2026 Best Value Actuarial Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

For return on investment in actuarial science, no school beat University Of California Santa Barbara this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,128 to complete the actuarial science program here. Actuarial Science graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $66,099 early in their careers. Set against $11,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Riverside earned it the #2 place for actuarial science. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Actuarial Science graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Soon after graduation, actuarial science degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $55,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in actuarial science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for actuarial science graduates is $16,097. Actuarial Science graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $169,099 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Students looking for strong value in actuarial science will find it at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #4. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the actuarial science program here. Soon after graduation, actuarial science degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $70,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.