2026 Best Value International Business Schools in California
[International Business](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/international-business/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 49 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value international business schools.
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2026 Best Value International Business Schools in California
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the international business degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value International Business Schools
Cerritos College earned the #1 spot for value among international business schools in California. Cerritos College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norwalk. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. International Business graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international business degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mt San Antonio College earned it the #2 place for international business. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete the international business program here. Early-career international business graduates make about $44,391. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Pasadena City College one of the best values for international business. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the international business program here. International Business graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.
Santa Ana College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value international business schools. Located in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international business graduates is $11,196. International Business graduates of Santa Ana College earn a median of $39,633 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in international business will find it at California State University Fullerton, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. International Business graduates carry a median of $21,589 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international business degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $45,419. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Long Beach City College placed #6 among the best values for international business. Located in the city of Long Beach, Long Beach City College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,556, compared with $12,544 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international business graduates is $6,000. Median earnings reach $38,870 ten years out. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
San Diego State University placed #7 among the best values for international business. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $13,644 to complete the international business program here. Soon after graduation, international business degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $38,138. Set against $13,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Saint Marys College Of California landed the #8 spot for international business value this year. Set in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. Students borrow a median of $25,041 to complete the international business program here. Soon after graduation, international business degree recipients from Saint Marys College Of California generally make around $59,760. That is a strong return on a $25,041 median debt. Saint Marys College Of California admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of San Diego earned the #9 position for value in international business this year. Set in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,486 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international business graduates is $19,197. Soon after graduation, international business degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $48,463. Set against $19,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants.
University Of San Francisco earned the #10 position for value in international business this year. University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the international business program here. Early-career international business graduates make about $57,780. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants.
Pepperdine University came in at #11 for value in international business this year. Set in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,918. International Business graduates carry a median of $23,645 in student loans. Early-career international business graduates make about $57,582. That is a strong return on a $23,645 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.
More International Business Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 49 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
