2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

For return on investment in individualized studies, no school beat California State University Dominguez Hills this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $15,453. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $33,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

Las Positas College
Livermore, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Las Positas College earned it the #2 place for individualized studies. Las Positas College is a large public school located in the city of Livermore. In-state tuition and fees average $1,168, with out-of-state students paying around $9,808. Median earnings reach $51,088 ten years out.

3

De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at De Anza College, which ranked #3. De Anza College is a very large public school located in the city of Cupertino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,571, compared with $12,596 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $7,271 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,596 ten years after entry. Set against $7,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Sierra College
Rocklin, CA

A rank of #4 makes Sierra College one of the best values for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of Rocklin, Sierra College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,446 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,733 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $29,214. That is a strong return on a $12,733 median debt.

5

University Of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK

A rank of #5 makes University Of Alaska Southeast one of the best values for individualized studies. Located in the rural area of Juneau, University Of Alaska Southeast is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,936, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,095 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from University Of Alaska Southeast generally make around $63,014. That is a strong return on a $10,095 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

6

Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA

Foothill College landed the #6 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,565, with out-of-state students paying around $12,590. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $11,595 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $94,152. That is a strong return on a $11,595 median debt.

7

Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Glendale, CA

Glendale Community College Glendale Ca came in at #7 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,191, while out-of-state students pay about $10,935. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $19,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,540. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Northwest Indian College
Bellingham, WA

Northwest Indian College placed #8 among the best values for individualized studies. Northwest Indian College is a small public school located in the suburb of Bellingham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,365. Individualized Studies graduates of Northwest Indian College earn a median of $25,182 early in their careers.

9

Linn Benton Community College
Albany, OR

Linn Benton Community College placed #9 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Albany, Linn Benton Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,317, compared with $16,736 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $11,636 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Linn Benton Community College earn a median of $24,383 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University came in at #10 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $30,250. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $23,253. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

11

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University came in at #11 for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $22,881. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $40,061. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

12

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #12 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $35,056. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

13

Merritt College
Oakland, CA

Merritt College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Merritt College is a large public school located in the city of Oakland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,258, with out-of-state students paying around $9,898. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Median earnings reach $44,392 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University landed the #14 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,439. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $38,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.

15

Azusa Pacific University College
San Dimas, CA

Azusa Pacific University College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the suburb of San Dimas, Azusa Pacific University College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,360. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $33,893 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Azusa Pacific University College earn a median of $37,985 early in their careers.

16

Saint Marys College Of California
Moraga, CA

Saint Marys College Of California landed the #16 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Saint Marys College Of California generally make around $56,094. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.