2026 Best Value Behavioral Science Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in behavioral science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Behavioral Science Schools
California State University Dominguez Hills earned the #1 spot for value among behavioral science schools in California. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. In-state tuition and fees average $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Imperial Valley College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value behavioral science schools. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. Students from in state pay about $1,126 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $6,176. Soon after graduation, behavioral science degree recipients from Imperial Valley College generally make around $42,617. That is a strong return on a $6,176 median debt.
Chabot College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in behavioral science, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, Chabot College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, compared with $8,686 for out-of-state students. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $14,122 in student loans. Early-career behavioral science graduates make about $85,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in behavioral science will find it at American River College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Sacramento, American River College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Typical student debt for behavioral science graduates is $14,105. Behavioral Science graduates of American River College earn a median of $76,077 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,105 median debt.
San Jose State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in behavioral science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
Life Pacific College earned the #6 position for value in behavioral science this year. Located in the suburb of San Dimas, Life Pacific College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Ashford University placed #7 among the best values for behavioral science. Set in the city of San Diego, Ashford University is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $51,388 in student loans. Behavioral Science graduates of Ashford University earn a median of $37,661 early in their careers. Set against $51,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Concordia University Irvine came in at #8 for value in behavioral science this year. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants.
University Of Southern California came in at #9 for value in behavioral science this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Behavioral Science graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Behavioral Science graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
[Behavioral Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/behavioral-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
