2026 Best Value Bioinformatics Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego tops our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,724 to complete the bioinformatics program here. Bioinformatics graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $76,592 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,724 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in bioinformatics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for bioinformatics graduates is $16,539. Soon after graduation, bioinformatics degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for bioinformatics graduates is $16,097. Early-career bioinformatics graduates make about $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

A rank of #4 makes San Diego State University one of the best values for bioinformatics. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for bioinformatics graduates is $16,417. Early-career bioinformatics graduates make about $51,162. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Cruz earned it the #5 place for bioinformatics. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Bioinformatics graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Bioinformatics graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $40,920 early in their careers. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #6 for value in bioinformatics this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Bioinformatics graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, bioinformatics degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $58,044. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%.