2026 Best Value Nursing Science Schools in California

1

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine tops our 2026 list of the best value nursing science schools in California. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $13,400 in student loans. Nursing Science graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $87,466 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%.

2

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing science schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $20,800 in student loans. Nursing Science graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,800 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

3

Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing science schools. Fresno Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fresno. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete the nursing science program here. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Fresno Pacific University generally make around $132,057. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

4

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of San Diego earned it the #4 place for nursing science. Set in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete the nursing science program here. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $124,795. That is a strong return on a $23,795 median debt. University Of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants.