2026 Best Value Value Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in California. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $60,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #2. 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, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%.

3

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,501. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 33%.

4

University Of The Pacific
Stockton, CA

A rank of #4 makes University Of The Pacific one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,080 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of The Pacific generally make around $77,022. That is a strong return on a $23,514 median debt. University Of The Pacific admits about 71% of applicants.

5

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $68,281 early in their careers. Set against $23,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%.