2026 Best Value Other Computer Engineering Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Leading the list is University Of California San Diego, our #1 best value for other computer engineering in California. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Other Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,497 in student loans. Early-career other computer engineering graduates make about $60,797. Set against $18,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Merced
Merced, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Merced one of the best values for other computer engineering. Set in the suburb of Merced, University Of California Merced is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,653, with out-of-state students paying around $46,541. Students borrow a median of $19,086 to complete the other computer engineering program here. Other Computer Engineering graduates of University Of California Merced earn a median of $42,071 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

3

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #3 place for other computer engineering. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,233 to complete the other computer engineering program here. Soon after graduation, other computer engineering degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $79,812. That is a strong return on a $19,233 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other computer engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $14,103 to complete the other computer engineering program here. Soon after graduation, other computer engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Set against $14,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

5

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other computer engineering schools. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical student debt for other computer engineering graduates is $23,392. Soon after graduation, other computer engineering degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $100,363. Set against $23,392 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.