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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Behavioral Sciences Schools in California

5 Colleges in the United States
$21,111 Avg Student Debt
$55,025 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Behavioral Sciences Badge [Behavioral Sciences](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/behavioral-science/behavioral-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 20 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for behavioral sciences students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Behavioral Sciences Schools in California

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in behavioral sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Behavioral Sciences Schools

1

Leading the list is California State University Dominguez Hills, our #1 best value for behavioral sciences in California. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical student debt for behavioral sciences graduates is $15,886. Soon after graduation, behavioral sciences degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $52,683. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in behavioral sciences will find it at Imperial Valley College, which ranked #2. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. Students from in state pay about $1,126 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,830. Behavioral Sciences graduates carry a median of $6,176 in student loans. Soon after graduation, behavioral sciences degree recipients from Imperial Valley College generally make around $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chabot College earned it the #3 place for behavioral sciences. Set in the suburb of Hayward, Chabot College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, while out-of-state students pay about $8,686. Typical student debt for behavioral sciences graduates is $14,122. Behavioral Sciences graduates of Chabot College earn a median of $85,175 early in their careers. Set against $14,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4
American River College crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA

American River College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in behavioral sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. American River College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Sacramento. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Students borrow a median of $14,105 to complete the behavioral sciences program here. Behavioral Sciences graduates of American River College earn a median of $76,077 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,105 median debt.

5

Students looking for strong value in behavioral sciences will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #5. 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. The acceptance rate is 85%.

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6
Life Pacific College crest
Life Pacific College
San Dimas, CA

Life Pacific College placed #6 among the best values for behavioral sciences. Life Pacific College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of San Dimas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,118. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the behavioral sciences program here. Behavioral Sciences graduates of Life Pacific College earn a median of $29,830 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

7
Ashford University crest
Ashford University
San Diego, CA

Ashford University landed the #7 spot for behavioral sciences value this year. Located in the city of San Diego, Ashford University is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Typical student debt for behavioral sciences graduates is $51,388. Soon after graduation, behavioral sciences degree recipients from Ashford University generally make around $37,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Concordia University Irvine earned the #8 position for value in behavioral sciences this year. Located in the city of Irvine, Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Behavioral Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,583 in student loans. Behavioral Sciences graduates of Concordia University Irvine earn a median of $31,899 early in their careers. Set against $24,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants.

9

University Of Southern California placed #9 among the best values for behavioral sciences. 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. Typical student debt for behavioral sciences graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, behavioral sciences degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 20 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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