2026 Best Value Marine Sciences Schools in the Far Western Region

1

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University tops our 2026 list of the best value marine sciences schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Marine Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. Marine Sciences graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $50,955 early in their careers. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.

2

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #2 place for marine sciences. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the marine sciences program here. Soon after graduation, marine sciences degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $53,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

3

California State University Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA

Students looking for strong value in marine sciences will find it at California State University Monterey Bay, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete the marine sciences program here. Marine Sciences graduates of California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of $27,268 early in their careers. Set against $17,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

4

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #4 place for marine sciences. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for marine sciences graduates is $19,273. Early-career marine sciences graduates make about $27,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

5

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Students looking for strong value in marine sciences will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #5. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical student debt for marine sciences graduates is $20,361. Soon after graduation, marine sciences degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $41,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

6

Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Pacific University placed #6 among the best values for marine sciences. Set in the city of Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,392. Marine Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,385 in student loans. Early-career marine sciences graduates make about $49,182. Set against $25,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hawaii Pacific University admits about 86% of applicants.