2026 Best Value Other Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

For return on investment in other ecology, evolution & systematics biology, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates is $18,834. Soon after graduation, other ecology, evolution & systematics biology degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $40,677. That is a strong return on a $18,834 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Irvine one of the best values for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates is $16,539. Early-career other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates make about $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Santa Barbara one of the best values for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the other ecology, evolution & systematics biology program here. Other Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $29,258 early in their careers. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

4

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

Students looking for strong value in other ecology, evolution & systematics biology will find it at University Of California Santa Cruz, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates is $18,887. Early-career other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates make about $25,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%.

5

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other ecology, evolution & systematics biology, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates is $15,625. Early-career other ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates make about $75,677. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.