2026 Best Value Rhetoric & Composition Schools in California

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

Leading the list is California State University Fresno, our #1 best value for rhetoric & composition in California. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the rhetoric & composition program here. Soon after graduation, rhetoric & composition degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $49,502. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.

2

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in rhetoric & composition, landing the #2 spot 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. Typical student debt for rhetoric & composition graduates is $18,500. Soon after graduation, rhetoric & composition degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $50,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Students looking for strong value in rhetoric & composition will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Students looking for strong value in rhetoric & composition will find it at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Rhetoric & Composition graduates carry a median of $14,037 in student loans. Rhetoric & Composition graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $44,553 early in their careers. Set against $14,037 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

5

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

A rank of #5 makes San Diego State University one of the best values for rhetoric & composition. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for rhetoric & composition graduates is $16,417. Soon after graduation, rhetoric & composition degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.