2026 Best Value Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Schools in California

1

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

For return on investment in biochemistry & molecular biology, no school beat University Of California Irvine this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Early-career biochemistry & molecular biology graduates make about $42,200. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biochemistry & molecular biology schools. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $17,250 to complete the biochemistry & molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, biochemistry & molecular biology degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $30,077. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biochemistry & molecular biology, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $11,208 to complete the biochemistry & molecular biology program here. Early-career biochemistry & molecular biology graduates make about $53,749. Set against $11,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value biochemistry & molecular biology schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for biochemistry & molecular biology graduates is $3,750. Soon after graduation, biochemistry & molecular biology degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $34,468. Set against $3,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.