Which is the priciest public college in California?

I've been looking at some public colleges in California. And the cost is a huge factor for me because I want a solid education without drowning in student loans. Which public colleges in California typically have the highest tuition cost?

The University of California, Berkeley often tops the list of priciest public colleges in California in terms of tuition. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the in-state tuition and fees are approximately $16,608 and the out-of-state tuition is around $50,808. Keep in mind that this does not include other costs like housing, books, and personal expenses, which can add up to approximately $22,000. However, Berkeley also offers robust financial aid for both in-state, so don't let the sticker price deter you without first considering your financial aid options.

But prices vary by resident status—typically, out-of-state students will face considerably higher tuition than in-state students. For instance, other UC schools like UC San Diego and UCLA have comparable in-state tuition to Berkeley but significantly higher out-of-state tuition.

If you are an out-of-state student, it may be more beneficial to look into California State University schools, as their out-of-state tuition cost typically less than out-of-state tuition at UC schools.