2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Far Western Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools
Leading the list is San Diego Miramar College, our #1 best value for liberal arts / sciences & humanities in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of San Diego Miramar College earn a median of $31,804 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities will find it at Irvine Valley College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,860. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $6,672. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,672 median debt.
Skyline College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Located in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, compared with $9,956 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,702.
Oxnard College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Located in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,393 ten years after entry.
College Of San Mateo came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the city of San Mateo, College Of San Mateo is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, compared with $11,428 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $12,831. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,172 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,831 median debt.
Fresno City College came in at #6 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $37,470 early in their careers. Set against $7,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Canyons landed the #7 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,166, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $7,750. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of College Of The Canyons earn a median of $29,142 early in their careers. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Grossmont College came in at #8 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the suburb of El Cajon, Grossmont College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,332, compared with $10,628 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,309.
Santiago Canyon College placed #9 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,164, compared with $9,612 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $34,100. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
San Diego Mesa College came in at #10 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,146 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of San Diego Mesa College earn a median of $33,015 early in their careers. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Sequoias earned the #11 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. College Of The Sequoias is a large public school located in the city of Visalia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $5,500. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $23,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Canada College came in at #12 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Canada College is a large public school located in the suburb of Redwood City. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Canada College generally make around $106,691. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Golden West College came in at #13 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Golden West College is a large public school located in the suburb of Huntington Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,380, with out-of-state students paying around $11,628. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Golden West College earn a median of $82,984 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ventura College came in at #14 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Ventura College generally make around $99,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Moorpark College earned the #15 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $17,075. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $105,599. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cerritos College came in at #16 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $9,750. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Cerritos College earn a median of $18,208 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pasadena City College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Pasadena City College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $9,191. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.
Folsom Lake College earned the #18 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the city of Folsom, Folsom Lake College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,568 ten years after entry.
Saddleback College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Saddleback College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Mission Viejo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,432, compared with $14,812 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,707 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Saddleback College generally make around $18,207. That is a strong return on a $5,707 median debt.
Norco College earned the #20 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,203 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,206 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
California State University Dominguez Hills earned the #21 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $15,453. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $33,588. Set against $15,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.
West Valley College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $0, while out-of-state students pay about $9,320. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $14,308 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $26,161. That is a strong return on a $14,308 median debt.
Hartnell College placed #23 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the city of Salinas, Hartnell College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,404 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,398. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $6,000. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Hartnell College generally make around $21,176. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California State University Los Angeles placed #24 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $15,171 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $30,824. That is a strong return on a $15,171 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Santa Ana College placed #25 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Students borrow a median of $7,014 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Santa Ana College generally make around $28,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities:
Narrow Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools by State
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 307 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 135 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.
[Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong liberal arts / sciences & humanities education at a price that pays off.
