2026 Best Value Project Management Schools in California

1

United States University
San Diego, CA

For return on investment in project management, no school beat United States University this year. United States University is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $7,108. Students borrow a median of $32,641 to complete the project management program here. Early-career project management graduates make about $120,862. That is a strong return on a $32,641 median debt.

2

University Of Redlands
Redlands, CA

University Of Redlands came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value project management schools. Set in the city of Redlands, University Of Redlands is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,878. Project Management graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, project management degree recipients from University Of Redlands generally make around $74,537. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

3

Mount St Marys College
Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in project management, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Mount St Marys College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,564. Typical student debt for project management graduates is $35,859. Early-career project management graduates make about $69,277. Set against $35,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants.

4

William Jessup University
Rocklin, CA

William Jessup University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value project management schools. William Jessup University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rocklin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,150. Students borrow a median of $23,738 to complete the project management program here. Early-career project management graduates make about $57,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

Ashford University
San Diego, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ashford University earned it the #5 place for project management. Located in the city of San Diego, Ashford University is a very large private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,861 to complete the project management program here. Soon after graduation, project management degree recipients from Ashford University generally make around $67,902. Set against $35,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California landed the #6 spot for project management value this year. 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 $17,375 to complete the project management program here. Early-career project management graduates make about $100,338. That is a strong return on a $17,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.