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2026 Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mathematics & computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Mathematics & Computer Science Schools
For return on investment in mathematics & computer science, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $18,887. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $89,651. Set against $18,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
A rank of #2 makes San Jose State University one of the best values for mathematics & computer science. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mathematics & computer science, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Early-career mathematics & computer science graduates make about $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.
Harvey Mudd College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mathematics & computer science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Claremont, Harvey Mudd College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,613 in tuition and fees. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mathematics & computer science degree recipients from Harvey Mudd College generally make around $166,573. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 13%.
Pepperdine University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics & computer science schools. Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Malibu. In-state tuition and fees average $69,918. Typical student debt for mathematics & computer science graduates is $23,645. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates of Pepperdine University earn a median of $57,582 early in their careers. Set against $23,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.
ADBLOCK #101
Santa Clara University placed #6 among the best values for mathematics & computer science. Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Santa Clara. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Mathematics & Computer Science graduates of Santa Clara University earn a median of $91,851 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%.
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
ADBLOCK #116
[Mathematics & Computer Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/math-computer-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mathematics & computer science education at a price that pays off.
