2026 Best Value Molecular Biology Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

For return on investment in molecular biology, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Molecular Biology graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $60,797 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in molecular biology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete the molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values for molecular biology. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for molecular biology graduates is $14,920. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $59,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

4

Pomona College
Claremont, CA

A rank of #4 makes Pomona College one of the best values for molecular biology. Pomona College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,420. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from Pomona College generally make around $75,954. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern California earned it the #5 place for molecular biology. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $3,750 to complete the molecular biology program here. Molecular Biology graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $34,468 early in their careers. Set against $3,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.