2027 Best Value Marine Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

For return on investment in marine science, no school beat San Francisco State University this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $17,020 in student loans. Marine Science graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $49,716 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

2

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

3

California State University Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA

California State University Monterey Bay came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value marine science schools. Located in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $17,800 in student loans. Soon after graduation, marine science degree recipients from California State University Monterey Bay generally make around $27,268. Set against $17,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants.

4

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

Students looking for strong value in marine science will find it at University Of California Davis, which ranked #4. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the marine science program here. Early-career marine science graduates make about $53,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #5 place for marine science. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Marine Science graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Early-career marine science graduates make about $27,337. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

6

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University landed the #6 spot for marine science value this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Students borrow a median of $24,041 to complete the marine science program here. Marine Science graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $51,326 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,041 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

7

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value marine science schools. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the marine science program here. Marine Science graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $41,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

8

Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Pacific University came in at #8 for value in marine science this year. Hawaii Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Honolulu. Students from in state pay about $34,392 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,385 to complete the marine science program here. Soon after graduation, marine science degree recipients from Hawaii Pacific University generally make around $49,182. That is a strong return on a $25,385 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.