by our College Data Analytics Team
[Behavioral Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/behavioral-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong behavioral science education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for behavioral science students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in behavioral science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Imperial Valley College earned the #1 spot for value among behavioral science schools in the Far Western Region. Located in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,126, while out-of-state students pay about $8,830. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $6,176 in student loans. Early-career behavioral science graduates make about $42,617. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Dominguez Hills earned it the #2 place for behavioral science. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $15,886. Behavioral Science graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $52,683 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes American River College one of the best values for behavioral science. Located in the suburb of Sacramento, American River College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $14,105. Soon after graduation, behavioral science degree recipients from American River College generally make around $76,077. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for behavioral science. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Behavioral Science graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.
San Jose State University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value behavioral science schools. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Washington University placed #6 among the best values for behavioral science. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Early-career behavioral science graduates make about $47,144. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #7 position for value in behavioral science this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $16,481. Behavioral Science graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $68,047 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #8 for value in behavioral science this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $17,500. Behavioral Science graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $28,709 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Life Pacific College landed the #9 spot for behavioral science value this year. Set in the suburb of San Dimas, Life Pacific College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,118. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, behavioral science degree recipients from Life Pacific College generally make around $29,830. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Concordia University Irvine placed #10 among the best values for behavioral science. Located in the city of Irvine, Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $24,583 in student loans. Soon after graduation, behavioral science degree recipients from Concordia University Irvine generally make around $31,899. That is a strong return on a $24,583 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
George Fox University earned the #11 position for value in behavioral science this year. Set in the town of Newberg, George Fox University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,320 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $30,813. Behavioral Science graduates of George Fox University earn a median of $34,613 early in their careers. Set against $30,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.