2026 Best Value Other Engineering Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among other engineering schools in California. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete the other engineering program here. Soon after graduation, other engineering degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $99,374. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the best values for other engineering. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the other engineering program here. Other Engineering graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $49,741 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

3

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the other engineering program here. Soon after graduation, other engineering degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $70,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

4

California State University Chico
Chico, CA

California State University Chico is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Other Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career other engineering graduates make about $74,204. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 93% 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 other engineering. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Other Engineering graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Early-career other engineering graduates make about $101,781. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.