2026 Best Value Food Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno earned the #1 spot for value among food science schools in the Far Western Region. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $45,796 early in their careers. 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

A rank of #2 makes California State Polytechnic University Pomona one of the best values for food science. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $17,498. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $51,883. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

3

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #3 place for food science. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete the food science program here. Early-career food science graduates make about $52,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

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

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #4 place for food science. 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 $20,654 to complete the food science program here. Food Science graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $52,240 early in their careers. Set against $20,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

5

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value food science schools. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $20,945 to complete the food science program here. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $43,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.

6

Chapman University
Orange, CA

Chapman University earned the #6 position for value in food science this year. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $64,984. Food Science graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Food Science graduates of Chapman University earn a median of $50,947 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,657 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.