2026 Best Value Marine Biology Schools in California

1

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Leading the list is California State University Long Beach, our #1 best value for marine biology in California. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Marine Biology graduates carry a median of $19,948 in student loans. Soon after graduation, marine biology degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $35,436. Set against $19,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Students looking for strong value in marine biology will find it at University Of California San Diego, which ranked #2. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $18,834. Soon after graduation, marine biology degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $40,677. That is a strong return on a $18,834 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

3

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Santa Barbara one of the best values for marine biology. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $12,500. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $29,258. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine biology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $17,417. Soon after graduation, marine biology degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $18,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

5

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $18,887. Marine Biology graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $25,810 early in their careers. Set against $18,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #6 position for value in marine biology this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Marine Biology graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $75,677. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.