2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

For return on investment in value, 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, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $60,797. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.

3

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $47,717. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Barbara earned it the #4 place for value. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.

5

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #5. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,361. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $41,118. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

6

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon came in at #6 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,034. Value graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $44,628 early in their careers. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.

7

Willamette University
Salem, OR

Willamette University placed #7 among the best values for value. Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Salem. Students from in state pay about $51,156 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $22,537 in student loans. 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.

8

University Of The Pacific
Stockton, CA

University Of The Pacific came in at #8 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,080. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $77,022. Set against $23,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

9

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego placed #9 among the best values for value. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.