2026 Best Value Education Schools in California

1

Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA

Our analysis ranked Moorpark College the best value for a degree in education in California. Moorpark College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Moorpark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Typical student debt for education graduates is $17,075. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA

A rank of #2 makes Oxnard College one of the best values for education. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Median earnings reach $41,393 ten years out.

3

College Of The Sequoias
Visalia, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of The Sequoias earned it the #3 place for education. Set in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. Typical student debt for education graduates is $10,288. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from College Of The Sequoias generally make around $37,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Fresno City College
Fresno, CA

Fresno City College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,378 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Fresno City College generally make around $37,470. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt.

5

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Dominguez Hills earned it the #5 place for education. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Education graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $48,657. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

6

Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA

Saddleback College placed #6 among the best values for education. Set in the suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,432, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. Education graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Saddleback College generally make around $15,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

West Valley College
Saratoga, CA

West Valley College came in at #7 for value in education this year. West Valley College is a large public school located in the suburb of Saratoga. Students from in state pay about $0 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,308 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of West Valley College earn a median of $25,378 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA

Mt San Antonio College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Mt San Antonio College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Walnut. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Education graduates of Mt San Antonio College earn a median of $44,391 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

Golden West College landed the #9 spot for education value this year. Located in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,380, compared with $11,628 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA

Pasadena City College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Pasadena City College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $9,191. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $38,841. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles came in at #11 for value in education this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Education graduates carry a median of $12,331 in student loans. Education graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $47,528 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,331 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

12

Ventura College
Ventura, CA

Ventura College earned the #12 position for value in education this year. Located in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Education graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Ventura College generally make around $99,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Norco College
Norco, CA

Norco College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Norco College is a large public school located in the suburb of Norco. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $8,203 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,206 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Santiago Canyon College
Orange, CA

Santiago Canyon College placed #14 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,164, with out-of-state students paying around $9,612. Education graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $34,100. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

15

Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $10,708. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193.

16

Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana College landed the #16 spot for education value this year. Santa Ana College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Ana. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $39,633. Set against $11,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA

California State University Bakersfield ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,087, compared with $20,687 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. The acceptance rate is 94%.

18

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $14,945 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $57,099. That is a strong return on a $14,945 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

19

Citrus College
Glendora, CA

Citrus College placed #19 among the best values for education. Located in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,204 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,636. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,065.

20

Riverside City College
Riverside, CA

Riverside City College came in at #20 for value in education this year. Set in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Typical student debt for education graduates is $8,767. Education graduates of Riverside City College earn a median of $37,102 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

21

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino earned the #21 position for value in education this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Students borrow a median of $12,566 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $71,044. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

22

California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CA

California State University Stanislaus earned the #22 position for value in education this year. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. Students borrow a median of $13,805 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $30,264. That is a strong return on a $13,805 median debt. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.

23

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno earned the #23 position for value in education this year. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $38,318 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

24

Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College placed #24 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Education graduates carry a median of $13,180 in student loans. Education graduates of Sacramento City College earn a median of $46,522 early in their careers. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #25 for value in education this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $74,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.