2026 Best Value Other Chemistry Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Leading the list is University Of California San Diego, our #1 best value for other chemistry in California. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,100 to complete the other chemistry program here. Early-career other chemistry graduates make about $69,229. That is a strong return on a $16,100 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Merced
Merced, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Merced earned it the #2 place for other chemistry. University Of California Merced is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Merced. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,653, compared with $46,541 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the other chemistry program here. Other Chemistry graduates of University Of California Merced earn a median of $50,944 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #3 place for other chemistry. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Other Chemistry graduates carry a median of $13,276 in student loans. Early-career other chemistry graduates make about $63,601. That is a strong return on a $13,276 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value other chemistry schools. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,805 to complete the other chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, other chemistry degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $47,197. Set against $15,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

5

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other chemistry schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Other Chemistry graduates carry a median of $14,137 in student loans. Early-career other chemistry graduates make about $64,111. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #6 spot for other chemistry value this year. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete the other chemistry program here. Early-career other chemistry graduates make about $56,763. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.