2026 Best Value Other Political Science & Government Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Our analysis ranked University Of California San Diego the best value for a degree in other political science & government in California. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Other Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $16,030 in student loans. Other Political Science & Government graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $33,345 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,030 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #2 place for other political science & government. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Other Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. Early-career other political science & government graduates make about $31,976. That is a strong return on a $16,293 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other political science & government, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Other Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $18,300 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other political science & government degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $30,060. Set against $18,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other political science & government, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the other political science & government program here. Other Political Science & Government graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $36,208 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

Pitzer College
Claremont, CA

Students looking for strong value in other political science & government will find it at Pitzer College, which ranked #5. Pitzer College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,192. Typical student debt for other political science & government graduates is $18,125. Other Political Science & Government graduates of Pitzer College earn a median of $40,668 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 25%.

6

Scripps College
Claremont, CA

Scripps College landed the #6 spot for other political science & government value this year. Scripps College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Students from in state pay about $65,950 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,539. The acceptance rate is 38%.