2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

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.

2

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

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.

3

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

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.

4

Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA

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.

5

Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA

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.

6

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

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%.