2026 Best Value Area Studies, Other 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 area studies, other in California. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for area studies, other graduates is $11,300. Early-career area studies, other graduates make about $60,797. Set against $11,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value area studies, other schools. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Area Studies, Other graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Area Studies, Other graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

3

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value area studies, other schools. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $22,697 to complete the area studies, other program here. Soon after graduation, area studies, other degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. That is a strong return on a $22,697 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in area studies, other, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Area Studies, Other graduates carry a median of $17,746 in student loans. Soon after graduation, area studies, other degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $23,819. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of Southern California one of the best values for area studies, other. 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. Area Studies, Other graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Area Studies, Other graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.

6

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value area studies, other schools. Located in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete the area studies, other program here. Area Studies, Other graduates of University Of San Francisco earn a median of $65,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.