2026 Best Value Asian Studies Schools in California

1

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

For return on investment in asian studies, no school beat California State University Long Beach this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Asian Studies graduates carry a median of $15,697 in student loans. Early-career asian studies graduates make about $28,591. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value asian studies schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete the asian studies program here. Soon after graduation, asian studies degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $49,907. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

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 asian studies. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $17,746 to complete the asian studies program here. Asian Studies graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $23,819 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Barbara earned it the #4 place for asian studies. 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, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,697 to complete the asian studies program here. Soon after graduation, asian studies degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. That is a strong return on a $22,697 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

5

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #5 place for asian studies. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Asian Studies graduates carry a median of $14,972 in student loans. Asian Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $50,728 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco landed the #6 spot for asian studies value this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete the asian studies program here. Soon after graduation, asian studies degree recipients from University Of San Francisco generally make around $65,223. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants.