2026 Best Value American U.S. Studies Schools in California

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Los Angeles the best value for a degree in american u.s. studies in California. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. American U.s. Studies graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $48,403 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

2

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fullerton earned it the #2 place for american u.s. studies. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $29,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Long Beach earned it the #3 place for american u.s. studies. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,697 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $28,591. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.

4

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stanford University earned it the #4 place for american u.s. studies. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for american u.s. studies. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,972 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. American U.s. Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $50,728 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,972 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

6

Coastline Community College
Fountain Valley, CA

Coastline Community College came in at #6 for value in american u.s. studies this year. Coastline Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fountain Valley. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, compared with $11,612 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,483 ten years after entry.

7

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #7 spot for american u.s. studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,167 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. American U.s. Studies graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $21,527 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

8

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #8 position for value in american u.s. studies this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. American U.s. Studies graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.