If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the community college education degrees they offer, see the list below.
California State University Fullerton earned the #1 spot for value among community college education schools in the Far Western Region. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete the community college education program here. Community College Education graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $96,306 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Stanislaus earned it the #2 place for community college education. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Community College Education graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $46,807. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University San Bernardino earned it the #3 place for community college education. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $15,149. Early-career community college education graduates make about $111,677. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
California State University Fresno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in community college education, landing the #4 spot this year. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $15,598. Community College Education graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $113,758 early in their careers. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes California State University Northridge one of the best values for community college education. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $16,202. Community College Education graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $84,058 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.
California State University Long Beach earned the #6 position for value in community college education this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Community College Education graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $96,042. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Sacramento ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value community college education schools. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete the community college education program here. Early-career community college education graduates make about $77,944. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.
San Francisco State University placed #8 among the best values for community college education. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,024 to complete the community college education program here. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $106,694. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
San Diego State University earned the #9 position for value in community college education this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. 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 $16,417 to complete the community college education program here. Community College Education graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $105,035 early in their careers. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 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.
[Community College Education](/majors/education/educational-administration/community-college-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
