2026 Best Value Food Science Schools in California

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno earned the #1 spot for value among food science schools in California. 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. Typical student debt for food science graduates is $16,500. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $45,796. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $17,498 to complete the food science program here. Early-career food science graduates make about $51,883. Set against $17,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

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, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete the food science program here. Soon after graduation, food science degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $52,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

4

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value food science schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Food Science graduates carry a median of $20,654 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $52,240. Set against $20,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

5

Chapman University
Orange, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chapman University earned it the #5 place for food science. Set in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,984 in tuition and fees. Food Science graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Early-career food science graduates make about $50,947. Set against $21,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.