Affordable College Tuition and Fees
Online Education with a Personal Touch
Considering an investment in your education? CalSouthern makes it possible.
Since 1978, we’ve been dedicated to our vision: making education affordable and convenient for non-traditional learners – those who are often adults juggling career and family obligations. That vision still guides CalSouthern today, and we offer several options to make reasonably priced tuition a reality.
CalSouthern Offers
Locked-in tuition
Your tuition will never increase as long as you remain continuously enrolled in a degree or certificate program.
Interest-free payment options
Select the best fit for your personal circumstances. This allows learners the opportunity to graduate with zero interest payment plans.
Federal loan deferment
Enrolled students who are qualified can defer their existing federal loans from previous educational institutions. See FAQ for more information.
Current Assistance Offers
We are proud to offer reduced tuition to Alumni, Military/Veterans and their family members, and First Responders for their entire degree program. Please see details below.
Affordable, online, and institutionally accredited, there is quality in higher education with CalSouthern. Below you will find the affordability of our programs and our flexible payment options.
The University reserves the right to change tuition and fees as it deems necessary; however, the learner who has enrolled in a program of study, signed an Enrollment Agreement and commenced courses, will not be subject to a tuition increase during the duration of the enrollment provided the learner maintains satisfactory academic progress and maintains continuous enrollment.
Tuition Cost
Effective for new learners enrolling June 1, 2024 and after.*
| Program Of Study | Total Semester Credits Required For Graduation | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Program Tuition* (With Fees)1,2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies | 60 | $425 | $25,975 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 120 | $425 | $51,475 |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | 120 | $425 | $51,475 |
| Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | 120 | $250 | $30,475 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science | 120 | $425 | $51,475 |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 60 | $395 | $24,278 |
- Application Fee $75
- Technology Fee $300
- Graduation Audit Fee $100
- Resource Fee for Physical Assessment course in the BSN program $103
*The program tuition does not include the cost of books. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and supplies required for class. Although the cost of textbooks and supplies vary by program, the average cost is $50 – $80 per course for undergraduate programs.
| Program Of Study | Total Semester Credits Required For Graduation | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Program Tuition* (With Fees) 1,2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | 36 | $645 | $23,695 |
| Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction | 30 | $645 | $19,825 |
| Master of Arts in Psychology | 60 | $645 | $39,175 |
| Master of Science in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership | 36 | $645 | $23,695 |
| Master of Science in Nursing | 36 | $645 | $23,798 |
| Master of Science in Psychology | 42 | $645 | $27,565 |
| Master of Science in General Psychology | 30 | $645 | $19,825 |
- Application Fee $75
- Technology Fee $300
- Graduation Audit Fee $100
- Resource Fee for Physical Assessment course in the MSN program $103
*The program tuition does not include the cost of books. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and supplies required for class. Although the cost of textbooks and supplies vary by program, the average cost is $40 – $95 per course for graduate programs.
| Program Of Study | Total Semester Credits Required For Graduation | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Program Tuition* (With Fees) 1,2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Psychology: Clinical Specialization | 66 | $645 | $44,695 |
| Doctor of Psychology: General | 66 | $645 | $44,695 |
| Doctor of Business Administration | 60 | $645 | $40,825 |
- Application Fee $75
- Technology Fee $300
- Graduation Audit Fee $100
- Doctoral Project Fee $1,650**
*The program tuition does not include the cost of books. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and supplies required for class. Although the cost of textbooks and supplies vary by program, the average cost is $40 – $95 per course for graduate programs
**Learners who separate from the University and return at a later date may be required to pay this fee more than one time.
| Program Of Study | Total Semester Credits Required For Graduation | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Program Tuition* (With Fees) 1,2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Certificate Programs | 27 | $425 | $11,900 |
| Graduate Certificate Programs | 18 | $645 | $12,035 |
- Application Fee $75
- Technology Fee $300
- Certificate Completion Audit Fee$50
*The program tuition does not include the cost of books. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and supplies required for class. Although the costs of textbooks and supplies vary by program, the average cost is $40 – $95 per course for graduate programs and $50 – $80 per course for undergraduate programs.
1Tuition cost displayed above assumes a student is continuously enrolled and satisfactorily completes all program requirements for graduation. The total tuition cost may increase due to academic failure of courses and/or withdrawals and drops.
2 For more information regarding additional fees, please see the University Catalog.
*Learners enrolled prior to June 1, 2024 should refer to the University Catalog for their tuition information.
Flexible Payment Options
CalSouthern offers several payment options. Access the catalog for full details or get in touch with your Admissions Advisor for questions related to payment plans. Option 4 is available only for tuition payment. All learner fees must be paid at the time they are incurred or requested.
*Payments made by credit or debit card will be assessed for a processing fee.
| Option | Tuition | Payment(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Pay in Full |
Pay full program tuition upfront | ZERO monthly payments |
| Option 2: Course-at-a-Time Payment Plan* |
Pay full per course cost upfront as you progress | Manageable course payments |
| Option 3: 50/50 Payment Plan* |
50% upfront and 50% following month, per course | Pay online, by mail or phone |
| Option 4: Monthly Payment Plans* |
Program specific Monthly Installment plans. | Pay online, by mail or phone |
| Option 5: 3rd Party Payer* |
Use your company benefits | Payments to be made using company benefits |
*Payments made by credit or debit card will be assessed a processing fee of 2.85%, or a minimum of $3.00, whichever is greater.
Current Assistance Offers
CalSouthern is proud to offer reduced tuition to alumni, military/veterans and their family members, eligible employees of the Corporate Educational Alliance partners, and first responders for their entire degree program.
| Offer | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 10% Reduced Tuition for AIUS Alumni** | Alumni with a bachelor’s degree from an AIUS institution (American InterContinental University or Trident University International) receive a 10% reduction in tuition for master’s degree and graduate certificate programs. | Restrictions may apply for this offer. Questions can be directed to our Admissions Department by email at admissions@calsouthern.edu or by phone at 800.477.2254. |
| 10% Reduced Tuition for CalSouthern Alumni** | CalSouthern Alumni receive a 10% reduction in tuition for all programs. | Restrictions may apply for this offer. Questions can be directed to our Admissions Department by email at admissions@calsouthern.edu or by phone at 800.477.2254. |
| 15% Reduced Tuition for Military/Veteran Learners and their Dependents** | California Southern University offers a reduced tuition of 15% off tuition to active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents. | Required documentation and restrictions may apply for this offer. Contact our Military Program Administrator by email at ipozuelos@calsouthern.edu or by phone at 800.477.2254 ext. 4250 for more information. |
| 15% Reduced Tuition for First Responders** | California Southern University seeks to assist prospective learners on the front lines who continue to serve our communities and ensure our health, safety, and quality of life. In an effort to give back and support the educational aspirations of these learners, CalSouthern will grant eligible first responders a reduced tuition of 15% off tuition when they enroll in a degree or certificate program. | Required documentation and restrictions may apply for this offer. Questions can be directed to our Admissions Department by email at admissions@calsouthern.edu or by phone at 800.477.2254. |
| CalSouthern Educational Alliances Grant* | A tuition grant for an employee or member of a company or organization that is an educational alliance member (or an immediate family member); percentage varies by alliance. | Please speak to your Admissions Advisor for more information. |
| CalSouthern Achievement Grant* | In collaboration with select participating employers, the University has established the CalSouthern Achievement Grant to assist eligible learners with the opportunity to attend the institution. The CalSouthern Achievement Grant is available for degree programs specified by the University; not all programs may be eligible. | Please speak to your Admissions Advisor for more information. |
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
**Tuition reduction does not apply to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) program.
The CalSouthern Stance on Financial Aid
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated some of its programs as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. If a program is designated in this manner, it will be noted in its catalog description. This means students enrolling in these designated programs may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for them. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.
Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
CalSouthern’s Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Business Administration degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation)
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
When it comes to finances, when it comes to the requirements of the degree, I felt that transparency, responsiveness and accountability, that’s what really made me [decide to] work with California Southern.
