a meaningful role in shaping what families actually pay. As a California State University campus, California State University-Channel Islands participates in federal Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and institutional aid programs that together reduce the gap between the published cost of attendance of $23,561 and what most students pay out of pocket. Families applying through the FAFSA can access the full range of federal and state aid, and lower-income households typically see the largest reductions from sticker price. For a fuller picture of how , the gap between published cost and net price is worth examining carefully before drawing conclusions about affordability. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $15,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $22,033; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,304, median federal debt of $15,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $169 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California State University-Channel Islands earn median 4-year earnings of $59,304, placing California State University-Channel Islands in the 39.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $9,221 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 84.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks California State University-Channel Islands #689 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Psychology, General reports 356 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $48,789, ranked #154 nationally in its major. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General reports 236 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $58,396, ranked #28 nationally in its major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 215 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $71,183, ranked #110 nationally in its major. Sociology reports 127 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $56,855, ranked #45 nationally in its major.
