2026 Best Value Computational & Applied Mathematics Schools in California

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University tops our 2026 list of the best value computational & applied mathematics schools in California. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Computational & Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computational & applied mathematics degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Cruz earned it the #2 place for computational & applied mathematics. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical student debt for computational & applied mathematics graduates is $18,559. Early-career computational & applied mathematics graduates make about $40,920. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

3

Saint Marys College Of California
Moraga, CA

Saint Marys College Of California came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computational & applied mathematics schools. Set in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,803. Students borrow a median of $25,041 to complete the computational & applied mathematics program here. Soon after graduation, computational & applied mathematics degree recipients from Saint Marys College Of California generally make around $59,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in computational & applied mathematics will find it at University Of Southern California, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Computational & Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $12,251 in student loans. Early-career computational & applied mathematics graduates make about $78,154. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.