2026 Best Value Area Studies Schools in California

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

For return on investment in area studies, no school beat California State University Los Angeles this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Area Studies graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $48,403 early in their careers. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fullerton earned it the #2 place for area studies. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the area studies program here. Early-career area studies graduates make about $29,316. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Students looking for strong value in area studies will find it at California State University Long Beach, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $15,697. Area Studies graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $28,591 early in their careers. Set against $15,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.

4

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

A rank of #4 makes California State University Sacramento one of the best values for area studies. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $17,492. Early-career area studies graduates make about $49,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for area studies. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $11,300 to complete the area studies program here. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $60,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

6

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University placed #6 among the best values for area studies. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $10,492. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

7

Coastline Community College
Fountain Valley, CA

Coastline Community College landed the #7 spot for area studies value this year. Set in the city of Fountain Valley, Coastline Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $11,612. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,483 ten years after entry.

8

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #8 among the best values for area studies. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $17,746. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $23,819. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

9

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #9 among the best values for area 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, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $14,972. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $50,728. Set against $14,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

10

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #10 for value in area studies this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $22,697. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 33%.

11

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis earned the #11 position for value in area studies this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,167 to complete the area studies program here. Early-career area studies graduates make about $21,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

12

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #12 for value in area studies this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

13

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco placed #13 among the best values for area studies. 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. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $23,935. Area Studies graduates of University Of San Francisco earn a median of $65,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants.