2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in California
[Mathematics & Computer Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/math-computer-science/mathematics-and-computer-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mathematics & computer science education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value mathematics & computer science schools.
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Featured Mathematics & Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AS in Computer Science
Learn the applied programming skills needed to fill in-demand tech roles when you earn your online AS in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in Mathematics
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
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BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mathematics & computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools
For return on investment in mathematics & computer science, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $18,887 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $89,651. That is a strong return on a $18,887 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes San Jose State University one of the best values for mathematics & computer science. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in mathematics & computer science will find it at University Of California Irvine, which ranked #3. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Harvey Mudd College one of the best values for mathematics & computer science. Harvey Mudd College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,613. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $23,000. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates of Harvey Mudd College earn a median of $166,573 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.
Pepperdine University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mathematics & computer science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,918. Students borrow a median of $23,645 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $57,582. That is a strong return on a $23,645 median debt. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants.
Santa Clara University earned the #6 position for value in mathematics & computer science this year. Set in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the mathematics & computer science program here. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $91,851. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
More Mathematics & Computer Science Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 13 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.
