2026 Best Value Natural Sciences Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Leading the list is California State University Los Angeles, our #1 best value for natural sciences in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Natural Sciences graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $39,870 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI

Students looking for strong value in natural sciences will find it at Kapiolani Community College, which ranked #2. Kapiolani Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Honolulu. In-state tuition and fees average $3,284, compared with $8,420 for out-of-state students. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,738 in student loans. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $48,210. Set against $14,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Kauai Community College
Lihue, HI

Kauai Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value natural sciences schools. Set in the rural area of Lihue, Kauai Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, compared with $8,388 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the natural sciences program here. Soon after graduation, natural sciences degree recipients from Kauai Community College generally make around $23,210. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, HI

Honolulu Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in natural sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Honolulu Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Honolulu. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Students borrow a median of $10,868 to complete the natural sciences program here. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $59,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI

Leeward Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value natural sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Pearl City, Leeward Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,214, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,068 to complete the natural sciences program here. Natural Sciences graduates of Leeward Community College earn a median of $21,784 early in their careers. Set against $11,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Windward Community College
Kaneohe, HI

Windward Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value natural sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Kaneohe, Windward Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,194, compared with $8,330 for out-of-state students. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $10,930 in student loans. Soon after graduation, natural sciences degree recipients from Windward Community College generally make around $32,654. That is a strong return on a $10,930 median debt.

7

University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks earned the #7 position for value in natural sciences this year. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. Students from in state pay about $10,083 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Soon after graduation, natural sciences degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

University Of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, HI

University Of Hawaii Maui College came in at #8 for value in natural sciences this year. University Of Hawaii Maui College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Kahului. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,284, while out-of-state students pay about $8,420. Typical student debt for natural sciences graduates is $11,824. Soon after graduation, natural sciences degree recipients from University Of Hawaii Maui College generally make around $51,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University landed the #9 spot for natural sciences value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for natural sciences graduates is $26,000. Natural Sciences graduates of Loyola Marymount University earn a median of $33,647 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.