2026 Best Value Native American Studies Schools in California

1

California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos earned the #1 spot for value among native american studies schools in California. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $17,527. Native American Studies graduates of California State University San Marcos earn a median of $48,726 early in their careers. Set against $17,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. 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. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $10,492. Native American Studies graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $41,156 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

A rank of #3 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values for native american studies. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $17,875. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $31,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

4

Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA

Humboldt State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in native american studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $15,533 in student loans. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $30,844. Set against $15,533 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

Students looking for strong value in native american studies will find it at University Of California Riverside, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $23,000. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $31,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for native american studies value this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $37,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #7 spot for native american studies value this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,740 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $34,559. That is a strong return on a $15,740 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,155 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $32,563. That is a strong return on a $14,155 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

9

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #9 for value in native american studies this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $20,499 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. Set against $20,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.