2026 Best Value Latino Studies Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in latino studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Latino Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked California State University Fresno the best value for a degree in latino studies in California. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $15,598. Latino Studies graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Students looking for strong value in latino studies will find it at California State University Dominguez Hills, which ranked #2. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Latino Studies graduates carry a median of $15,886 in student loans. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $52,683. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Fresno City College one of the best values for latino studies. Fresno City College is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $7,234. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $37,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in latino studies will find it at Stanford University, which ranked #4. 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 latino studies program here. Soon after graduation, latino studies degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.
California State University Northridge is a great value for students pursuing a degree in latino studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Latino Studies graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $26,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
California State University Long Beach placed #6 among the best values for latino studies. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Latino Studies graduates carry a median of $12,187 in student loans. Latino Studies graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $27,726 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,187 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
California State University Los Angeles earned the #7 position for value in latino studies this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, latino studies degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $27,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value latino studies schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $18,998. Latino Studies graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $26,712 early in their careers. Set against $18,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.
San Francisco State University earned the #9 position for value in latino studies this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,875 to complete the latino studies program here. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $31,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.
San Jose State University placed #10 among the best values for latino studies. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.
University Of California Riverside placed #11 among the best values for latino studies. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $23,000. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $31,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.
Sonoma State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value latino studies schools. Located in the suburb of Rohnert Park, Sonoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Latino Studies graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $35,263. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. Sonoma State University admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #13 spot for latino studies value this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete the latino studies program here. Latino Studies graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $32,341 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value latino studies schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the latino studies program here. Latino Studies graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $37,581 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.
University Of California Berkeley placed #15 among the best values for latino studies. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $15,740. Latino Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $34,559 early in their careers. Set against $15,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Chico placed #16 among the best values for latino studies. Located in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,591 to complete the latino studies program here. Soon after graduation, latino studies degree recipients from California State University Chico generally make around $45,591. Set against $18,591 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of California Davis came in at #17 for value in latino studies this year. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $14,155. Soon after graduation, latino studies degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $32,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.
San Diego State University placed #18 among the best values for latino studies. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,499 to complete the latino studies program here. Soon after graduation, latino studies degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $29,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%.
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value latino studies schools. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $19,747. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $31,140. That is a strong return on a $19,747 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.
Laney College placed #20 among the best values for latino studies. Laney College is a large public school located in the city of Oakland. Students from in state pay about $1,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,282 ten years after entry.
University Of Southern California came in at #21 for value in latino studies this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Latino Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career latino studies graduates make about $75,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
Loyola Marymount University landed the #22 spot for latino studies value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for latino studies graduates is $23,149. Latino Studies graduates of Loyola Marymount University earn a median of $26,868 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 28 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 15 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.
[Latino Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/latino-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
