2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Far Western Region
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-science/general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 26 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Far Western Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Value Schools
University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Far Western Region. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $17,101. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $60,797. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #2 place for value. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Santa Barbara one of the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,501. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. Set against $15,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Portland State University earned it the #4 place for value. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $47,717. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
Western Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,361. Value graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $41,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Oregon came in at #6 for value in value this year. University Of Oregon is a very large public school located in the city of Eugene. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $44,628. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Willamette University came in at #7 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Salem, Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,156 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,537 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Willamette University earn a median of $41,892 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Willamette University admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of The Pacific came in at #8 for value in value this year. University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Stockton. In-state tuition and fees average $57,080. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,514. Early-career value graduates make about $77,022. Set against $23,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
University Of San Diego placed #9 among the best values for value. Located in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $68,281 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,795 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 26 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
