2026 Best Value Bioinformatics Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Leading the list is University Of California San Diego, our #1 best value for bioinformatics in California. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, 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 came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Bioinformatics graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Bioinformatics graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in bioinformatics will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Bioinformatics graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Bioinformatics graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical student debt for bioinformatics graduates is $16,417. Soon after graduation, bioinformatics degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%.

5

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Students borrow a median of $18,559 to complete the bioinformatics program here. Early-career bioinformatics graduates make about $40,920. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value bioinformatics schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Bioinformatics graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Bioinformatics graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $58,044 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.