2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in California

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. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Students borrow a median of $15,453 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $33,588. Set against $15,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

Las Positas College
Livermore, CA

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Las Positas College, which ranked #2. Las Positas College is a large public school located in the city of Livermore. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,168, while out-of-state students pay about $9,808. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,088.

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. Students from in state pay about $1,571 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,596. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $7,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,271 median debt.

4

Sierra College
Rocklin, CA

Sierra College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the suburb of Rocklin, Sierra College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,446. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,733 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $29,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Foothill College earned it the #5 place for individualized studies. 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. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $11,595. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Foothill College generally make around $94,152. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Glendale, CA

Glendale Community College Glendale Ca earned the #6 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,191, with out-of-state students paying around $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.

7

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $17,500. Individualized Studies graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $35,056 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%.

8

Merritt College
Oakland, CA

Merritt College earned the #8 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Oakland, Merritt College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,258, with out-of-state students paying around $9,898. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,392 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.

9

Azusa Pacific University College
San Dimas, CA

Azusa Pacific University College came in at #9 for value in individualized studies this year. Azusa Pacific University College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of San Dimas. Students from in state pay about $12,360 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $33,893. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Azusa Pacific University College generally make around $37,985.

10

Saint Marys College Of California
Moraga, CA

Saint Marys College Of California earned the #10 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $27,000. Individualized Studies graduates of Saint Marys College Of California earn a median of $56,094 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys College Of California admits about 86% of applicants.