2026 Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Schools in California

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 best value for general public policy analysis in California. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $100,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for general public policy analysis. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $17,101. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $53,035. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values for general public policy analysis. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $66,078 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

A rank of #4 makes University Of California Irvine one of the best values for general public policy analysis. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $38,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%.

5

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general public policy analysis schools. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $88,105. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside earned the #6 position for value in general public policy analysis this year. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $19,161 in student loans. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $40,071 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

7

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general public policy analysis schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $61,010 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.

8

Pomona College
Claremont, CA

Pomona College placed #8 among the best values for general public policy analysis. Located in the suburb of Claremont, Pomona College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,420. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $75,954. Pomona College admits about 7% of applicants.

9

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #9 among the best values for general public policy analysis. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $18,000. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $61,605. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

10

Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University came in at #10 for value in general public policy analysis this year. Located in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $69,918 in tuition and fees. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $23,645 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from Pepperdine University generally make around $63,804. Set against $23,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.