2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in California? We have ranked 668 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 72 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in California
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Concordia University Irvine to be the best-value Graduate Degrees school in California. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #2 place in California. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University
Out of the 72 schools in California in this year's value ranking, California State University Long Beach landed the #3 spot. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $15,671. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
You'll get strong value at California State University Fresno, which ranked #4 this year. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $15,598. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Northridge earned it the #5 place in California. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State University Monterey Bay ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $14,622. California State University Monterey Bay alumni report median earnings of $59,247 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,622 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Monterey Bay report
California State University Sacramento came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
California State University Dominguez Hills ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. California State University Dominguez Hills is a public school based in Carson, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Graduates carry a median of $15,886 in student loans. California State University Dominguez Hills alumni report median earnings of $57,162 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Dominguez Hills has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full California State University Dominguez Hills profile
California State University Stanislaus offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Students borrow a median of $14,813 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,188. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about California State University Stanislaus
California State University Los Angeles ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. California State University Los Angeles Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Los Angeles
California State University Fullerton placed #12 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. California State University Fullerton Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about California State University Fullerton
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $19,273 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #14 spot for value in California this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
California State University East Bay placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
California State University San Marcos landed the #16 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $17,527. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,908 ten years after entry. Set against $17,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about California State University San Marcos
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $17,226 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $17,226 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University San Bernardino ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. California State University San Bernardino is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. California State University San Bernardino Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $15,149 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,977 ten years out. Set against $15,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full California State University San Bernardino report
California State University Bakersfield came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bakersfield, CA, California State University Bakersfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, compared with $20,687 for out-of-state students. California State University Bakersfield alumni report median earnings of $59,009 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University Bakersfield
San Francisco State University landed the #20 spot for value in California this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $17,024. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on San Francisco State University
California State University Chico came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $18,591. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Chico report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. San Diego State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
Sonoma State University landed the #23 spot for value in California this year. Located in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,624, with out-of-state students paying around $21,224. Students borrow a median of $18,031 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,986. Set against $18,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sonoma State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Sonoma State University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #24 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Point Loma Nazarene University placed #25 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,542. Median earnings reach $63,998 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in California
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Fielding Graduate University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. More on Fielding Graduate University
University Of California Davis ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Mount St Marys College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,555 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,379 ten years after entry. Set against $27,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Mount St Marys College
University Of California Irvine came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Biola University placed #32 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Biola University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,308 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Set against $25,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Biola University
Fresno Pacific University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,596 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fresno Pacific University
Dominican University Of California ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Rafael, CA. Students from in state pay about $52,161 in tuition and fees. Dominican University Of California Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $84,713 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Dominican University Of California report
Humboldt State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Arcata, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,397 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,997. Humboldt State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $19,129 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Humboldt State University profile
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #36 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $18,559. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Notre Dame De Namur University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Belmont, CA, Notre Dame De Namur University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,792. Notre Dame De Namur University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,524 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,576. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Notre Dame De Namur University
National University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
California Baptist University placed #39 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Students borrow a median of $28,169 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $28,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Baptist University
University Of California Riverside placed #40 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Riverside
Santa Clara University placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. See the full Santa Clara University profile
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,709. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Azusa Pacific University
University Of La Verne ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,470. University Of La Verne Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,314 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,464. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. University Of La Verne admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of La Verne profile
Loyola Marymount University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,248. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Ashford University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Ashford University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $39,515 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,515 median debt. More on Ashford University
University Of Phoenix California came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. University Of Phoenix California Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $37,432 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $37,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Phoenix California
California Lutheran University placed #47 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in California. Set in Thousand Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,560 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,712 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about California Lutheran University
University Of Redlands landed the #48 spot for value in California this year. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,878. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,175. University Of Redlands alumni report median earnings of $72,690 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Redlands
University Of California Merced offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Merced, CA, University Of California Merced is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,653 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,541. University Of California Merced Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $18,318 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,368 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Merced
Golden Gate University San Francisco ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,343 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $33,968. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 72 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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