2026 Best Value Other Social Sciences Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego tops our 2026 list of the best value other social sciences schools in California. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other social sciences graduates is $17,101. Early-career other social sciences graduates make about $60,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

2

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Riverside one of the best values for other social sciences. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Typical student debt for other social sciences graduates is $17,833. Early-career other social sciences graduates make about $39,934. Set against $17,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

3

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other social sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the other social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, other social sciences degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $61,109. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

4

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other social sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Other Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other social sciences degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $28,931. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%.

5

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete the other social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, other social sciences degree recipients from Azusa Pacific University generally make around $46,937. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.