2026 Best Value Chinese Language & Literature Schools in California

1

San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA

San Diego Mesa College tops our 2026 list of the best value chinese language & literature schools in California. San Diego Mesa College is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Typical student debt for chinese language & literature graduates is $6,999. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from San Diego Mesa College generally make around $29,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA

Irvine Valley College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value chinese language & literature schools. Set in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,860. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $6,672 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $6,672 median debt.

3

Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA

A rank of #3 makes Pasadena City College one of the best values for chinese language & literature. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the chinese language & literature program here. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $38,841. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA

A rank of #4 makes Diablo Valley College one of the best values for chinese language & literature. Located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,312 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,320. Students borrow a median of $9,205 to complete the chinese language & literature program here. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from Diablo Valley College generally make around $27,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

City College Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

Students looking for strong value in chinese language & literature will find it at City College Of San Francisco, which ranked #5. City College Of San Francisco is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. Students from in state pay about $1,696 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,656 for out-of-state students. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $10,332 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from City College Of San Francisco generally make around $100,031. That is a strong return on a $10,332 median debt.

6

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine landed the #6 spot for chinese language & literature value this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chinese language & literature graduates is $16,539. Early-career chinese language & literature graduates make about $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.

7

Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles City College earned the #7 position for value in chinese language & literature this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $10,763 to complete the chinese language & literature program here. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from Los Angeles City College generally make around $83,699. Set against $10,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University earned the #8 position for value in chinese language & literature this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $14,108 in student loans. Chinese Language & Literature graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $19,861 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,108 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.

9

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #9 for value in chinese language & literature this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.

10

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value chinese language & literature schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $13,900 in student loans. Chinese Language & Literature graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $23,980 early in their careers. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

11

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #11 for value in chinese language & literature this year. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chinese language & literature degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $70,847. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #12 spot for chinese language & literature value this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Chinese Language & Literature graduates carry a median of $15,375 in student loans. Early-career chinese language & literature graduates make about $28,997. Set against $15,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.