2026 Best Value Biophysics Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Leading the list is University Of California San Diego, our #1 best value for biophysics in California. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for biophysics graduates is $17,500. Early-career biophysics graduates make about $45,066. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biophysics schools. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Biophysics graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biophysics degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

3

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value biophysics schools. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Biophysics graduates carry a median of $17,250 in student loans. Biophysics graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $30,077 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value biophysics schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for biophysics graduates is $14,920. Early-career biophysics graduates make about $59,523. That is a strong return on a $14,920 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

Students looking for strong value in biophysics will find it at University Of California Davis, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Biophysics graduates carry a median of $11,208 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biophysics degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $42,266. That is a strong return on a $11,208 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

6

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego came in at #6 for value in biophysics this year. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete the biophysics program here. Biophysics graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $68,281 early in their careers. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #7 position for value in biophysics this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Biophysics graduates carry a median of $3,750 in student loans. Early-career biophysics graduates make about $34,468. That is a strong return on a $3,750 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.