MRI Program Cost Comparison - California Schools (2026)
Compare true total cost of attendance across California MRI programs - not just tuition. And see what financial aid can do to the number you actually pay.
Important: Tuition ? Total Cost
The number schools advertise is usually tuition only. True total cost of attendance includes: tuition + fees + books/materials + uniforms/equipment + exam fees (ARMRIT or ARRT) + living expenses during the program. Always request the total cost disclosure from any school before making decisions.
Cost Components to Compare
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,000–$40,000+ | Varies widely by school and program length. Verify directly. |
| Fees | $500–$3,000 | Registration, lab, technology fees - ask for itemized breakdown. |
| Books & Materials | $500–$2,000 | Textbooks, online resources, study materials. |
| Uniforms / Equipment | $200–$800 | Scrubs, stethoscope, clinical gear. |
| ARMRIT Exam Fee | ~$200–$400 | Verify current fees at ARMRIT.org |
| ARRT Exam Fee | ~$200–$250 | Verify current fees at ARRT.org |
| CA CDPH Application | ~$100–$300 | State recognition application fee - verify at CDPH.ca.gov |
| Living Expenses (12–18 mo) | $18,000–$36,000+ | Highly variable by city. OC/LA is expensive. Budget carefully. |
California MRI Schools
Contact each school directly for current tuition and total charges.
Casa Loma College
📍 15301 Ventura Blvd, Suite D-100, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
📞 (800) 270-5052
www.casalomacollege.eduCalifornia Career Institute
AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AASMRI)
📍 Anaheim Campus: 1240 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806
📍 Hawthorne Campus: South Bay / Los Angeles area
📞 (714) 539-5959
🌙 Evening classes available
🎓 AAS Degree program
www.calinstitute.edu View MRI Program →CBD College
AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
📍 3699 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010
📞 (213) 427-2200
🎓 AAS Degree program
www.cbd.edu View MRI Program →CNI College
📍 1610 E. Saint Andrew Place, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92705
📞 (800) 455-4700
www.cnicollege.eduGurnick Academy of Medical Arts
📍 1641 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Van Nuys campus also available)
📞 (877) 487-6425
www.gurnick.eduSmith Chason College
📍 3580 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010
📞 (310) 289-5123
www.smithchason.eduHow Financial Aid Reduces Your Cost
ROI: What's the Return on Investment?
Illustrative estimates only. Verify actual costs and use your specific numbers in our calculator.
What's the cheapest MRI program in California?
Community college MRI programs (where available) may offer lower tuition - but they often have waitlists and may require prerequisites. Vocational school programs have faster start dates but higher tuition. The "cheapest" option depends on total cost (including living expenses) and time to completion. Use our cost calculator to compare total cost scenarios.
Can I use FAFSA for any California MRI program?
No - FAFSA only applies to Title IV-eligible schools. Many vocational MRI programs are not Title IV-eligible. Always ask the school directly before assuming FAFSA will work. Full FAFSA guide →
Calculate Your Total Cost
Cost Calculator →(BLS May 2024)