2026 Best Value Microbiology Schools in California

1

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Leading the list is California State University Long Beach, our #1 best value for microbiology in California. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $48,631. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $13,811 in student loans. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $43,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

3

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Riverside one of the best values for microbiology. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $14,121. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $43,086. Set against $14,121 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

5

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for microbiology. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,308 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $50,706. Set against $14,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

6

California State University Chico
Chico, CA

California State University Chico placed #6 among the best values for microbiology. Set in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,572 to complete the microbiology program here. Microbiology graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $49,068 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,572 median debt. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants.

7

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. 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, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $46,005. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

8

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $22,138. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $55,807. That is a strong return on a $22,138 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

9

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University earned the #9 position for value in microbiology this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the microbiology program here. Microbiology graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $45,360 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.