2026 Best Value General Materials Science Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Leading the list is University Of California Santa Barbara, our #1 best value for general materials science in the Far Western Region. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical student debt for general materials science graduates is $15,501. General Materials Science graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $45,488 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

2

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Riverside earned it the #2 place for general materials science. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Typical student debt for general materials science graduates is $19,187. General Materials Science graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $40,040 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for general materials science. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. General Materials Science graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. General Materials Science graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.