Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in community college education, balancing cost against outcomes.
California State University Fullerton tops our 2026 list of the best value community college education schools in California. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $15,525. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $96,306. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
California State University Stanislaus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in community college education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $14,813. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $46,807. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes California State University San Bernardino one of the best values for community college education. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $15,149. Early-career community college education graduates make about $111,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
California State University Fresno came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value community college education schools. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $15,598. Early-career community college education graduates make about $113,758. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Northridge earned it the #5 place for community college education. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Long Beach came in at #6 for value in community college education this year. 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. Community College Education graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Early-career community college education graduates make about $96,042. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.
California State University Sacramento landed the #7 spot for community college education value this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete the community college education program here. Community College Education graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $77,944 early in their careers. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
San Francisco State University earned the #8 position for value in community college education this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.
San Diego State University placed #9 among the best values for community college education. 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, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $16,417. Community College Education graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $105,035 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.
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 · 10 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/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
