2026 Best Value General Applied Mathematics Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Our analysis ranked University Of California San Diego the best value for a degree in general applied mathematics 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. General Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $15,516 in student loans. Early-career general applied mathematics graduates make about $42,859. That is a strong return on a $15,516 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

2

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Students looking for strong value in general applied mathematics will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. The acceptance rate is 85%.

3

University Of California Merced
Merced, CA

University Of California Merced is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general applied mathematics, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Merced, University Of California Merced is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,653, compared with $46,541 for out-of-state students. General Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $16,497 in student loans. General Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of California Merced earn a median of $39,138 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,497 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

A rank of #4 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values for general applied mathematics. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. General Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general applied mathematics degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $50,955. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.

5

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general applied mathematics schools. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete the general applied mathematics program here. General Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $59,638 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #6 for value in general applied mathematics this year. 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, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,400 to complete the general applied mathematics program here. General Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $61,188 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,400 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley earned the #7 position for value in general applied mathematics this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general applied mathematics graduates is $14,598. General Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $71,814 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,598 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general applied mathematics schools. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete the general applied mathematics program here. General Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $53,940 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

9

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #9 for value in general applied mathematics this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. General Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $24,563 in student loans. Early-career general applied mathematics graduates make about $42,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%.

10

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz earned the #10 position for value in general applied mathematics this year. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. General Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Early-career general applied mathematics graduates make about $40,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.

11

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #11 position for value in general applied mathematics this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical student debt for general applied mathematics graduates is $12,251. Soon after graduation, general applied mathematics degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $78,154. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.