2026 Best Value Computational Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

For return on investment in computational science, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Computational Science graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computational science 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. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

2

Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA

Students looking for strong value in computational science will find it at Modesto Junior College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Modesto, Modesto Junior College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. Typical student debt for computational science graduates is $8,575. Computational Science graduates of Modesto Junior College earn a median of $36,525 early in their careers. Set against $8,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #3 place for computational science. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete the computational science program here. Soon after graduation, computational science degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

4

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computational science schools. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for computational science graduates is $21,903. Soon after graduation, computational science degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $54,697. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

5

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

Students looking for strong value in computational science will find it at San Diego State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Computational Science graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computational science degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.

6

Chapman University
Orange, CA

Chapman University earned the #6 position for value in computational science this year. Set in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,984. Students borrow a median of $21,657 to complete the computational science program here. Early-career computational science graduates make about $50,947. Set against $21,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.