2026 Best Value Animal Science Schools in California

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

Leading the list is California State University Fresno, our #1 best value for animal science in California. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for animal science graduates is $17,585. Early-career animal science graduates make about $40,311. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value animal science schools. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $15,550 to complete the animal science program here. Early-career animal science graduates make about $37,349. That is a strong return on a $15,550 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

3

California State University Chico
Chico, CA

California State University Chico is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animal science, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Animal Science graduates carry a median of $17,334 in student loans. Early-career animal science graduates make about $33,387. That is a strong return on a $17,334 median debt. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants.

4

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

Students looking for strong value in animal science will find it at University Of California Davis, which ranked #4. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete the animal science program here. Animal Science graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $32,309 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value animal science schools. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the animal science program here. Soon after graduation, animal science degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $33,879. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%.